300te 4matic diesel swap? which engine is best/easiest? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Cruciform · #1 11-19-2007, 01:09 PM

I have a nice condition 91 300te wagon with the 4matic that I would like to convert to diesel.. the 4 matic system is not functioning, and I don't really feel like ponying up the 2k plus to fix, so I'm going to ditch the system and go with a 2wd diesel setup.

since there was a diesel version of this car, I'm on the hunt for a wrecked 124 chassis TD to use as a parts vehicle.

I'm also considering another chassis to use, as it seems most of the 124s are still in pretty good cond., and fetching a fair buck.

my questions are
A) which engines are recommended and compatible?
B) has anyone done this?

thanks for any and all info!

pawoSD · #2 11-19-2007, 01:33 PM

It'd probably be much much cheaper and the car's value would be higher to just replace the gasser engine on that car. 300 engines are very easy to find, its one of the most sold models in MB's usa history.

As a diesel that car would have had a 603 diesel, quite hard to find and quite expensive.....it'd not be a small undertaking. And if the car has 4matic, I'd fix it!

Cruciform · #3 11-19-2007, 01:58 PM

nothing really wrong with the engine.. just the 4matic system. and the car is a pig.. like 15mpg in the city, 18 hwy.

I'm brewing WVO for straight use in a diesel, so the fuel savings will pay for the swap in a year. (I drive about 40k a year)
40k/18 mpg = 2222.22 gals fuel
2222 gals fuel x $3.15= $7000
WVO bioprocessed myself
40k/25mpg = 1600 gals
1600 x $1.25 = $2000

that's a pretty substantial yearly savings, and the biofuel doesn't cost nearly as much as I listed.

for some reason the value on these cars isn't all that great- the going rate seems to be about 2500, and with the 4matic not working, even less.

even so, the car is paid for. I really don't care about resale, just mileage, and saving fuel money.

pawoSD · #4 11-19-2007, 02:56 PM

I'd probably leave that car the way it is and just find an already-diesel car. That'd be a looot easier than converting over a W124 gasser wagon thats for sure.

Veg oil can destroy engines, keep that in mind.

Piston ring coking, compression loss. No start....rebuild. Weigh the risks.

I will never use it. Only dino diesel or commercial Biodiesel.

Hatterasguy · #5 11-19-2007, 04:34 PM

Their is a diesel 300TD for parts over in the parts forum that would work. It needs engine work, but it will have all the other parts you need.

Why not just do what everyone else does? Kill the FWD part of the 4matic, buff the car up and sell it on Ebay?

pawoSD · #6 11-19-2007, 05:06 PM

If I was buying a 4Matic (would be helpful around here certain times of the year) I'd surely want it to work.....

michael cole · #7 11-20-2007, 03:18 PM

Whatever you do dont throw the 4 matic xfer case,front diff or rear diff away.others maybe interested

babymog · #8 11-21-2007, 06:39 PM

Holland Michigan. If you head West on I-96, the mile-marker is approx. 5miles higher than the mileage to my house, I used to make that Holland-Detroit run 3x/week.

I'm easy to get to, but a fair drive away. I'm not sure it's worth the fuel to get bits and pieces, but if you head this way let me know.

pawoSD · #9 11-21-2007, 06:55 PM

I didn't realize you were that close, I am only over in Grand Rapids.

Probably about 25 miles away.....

babymog · #10 11-21-2007, 07:41 PM

Grand Rapids, ... I have heard of it ;~)

babymog · #11 11-21-2007, 08:13 PM

Starting to think a little Cruc., if you were to stop over, you would have the benefit of seeing a complete and wired 603 driveline sitting on a cart, an empty ('87 300D) 124 engine bay etc., from which it came, and another '87 300D 124 running. Probably worth the trip with a camera to start planning your project.

I've been careful to not cut any wires unless absolutely necessary, but I did hack the fusebox wiring.

You're invited, I'll be around all weekend.

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