So, I just won a '98 E300 with a turbo om606 from an impound lot local to me. The yard has the title, but no key. The exterior is in pretty shotty condition with body damage, no rust, just neglected exterior. Broken back corner window. Interior is the beautiful saddle color, but unfortunately some bits are missing in the interior.

I am mainly buying the car for the engine. What's the cheapest way I can get the car running? I know the IP is electronically controlled, etc. I wouldn't mind if I had to hack some components, wiring, etc. Just would like to hear the engine running before I pull it for another car of mine.

Thanks!

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'84 300D Euro 5 spd
'83 240D 4spd
'83 300D/5 spd manual/Lifted+28" AT Tires
'83 300SD
'10 E63

Parting out- '79 Euro 280TE Green/Green & '89 300SEL White/Grey

You will need to get it titled in your name then take the title to your local dealer to get a key. I am not aware of anyway to "hack" anything to start it. Perhaps you could swap the IP for a non electronic controlled one and maybe get it to start. Is the rest of the car wrecked or rusty?

The 1998 has the first gen immobilizer system. The newer keys will physically fit the lock but are not 100% compatible. I found this out the hard way with my 98 E300. Replacement key from the dealer only worked part of the time. And they're like $300.

If you're after it for the engine then grab a pump from a 603 and put it on there to test run it. The computer controls the IP rack and it's not coming out of the fuel cutoff position without the computer telling it to.

If you open up the control box on the passenger side and follow the engine harness into the box, there is a green connector going to the engine harness on the side of the box, plus a single purple wire going to a dedicated connector on the module.

Pin 4 on the connector (yellow black wire) is +12 to the fuel valve and pin 3 (brown wire) is the ground for the valve.

Single purple wire is the signal to the starter solenoid.

If the interior is good you'll make a ton parting it out. These cars are getting 25 years old and people looking for interior bits to keep the nice ones looking fresh.

If you are looking to keep it running then search out a lock smith in a big city near you. Many of them have a way to hack the ECU to get the codes to program an older style key that will work.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech