87 300d and 85 300d driveline differances?

[Bruce Kennedy]

Spotted a beautiful artic white 87 300d today. Sitting in a back lot of a car dealership. Apparently it has a mechanical problem and they havent decided what to do with it. Shows 157k on the clock. I'm Getting pretty familiar with the 617, does the 87 have basically the same engine. What are the weak points? If it needs an engine will a 85 fit without too many mods?

Thank god my wife does'nt read this forum. If she even thought I was looking at another mb she would.................................... It wouldnt be pretty.

[Brian Carlton]

The '87 has a different engine. It's the six cylinder OM603 engine that I have in the SDL's. A very good engine........when it's running well.......a SOB when it's not. That specific engine has a propensity for cracking it's cylinder head if it's ever been overheated in a previous life.

You can't swap a OM617 into this vehicle unless you're made of money........and time........and stupidity.

[Bruce Kennedy]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

The '87 has a different engine. It's the six cylinder OM603 engine that I have in the SDL's. A very good engine........when it's running well.......a SOB when it's not. That specific engine has a propensity for cracking it's cylinder head if it's ever been overheated in a previous life.

You can't swap a OM617 into this vehicle unless you're made of money........and time........and stupidity.

Thanks Brian
thats enough to scare me away. I've got enough projects. Still if the dealer calls me back and wants to sell it as is I'll post the info here. Maybe someone else will be interested. It is a good looking car.