1990-1993 300D W124 - What engine?
 

I have an 87 300TD which has the rare 603 6cyl, iron block, aluminum head engine.

I'm considering another purchase...like the W124 body....so I'm curious which engine do the later model W124 300D's have....??

MB engine code ?
Cyls? (5, I think ?)
Turbo or non-turbo?
Iron Block?
Iron or Aluminum Head?

What kind of reputation does it have?

More or less powerful than the 603?

Warren

Hi

603 changed to 606 in late 93, non turbo 6 cylinder in uk although turbo was available on continent in the 124 series.

230K

602.962

5 cylinder

Iron block

Aluminum head (essentially a 603 with one cylinder lopped off)

It doesn't have too much of a reputation in the US, because there weren't that many cars imported with them. The only two that I know of are the 190D 2.5(T) and the 300D 2.5T. As far as I know the 603 head problems are non existant on the 602, and there aren't any rod bending problems like on the 350SD(L).

It's a bit less powerful than a turbo 603. One less cylinder = less output. The 300D 2.5T is 121HP. I get a 0-60 of about 12. Tweaking the ALDA may get you faster. Better fuel mileage on the 602 however.

It's a great car, I haven't had any problems with the engine at all. Except a clogged ALDA line, but what diesel MB won't have that problem if left unchecked?

Watch out for overheating, since that will ruin the head in the same way as the 603. 1994 was the first model year with the 606; it was put into the E300D without a turbo with I think in the neighborhood of 135HP or something.

Some 602s in 124s had timing chain problems. Unless you have records, it's cheap insurance to roll in a new chain and cam sprocket.

In the US the 124 E300 was only available in 95. No 124 Diesel offered in the US in 94.

IIRC the 190D 2.5 turbo was only available in the US in 87 and only with AT. Other 190Ds were available with MT.

Sixto

It was 95, what was I thinking? :P

I was probably thinking about the 1994 S350.

I sometimes see 90-93 300Ds.....so do they also have the 602...o?

What years was the 603 offered in the W124 and W126 chassis.?

Warren C.

90-93 300Ds are more completely known as 300D 2.5 turbo. All have the same 5cyl 2.5l turbocharged OM602.

The 87 300D and TD have the 6cyl 3.0l turbocharged OM603.960. The 86-87 300SDL has the 6cyl 3.0l turbocharged OM603.961. The difference between .960 and .961 seems to be the cover of the oil filter canister and the throttle linkage. The 90-91 350SDL and 91 350SD have the 6cyl 3.5l turbocharged OM603.970.

Sixto
... stay tuned

Hi

Sorry i thought i was on local forum when replying.

300D's in the 124 were 603 non turbos here in Belfast changing to 606 in the facelifted models.

230K

Anyone know why MB elected to use nonturbo engines so late in the game?

93 300D 2.5L Turbo
 

I have a 1993 300D 2.5l Turbo...great car, great mileage and overall a good car..I keep the banjo fitting clean, change oil regularly and have not had any problems....