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New Starter Installation - W126 / OM603 300SDL
I recently replaced the starter on my ’86 300SDL. I’m adding this thread because I didn’t find anything that specifically dealt with changing a starter on an OM603 engine in the archives. In a nutshell, this was an extremely easy project; the hardest part was holding the ~15 lb motor whilst on my back. This certainly applies to all OM603.xxx engines in the W126 chassis and I presume this would apply to the ’87 W124s. It also appears to be the same for the M103 motors (at least the W126 300SE/SEL). The bottom line is that I took a job that previously cost me over $500 for my mechanic to do and turned it into a $200 project.
Just for some comparison between what is posted on the site about the older vehicles and the OM603xx. On the OM616 and OM617 motors, the starter is located on the passenger side, underneath the exhaust manifold. On the turbocharged motors, it’s clear that it’s not an easy prospect to get to the starter. From what I read, it seems like at best, there is a need to jack the car up and be able to turn the wheels to get the starter motor away from the car. From there, it seems that one needs to remove portions of the exhaust and other not fun things. My experience was none of this. The starter is on the driver’s side, situated almost directly below the oil filter. I also noted the starter appears significantly smaller than on my 240D – maybe on the order of 10 lbs less and certainly much smaller (I had the “heavy duty” motor on it). The procedure in the factory manual shows four steps – which is about all it takes. Here is what I did:
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Casey Cooper "From a long line of Mercedes ownership" '86 300SDL 250K miles (Gone, but not forgotten); best diesel I have ever driven, too bad about the Achilles heel. '81 240D 370K miles (Sold to my brother after 9 years and 150K miles of reliable driving!) [Five other Mercedes in family clipped for less length.] |
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Good thread! I will print it and save it, thanks.
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1999 SL500 1969 280SE 2023 Ram 1500 2007 Tiara 3200 |
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The W124 is MUCH tighter. Took two of us to do this job on the 300D (stuck in the driveway, alas, with totally locked up starter) because I wasn't strong enough to get the top bolt loose. VERY little space, we ended up with me holding the socket on and my brother using his foot on the breaker bar to get it out. Only enough room for a short extension, as I remember on the top bolt.
Else very easy. You may need to replace the connection on the keyswitch wire as the new starter have a different termnial than the old ones, clip the old one off and crimp the new one on. PITA because the wire is short. Otherwise easier than the 220D. Peter
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1972 220D ?? miles 1988 300E 200,012 1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles 1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000 1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs! |
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