Swapping gas to diesel would not be worth it at all, tons of wiring and ECU to worry about, would be easier to just find a gas one. The diesel conversion was no easy task either, specifically finding the correct engine mounting arms to fit a 2.2 in place of a 2.3 gasser.

I'd safely assume anything with the 2.2 will be run off the road in LA....I had to be quite cautious about that, short on-ramps were a danger zone, merging into 75mph traffic at barely 40mph full throttle is a bit terrifying.

The 2.5 turbo will be fast enough to keep up and get out of its own way.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I was originally looking at getting a 190D before I bought my 240D. Had trouble finding a diesel, but gassers were common enough so I went to a used car dealer to take one for a test drive. It felt too cramped to me, including not enough headroom. The 240D feels like a "just right" size. Mileage is worse but I don't put a ton of miles on it so I'm ok with that.

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1982 240D automatic
Odometer quit at 307K...about 325K now

I bought mine new in LA where I lived. Wife drove it to work every day down the freeways and home. Never a problem. You have to own one and drive one before presuming problems on freeways. Top speed can be a problem if you insist on driving in the fast lanes but in the other lanes 65 mph is quite comfortable.



OP has gone to something else. The chassis isn't going to accommodate many power options beyond the small MB diesels. Ill considered plans.

Bob338, I tried sending you an email through this site but can't tell whether it went through?

Buy the best one without regard to the engine size.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.