1981 230ce slicktop

[bsrjironman]

I recently bought and revived a 1980 300cd. In searching online ads for parts/parts cars, I came across an '81 230ce (pictures attached). Owner knew very little about it other than it was bought from a storage container some years ago. He also said the engine was "stuck" so he parked it, and left it. As it is a similar color to my coupe, and he was negotiable with price, I couldn't pass it up. The intent was either to cannibalize the car for parts, or if it was in really good shape, swap drive-trains.

After getting it home tonight, and tinkering, the engine is NOT stuck. In fact it runs [seemingly] fine after some TLC to the plugs, and some starter fluid. I didn't drive it or even run it for more than 5 minutes, because I need to fix a leaky fuel hose, and verify fluids, etc.

Anyway, this car has manual windows, cloth interior (not very good shape), pile carpet (great shape), and no sunroof. All of which I LIKE.

Anyone have any experience swapping drive-trains from the ce to the cd? I'll need to examine the mounts to see how different they are, but thought I would check in with the experts!

Thanks!

[sixto]

You might have to swap more than engine and transmission. IIRC the 230CE has a 722.4 transmission and smaller flex disc flange at the diff. The diff ratio might not be suited to the Diesel anyway.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

[ROLLGUY]

The wire harness and fuel system plumbing are different. You will need at least the fuel strainer from the Diesel tank. The complete engine wire harness is different from gas to Diesel, as well as the instrument cluster. The entire job is doable, but it may require the removal of the dash to access the complete harness to weed out the gas portion, and work in the Diesel. If both transmissions are automatic, and both have the same climate control (the '80 should have the "evil servo"), then the job is easier. If your other coupe is '81 or newer, it will have the better climate control, but moving over the wiring will add to the challenge. If the '80 has manual climate control, by all means keep that! It will make the wiring job be the easiest of the three options........Rich

[bsrjironman]

Thanks for the tips.

So far in my research, it's starting to look like this is a "EURO" car? I cannot find any information on a 230ce. The model doesn't exist in every us parts suppliers catalog's (thus far).

I like a lot of the interior features of the 230 (manual windows, HVAC, etc.) over the 300. My '80 does not have the manual air control But if it's going to be bear, I might just take some parts from it and part out the rest!

[t walgamuth]

Yeah, that's a euro car. If your car has a turbo motor you'll need a taller rear end gear ratio. The gasser automatic tranny and diesel are different but interchangible in some cases without much work.

[bsrjironman]

Interesting.

My 300 is non-turbo. Wiki says these little 2.3 motors have 134hp? That's a big jump from the 79hp my 300 n/a has.

[Chest Rockwell]

Congrats on the purchase, is that the car from Whidbey Island/Clinton area?

[bsrjironman]

Congrats on the purchase, is that the car from Whidbey Island/Clinton area?

Thanks. It is indeed.

[Chest Rockwell]

Terrific! A co-worker had his eye on it, but has been swamped at work and couldn't meet with the seller. If you'd consider selling it complete, please let me know. Grey-market cars, and their quirky options, are fun. I was able to pull manual cloth front seats and manual rear windows/door panels from a W124 sedan earlier this year for my grey-market 300TE.

[vonsmog]

I did just the same thing with a84' 280CE I picked up this past may. It was sitting for 25 years in a warehouse with a seized motor. Euro car with a 5 speed, SLS, roll up windows, cloth interior, no sunroof. I put in a OM617a from a 81' wagon, so the hydro pump for SLS was already on it. Had to get a different flywheel, and clutch for the diesel motor. I left all the wiring for the gas motor in the car, in case someone ever wants to swap it back Just wired in the glowplug wiring, which is very simple. Temp and alternator stayed the same. I did have to put in the key switch from a diesel car so it would shut off with the key, but again very easy to do. Left the rear end the same 3.58 that was in there, and car is real pleasure to drive. plus my MPG is around 30. Only thing that I did miss doing when making the swap, was pass side motor shock mount is different from gas to diesel on my car. So I don't run one on that side. here is my build thread from this past spring. 280CE to 300CD

[CDTurbo001]

Nice looking car. The output numbers on the M115 look like fun!

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by bsrjironman

Interesting.

My 300 is non-turbo. Wiki says these little 2.3 motors have 134hp? That's a big jump from the 79hp my 300 n/a has.

Yes, but look at torque figures. Probably not much difference in performance pedal to the medal but the little gasser will need rpm to perform while the diesel will chug along and respond to inputs without too many rpm.

[bsrjironman]

Originally Posted by CDTurbo001

Nice looking car. The output numbers on the M115 look like fun!

But it’s the M102 in this car right?

I’ll road test it today and evaluate what to do!

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by bsrjironman

Interesting.

My 300 is non-turbo. Wiki says these little 2.3 motors have 134hp? That's a big jump from the 79hp my 300 n/a has.

That 2.3 is the same engine that is in a 190E. Thinking about what vonsmog said, you might want to just add the necessary electrics to make the Diesel work in the Euro car, and leave the rest alone. That would make for a very easy swap. However, repairing and restoring the car would be the best thing, as they are pretty rare here in the 'States.

[bsrjironman]

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

That 2.3 is the same engine that is in a 190E. Thinking about what vonsmog said, you might want to just add the necessary electrics to make the Diesel work in the Euro car, and leave the rest alone. That would make for a very easy swap. However, repairing and restoring the car would be the best thing, as they are pretty rare here in the 'States.

Yes that’s a good option. What I’m trying to determine is just HOW rare they are. If unique enough, I think it would be a shame to do anything to it. I’ll get it driving and either keep/restore it, or pass it along to an enthusiast. Though I’m not keen on a restoration project.