M110 into a R107 Roller? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rs899 · #1 08-06-2008, 09:15 PM

My wife has been whining from time to time about having an R107, but the only one I would put up with would be a 280SL (notice that I love inline engines). Is an M110 engine out of a W116, W123, W126 a fairly straight swap into a R107? Are the (presumably ) 722.1xx transmissions used the same in the roadster?

I didn't see much in the way of swaps in the SL forum..

Rick

Roncallo · #2 08-06-2008, 09:28 PM

As swaps go this would be relatively easy. But absolutely not worth the trouble when you can just buy a 280SL or a 300SL. It would be more cost effective to replace an engine in a 450SL, sell it and get a 280SL than it would be to install an M110 engine into a 450SL even if you already had the M110 lying around.

rs899 · #3 08-06-2008, 09:43 PM

Probably good advice, but 280SLs are pretty thin on the ground, at least relative to 450's and 380's. I was just thinking of the possibilities. I see M110 engines in the boneyards all the time that can be had for peanuts, and I would think the possibility of an R107 with a "blown" engine may present itself eventually.

bwostosh · #4 08-07-2008, 02:07 AM

This is far out, but I have a friend with a turbo diesel R107, always bragging about the speed and mileage. (Unreal yes it's true).
There is a 6.3 M-100 powered R107 also, Haven't had a ride in it yet.
You can do anything which is possible.

t walgamuth · #5 08-07-2008, 06:32 AM

With the 247 rear end in a 450, the 110 engine equipped car would get fairly good mileage too.

The 280 motor has a lot of torque and would not mind the tall gearing....especially if you could find a euro.

Of course the euro requires premium fuel.

Tom W

rs899 · #6 08-07-2008, 07:06 AM

So, help me out here...are the manifolds specific to the R107 application? Does the oil pan in a W series M-110 interfere with the lower crossmember/suspension of a R107? Any other snags in bringing a sedan version of this engine over to the roadster?

I have to believe some folks with marginal/knackered 450SLs are going to think twice about putting boatloads of money into them with premium fuel so expensive. And I also sense that the average 450SL owner is less likely to be DIY-inclined than a scrounger like me.

Rick

nobby · #7 08-08-2008, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Of course the euro requires premium fuel.

Tom W

It does??

That would be news to me. Please elaborate. I have put 20K on my SL using regular. I had no idea.

Strife · #8 08-08-2008, 01:32 AM

A guy I bought some 380SL engine parts from in western KY is doing this exact conversion. He is a knowledgeable professional mechanic. I'll see if I can get in touch with him and ask how it's going. I think he got the car and engine for very little money and his expectations are to come out of it with a "nice driver" SL. Personally, I'd find an SL that could get 23 MPG on the highway very attractive. No performance, but I think I read somewhere that MB's slowest US vehicle nowdays would outperform the 560SL!