My 300TD is showing signs of bad blow by and now it's getting harder to start. I think compression is dropping, and the engine might kick the bucket soon. It has 265k miles, and not the best history, but not bad either. I really don't want to rebuild it, so I'm considering an engine swap. Of course I could just dig up another TD engine (to keep the self-leveling suspension which kicks a55), or I can consider other engines. I would love it if a 124 engine would fit, like the 300E engine. Would it fit? I know a 280E (123) engine would fit, but i never see those around. I remember reading that ford engines fit easily, but I will never put anything american or japanese in there - only mercedes. Would a 116 engine fit (like 280se or something)? How about a 126 300SE engine? I want to keep it below 170 hp since I don't want to have to change out my differential, axles, bearings, etc. by having a more powerful engine, but like I said a 300E engine or any 3 liter gasser would rock. Basically I just want to know what of all the mercedes engines out there will fit easily (little or no fabrication or customization work) into a 123?

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'82 300TD
'77 6.9
'75 280S
'74 280
'87 Porsche 944 turbo