Hey guys I’m new around this world and I’m want to get into a MB diesel!

From my research I’m pretty sure I want a w124 300D or w210 300D (I like both body styles)

My idea would be to build a fun daily diesel with power somewhere in the 300s
And it would be a euro market LHD as I’m located in Portugal
Here’s a couple of my questions:

Did the w124 ever come with the OM606, if so, was it N/A or Turbo? Or did it only have the OM603?

I know the w210 came with the N/A and the Turbo engines but which is better for what I want to do? Should I go with a Turbo car even if it’s a bit pricier or is start with a N/A engine not a big step back?

Regarding the IP is it worth to swap over to the mechanical one from the OM603 and how hard is it to find the parts?

Transmission wise I’ve seen people swap over to the Gs653dz (from a 330d I believe) and people stay with a 722.6 auto. I don’t mind having an automatic, is the 722.6 strong enough for 300 to 400 hp? What cars did it came on? And would a ofgear controller be needed?

I have no idea what these cars use to control ignition and fuel, I’d guess it’s not a normal modern ecu but can a standalone ecu be used? Something like a mega squirt for example? Or is there a especific way to tune and mess with mapping on these platforms?

Thank you all in advance, I’m excited to get into it!
Save driving's

95, 96 and 97 got the non turbo 606

98 and 99 will suite your needs better. I think there are some folks in Finland that modified these cars for more HP.

The standard automatic transmission that comes with the 98/99 model should be fine with upgraded power.

Not familiar with megasquirt. I think the Fins upgrade the pump to make more power (or swap out for one more mechanical?). The only electric on the stock 98/99 pump is the shut off valve.

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Jim

Just make sure that whatever model you pick that you do a CLOSE inspection of the front spring perches. They came from the factory with a coating that was supposed to help keep corrosion under control. Instead they just kept you from seeing what was really going on under the coating until they failed!!!!!!

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96 E300d