Hey guys...new here, but likely going to be spending a lot of time in this forum

I've got a pair of fintails that are both going to receive the diesel treatment, but I need some information on what the differences in Mercedes' diesel engines are so I can make my choices. I'm familiar inside and out with VW diesels, but these engines are a whole different ball-game. I didn't see anything like an FAQ in the stickies, so I was wondering if there's a comparison of the various engine models and years available here, or elsewhere on the web.

I'd like to find out if Mercedes has ever had a direct-injection diesel engine (aside from the new 320, which is well out of my price range), because from my reading that seems to be one of the keys to tunability (and it's supposed to generally make the engine a bit louder, which is fine with me ), as well as contributing to better mileage in general.

Also, if anybody's got any experience with fintail engine swaps, please get in touch with me here or via IM...I'm excited about getting the research started!

OK, I will bite. Are you talking about getting a mid 60's Merecedes with gas engine and switching it to Diesel? You must really love those fins.

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Doug

1987 300TD x 3
2005 E320CDI

Sure, they've had lots of DI engines....

OM314
OM352
OM355
OM360
...

But, I doubt if any of these are suitable for dropping into a 'flossy.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Yep...they're pretty, they were cheap, they're simple, they're in remarkable condition, and I've already got them

What are the suitability issues with dropping them in? I.e. What's the difference between a swap into my '68 versus a swap into any other merc?

Those particular engines are typically found in trucks...my guess is that they're probably too tall to fit under the hood of a 'flossy. Maybe too heavy and too long as well...

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Oh...gotcha. So for the cars, there wasn't a DI engine? That was the impression I was under originally...

For the car engines, is there going to be a difference in how they mount between any set of model years? I think I remember reading somewhere that pre-'91 engines were much more "direct" to bolt in than post-'91 engines. Is that generally true? Will I have to fuss with some engines more than others?

Ultimately I'd like to get at least 130-160 hp and 30+mpg city out of these cars, and I don't mind changing tunable parts...is there an engine out there which most easily makes this feasible?

I'm not sure about the injection style (DI or IDI) of early MBZ diesels (say, pre-1970) but I cannot imagine them candidates for the HP increases you're wanting. It's possible that some iteration an OM60X (an IDI unit) could be used but there you are getting into the realm of engine control computers etc...

Anyway, whatever you do to a 'floss beyond swapping same-era gas for diesel is going to require some significant reeingineering.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

No, this goal is not realistic.

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Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



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