for the 722.6 you need the pcm from a w210 since the shift points are computer controlled.

in regards to the guy who put the 602 in the w123 , rack n pinon steering is a down grade....

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

Thanks the w126 with the 603 arms are a good idea if I need to change them. I do not know yet. Also, I understand that the boost control is easier to diagnose. I just have not had that many problems with the stock system other than the vacuum transducers going bad. But I do not work on a lot of them.
I will keep this in mind though. I have not decided which way to go yet. It will mostly depend on how difficult either direction is.

In response to the control unit issue on the last post. I use a programable stand alone transmission control unit to run the 722.6. The tcu simply needs power and ground and a speed sensor and a throttle position sensor to operate. I use map load on my other car for more control but I have not tried this on a diesel yet. I may use an air mass sensor to calculate load on the diesel.
The point of the project is to keep my wagon and make sort of a modern driver out of it. I love the style of the w213 wagon and mine is a european model with the small bumpers and a factory trailer hitch if you can believe that. I just want to get excellent fuel mileage with the more efficient engine and the overdrive. I see no reason that I can not get high 30's in the fuel mileage and maybe a little better.
Again thanks for the positive input.

Except that it may not be physically possible. The W123 is heavy, has poor aerodynamics and an automatic always sucks the efficiency out of an engine, even with OD and lockup clutch. A 190D 2.5 will barely see high 30's with a manual.

Thats the thing. The 190 is no spring chicken either. I have checked the weight of many vehicles and the smaller cars never weight more than 200 lbs less than the midsize ones. A 190 may be in the 3500lb range and the e-class will be in the 3700lb range. Just not enough to make a lot of difference. Especially not on the highway. Which is were the overdrive and torque converter really shine. It is not any different than many of you putting in 2.47 gears to increase the mileage. I just want to be able to accelerate from a stop also. Besides, once the torque converter locks up it is basically the same as a stick shift. The only power loss is from the hydraulic pump.
Also, correct me if I am wrong, but the 190d stick as in most mercedes is not an overdrive unit.
I know I might be shooting high but I still think that it should be possible.

Some 2.2's had a 4-speed but the 2.5 should have a 5-speed with a ~0.86 OD.

Well I purchased a 2.5 turbo from a 93 300d today. I got a tandem pump for the sls that bolts right on. I will be starting in a couple of weeks on the transplant. If everything goes smoothly then I will be selling my 617 turbo motor. It is a euro model with no egr and the adj waste gate. Any idea what it is worth?

Congrats (or condolences?) on Biting the Bullet!
Please document the install and take lots of pics as you go. Things like what electrical plug interface you have to do. This might be something others will want to do someday. I for one am subscribing to this thread now that your going ahead on the transplant. I'd like to stuff one in my W115 chassis
A running 617 turbo engine is worth as much as people are willing to pay. I've seen them offered for $400 and as high as $1200. It all depends on if they are low mileage or not and yes, there are a few low mileage ones still. A couple years back I saw a 1980 300TD (NA engine) with 110K miles on it at a salvage lot. I kinda/shoulda bought the steering box, it was really tight!
DDH

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

According to the data from the identification plate on my 190D, its curb weight is only 2775 lbs.

The '84 sales brochure I have says "Top gear in the five-speed manual gearbox functions as an overdrive for quieter, more economical high-speed cruising". The ratios are: I: 4.23; II. 2.36; III: 1.49; IV: 1.0; V: 0.84; R: 4.63

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1989 250TD Wagon 5-speed, 160,000mi ::: Dark gray metallic / black cloth
1984 190D-2.2 5-speed, 287,000mi ::: Silver-blue metallic / black MB-tex ::: SOLD