I am installing a 3.0L OM603 engine from a 1987 300SDL (W126) into a 1994 S350D (W140). The turbos are externally obviously different.

I haven't been able to find a direct fit replacement turbo unit for the W140 fitment. The W140 turbo is bad, passing oil by. The turbo in the W126 was rebuilt, and is super clean throughout the crossover pipe.

So, I can swap center sections, and reuse the housings, just like buying a complete cartridge to install. But my question is, is the center section or cartridge the same between the 1987 3.0L and the 1994 3.5L? If so, that will be SWEET.

Thanks in advance for all the info guys!

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1987 300SDL #1, 1987 300SDL #2, 1980 240D, 1982 300SD, 1994 S350, 1990 350SDL, 1991 350SD, 1985 300D, 2005 E320CDI

Gone, but not forgotten: 1981 300SD, 1982 300SD, 1987 300SDL, 1983 300TD, 1980 300CD, 1981 300SD #2, 1987 300D, 1987 300TDT, 1980 300D

No, the compressor wheel is different.

Sixto
87 300D

Sixto, to be clear, when you say the wheel is different, I want to swap cartridges complete with compressor wheel and turbine wheel intact. Am I to understand from your statement that the compressor wheel on the 3.5L cartridge is too large to fit in the 3.0L housing?

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1987 300SDL #1, 1987 300SDL #2, 1980 240D, 1982 300SD, 1994 S350, 1990 350SDL, 1991 350SD, 1985 300D, 2005 E320CDI

Gone, but not forgotten: 1981 300SD, 1982 300SD, 1987 300SDL, 1983 300TD, 1980 300CD, 1981 300SD #2, 1987 300D, 1987 300TDT, 1980 300D

Yes, they are set to different trim levels. You should be able to see this by removing the inducer housings on both and measuring the wheels, as well as taking note of the overall shape and configuration of the vanes. If you're using the exhaust manifold from the 603.97, then pretty much any generic Garrett T3 should bolt right up, but if you're using the .96 exhaust, then you're really limited to the turbos MB supplied.