First let me say I am not all that mechanically minded, but am learning, and I have this penchant for classic cars. My wonderful old Mercedes was given very little care by the last owner. Ordinarily, I am a believer in keeping things original, but as I'm getting older and the world conditions are changing, I'm more interested in keeping the outside original, and altering a few things behind the scenes.

Recently I read about new Mercedes diesel engines that are coming out. The ones that interest me are the E320 CDI, and the E320 Bluetec. These are quiet, give much better mileage, and burn very clean. Is it even feasable to replace my 280SE gas engine (not original to my car) with one of these, and is it possible to buy a new Mercedes engine like this from some source? I realize a number of other things have to change, but if the motor fits, then I would have the rest taken care of.

As it stands, I visit gas stations all too often, and leave occasional clouds of smoke for everyone to enjoy. My work takes me to Asia, and it is evident that the air quality there is going from bad to worse. I'm not interested in a garage queen, but rather
experiencing drives on some back roads with a class act. Any comments would be appreciated, even if you tell me I've lost my mind.

I very much doubt it would fit. It would also be very expensive. Probably over $15,000 for the engine, wiring harness, engine computer, tranny, and tranny computer.

Anything is possible, it all a matter of money.

You would also have to consider emissions requirements where you live. Depending where you are, converting the car from a gas to diesel would mean it could not be registered or driven on public roads.

A project like that would be difficult even for a 30 year master fabricator and mechanic.

put a 07 bluetec engine into an older mercedes?????

do you have the money for one? which is probably going to be at least 15k and upwards for the engine alone if you can get ahold of one. then the fancy tranmission and all the related computers(blech) plus lots and lots of fabricating. all of a sudden buying an E320 Bluetec looks easier man

I'm thinking that getting the engine to fit would be a relatively minor problem compared to getting all the electronics necessary to run the engine wired into your car. I'd be more inclined to buy one of those 616 Turbo's from Force Motors in India if I wanted to put a new diesel in there. Of course it all depends on the emission and registration requirements in your locale.
If you're really intent on getting a CDI in there, buy a wrecked Sprinter van and transplant everything. I've seen a Sprinter engine on Ebay in the past.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

The resale value of a car modded in that fashion would plummet. You have a car that is worth, say $7,500 now. Add the engine you are talking about for another $15,000, and the market value would be $5,000 for this "upgrade". However, if you rebuild your engine (even though it may not be original to the car- or better still, find and rebuild the "correct" engine), you will increase its value to over $10,000. The decrease in market value to the car will more than offset any fuel savings.

Go pose this over in the "vintage" section of this forum and see what the reaction is.

Rick

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

i would tend to think along the lines kerry in post #4 mentioned. the newer engines carry so much stuff that requires a computer to make it work i dont see much compatibility there. an older engine that has no computerized funcitons seems like the way to go. the mb diesels began using some computers in around 1986, i think. the engines built before that time were also known for their bulletproof nature. rugged, high quality and simple to work on.

in a 220 coupe i would think a 617 turbo would fit pretty well. a 617 non turbo would also be an excellent choice. pretty simple installation and lots of folks would be able to service it. the performance would not touch the newer cars but if you want that type of performance realistically you will need to change the entire drive train and brakes to cope with it anyway. and then you may as well start with a newer car. and just keep the 220 for an occasional driver.

you have some good ideas. dont let us discourage you so much that you give up. we just want to help you make good choices and not end up with a half finished project.

good luck

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I've heard that converting vintage gas Benzes to Diesel power is/was common in Europe. I believe they were transplanting the older 5/6 cylinder non-computerized diesels though.

I would check your area's emmissions regulations first, but most places aren't smog-testing mid '60s automobiles.

As for swapping a contemporary Mercedes drivetrain into a classic, see the thread 'Mechatronix 113' posted 10-23-2006, by Chuck Taylor on the Vintage Forum!

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Thanks, I appreciate all of the replies, especially the ones from Tom #5 about the 617 turbo. Sometimes my mind works in mysterious ways, but looks like it brought some positive results. Now does anyone know where you can get good exterior body chrome for this model? Mine looks like they used a hammer to get it back on.

that would be the vintage section people.. plus some here could help.. if i had any id sell you it..