Hi all,

I will be taking delivery of a '72 280SE W108 on Sunday from a friend and was wondering what some engine options were for these cars. I know it has a 2.8 l6 bolted to an automatic now, but I know that there was 3.5, 4.5 and the 6.3 V8's available for them.

While the 6.3 would be awesome to have, looking around a bit on the net, it is a little out of my price range.

I'm thinking that either the 3.5 or 4.5 would be a better (and probably less expensive) options. However, I don't know what the availability is on these engines, what transmission I would need (if it needs a different one to handle the power), or if the engine can be simply bolted to existing mounts.

So basically I'm looking for opinions and options here. I don't want to hack or cut up anything on it since it is still such a nice car, so I'm hoping there is a solution that just uses parts.

Thanks.

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'85 Mercedes 300SD W126
'99.5 Jetta TDI

Another thought is turbocharging the stock M130, any input on this?

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'85 Mercedes 300SD W126
'99.5 Jetta TDI

If you want to put a v8 into a mercedes that came from the factory with that option, you'd really want all the things that made that possible, like the correct springs, brakes, steering linkage (to clear the motor), rear end, etc. In other words, without a parts car parked next to this one, leave it a straight 6 or perhaps a diesel. It's a good car for that (presuming you like diesels).

A 4-speed is a relatively easy thing to swap in too. Most of these swaps have been discussed to death and then some in the vintage forum.

-CTH

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- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/

Thanks for the info. Would this possibly be a better topic to post in the vintage section?

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'85 Mercedes 300SD W126
'99.5 Jetta TDI