'88 300E engine swap?
 

How hard would it be to install a 5cyl MB diesel engine and transmission from an early 80's 300D into an '88 300E that currently has a (bad) gas engine/trans? I'm pretty mechanical and have done several engine swaps but mostly on GM and Ford. I realize there will be wiring differences that would have to be addressed. Any other major headaches you can think of (like "it just physically wouldn't fit").

It will probably be a heavier engine, meaning need, perhaps, for V8 springs.

It will also be a slower turning engine and I bet the diesel wouldn't take kindly to 3400 rpm at 75mph. Different differential, then.

As always IMHO not feasible.

i think
 

that the 617 would be heavier than a v8. the v8s are all aluminum. i also think you might be in trouble with the governmental types in some states going to an older engine like that. being a diesel might be better though. physically i think it would fit just fine though.

tom w

I'm very interested in this possibility as well, but in reverse. I just learned that my 300TD's engine is on it's way to the engine bay in the sky, and therefore I'm taking this opportunity to consider engine swaps with a donor 300E in a few months. How would a 6-cylinder 300E engine fit into a 123 body?

I know to go from diesel to gas I'd need to rig up a whole array of relays and extra fuses for the fuel delivery and injection systems... for your case you'd have to bypass it and let the MFI do work its magic.

When you can buy a nice 300E for let's say 6K to 8K, why would you want to mess around with swapping engines. You will end up spending more and end up with a more problems than you could ever imagine. Your time is also worth something, isn't it.

Just my opinion,

Steve