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.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

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

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

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.

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'82 300TD
'77 6.9
'75 280S
'74 280
'87 Porsche 944 turbo

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