I badly need help on this dilemma.

Yesterday, my trusty 240D will not start. I traced the problem to a burnt smell on the glow plug relay beneath the steering wheel underdash with part no. 001 545 3532 with VDO brand. I have done my research and found out that this same relay is also made by stribel. This Relay can be replace with part no. 001545 2232.

The Glow plug on my car is the 18mm thread and 21mm wrench loop style. The loop glow plug is all in working order so my option right now is to find a replacement relay. However, i was shocked that the price for the new relay described above is $170. My next option then is to replaced the plug to the newer quick glow pencil type which cost around $100+ but I still have to purchase a newer style black glow plug relay which is much cheaper and modify the wiring.

Questions:

1. Can I use the newer style relay with the old loop style plug?

note: I have used on my other 1979 240D the old style under dash relay on the newer pencil type glow plugs with no issues. Is this correct? Am I pushing the relay to its limit?

2. Can the old relay be R&R? Do we have any guide or DIY page for this job?

3. How do I modify the old 7 pin plug to fit the newer style relay? any guides on doing this?

Any help from you guys would be greatly appreciated.

__________________
1974 240D Sara
1977 300D Kristina
1979 300CD Claudia
1984 300SD Helga
1985 300D Pepper