LR 200/300TDI into a W123
 

As my 240D project grinds on, I'm wondering about engine options. The OM616 in the car is pretty well "knackered" so it will need to be rebuilt, or possibly replaced.


I'm curious about the possibility of fitting a Land Rover 200 or 300TDI. Everything I've read so far about these engines suggests that they are a pretty decent power plant in terms of power and reliability. Apart from the obvious sacrilege of fitting Land Rover parts to a Mercedes it seems like a decent option.


Wondering if anyone has done this swap before....


Obvious issues I can see already are:
-Fuel/Exhaust are on opposite sides from the MB engines.
-The Defender engines have the turbo way up top (possible interference with the W123 hood).


Otherwise it seems like a nice 4 cylinder engine that would be fairly straight forward to get running in the W123 chassis and yield a great deal more power than the OM616 currently living in there.


Thoughts??

The M102 was installed in the 123, and so becomes a bolt in. The M103 will fit and connects directly to MB transmissions.

The OM602 will fit like an M102, and has turbo versions.

Thank you for the comment.
I would like to keep the engine a diesel, so of the engines you mentioned, the OM602 is the only real option. A brief online search suggests that availability might be an issue. I will certainly be looking deeper, and I appreciate you bringing it to my attention.


I've looked at the OM603/606 and have not really been sold on the idea of using either of those engines.




It's possible that I will just end up rebuilding the OM616 and running it. I've got some time before I'll need to make the decision, so I'm looking at my options. As previously stated the 200TDI seemed like a nice compact package despite being a Land Rover product.

I've swapped in a OM603 to my 123 wagon. It gives you plenty more transmission options.

I just finished an oil pump replacement on a Defender 90. Holy jeezuz.
I can't believe I ever considered voluntarily installing Land Rover anything in this car. I wish I could say I was high, but unfortunately I can't use that as an excuse.
Consider this matter closed. (Although I would still be interested to hear from anyone who has actually done it).
I hope I haven't tarnished my image to badly with other mostly sane forum members....