SteveB JimF - 140 Diesel conversion

[sixto]

Hoping to catch the attention of the experts -

I'm contemplating converting a LWB 140 to Diesel. Will the rest of the CAN work without the engine module? I can get a 603 to run with the EDS module out of a 124 or 126. I wonder if that means giving up SRS, ABS, ASR/ASD, convenience module and anything else hooked up to the CAN.

I suppose I can transfer the whole deal from a 140 Diesel. Is that more work that faking a gasser CAN to work with a 603?

Thanks,
Sixto
87 300D

[JimF]

sixto . . .that question is . . way . . above my pay-grade!

Maybe the solution will show itself by looking at relatively late model diesel's electronics to see what's needed.

If you look at the block diagram in Menu#2 in the "Purpose" section, all of the interaction between each module is shown.

As you see, they all interact w/ each other. The "CAN" bus is the straight line on the top and bottom of the sketch.

So, a WAG from me, I don't think it would.

[A. Rosich]

Every time fuel prices have gone crazy, a question like this rises on the floor at the authorized local dealer service dept.

As far as I understand, converting a gasoline W124 into diesel is an expensive and tortuous job, although it can be achieved with patience, lots of money and tons of expert knowledge.

For the W140, as far as I understand, is almost impossible. And I say almost because "nothing is impossible", but if you do want the conversion to work you basically have to be a miracle maker and own a couple of banks at the Bahamas.

A local independent did switch a 3.5L turbodiesel for a newer 3.0L (for obvious reasons -> the rod bender!) on a SWB W140. Although both engines were turbodiesel, the amount of times the car has had to return for adjustments, calibrations, failed electrics, et.al is as pathetic as the number of times a brand new Land Rover Discovery 3 has to visit the service shop.

I guess this would give you a clue.

[sixto]

Originally Posted by A. Rosich

I guess this would give you a clue.

That's a clue I have to take with a grain of salt because I successfully swapped a 603.96 in place of a bent rods 603.97. I'm no Einstein, the long blocks are externally identical! The only part of the swap that wasn't plug-n-play was converting the .97 turbo from vacuum wastegate to pressure wastegate. Doing so reduces the job of EDS to controlling idle speed, and even that is optional since a 603 can sustain idle without electricity. Then I totalled the car

Having owned an S420 prior to the 300SD 3.0, the difference the longer wheelbase provides is worth several weekends to me. Now that I drive an 87 300D, I know I want a bigger car. The bigger the better. And I like MB Diesels. I had an M103 for a few years. I'm happy those years are behind me. I'm not interested in an M104. I like the OM603. I understand what it says to me and it takes my abuse in stride

Another fellow did the more complicated 606 into 140 swap. Keeping the 603.97 IP, which is plug-n-play, keeps the swap sane. There is mechanical work fitting the intercooler but I hear the 140 engine bay is accommodating.

I'm confident I can get the engine installed and running. I'm concerned the car's electronics, particularly ABS and SRS, will reject the transplant. I'm also concerned California won't let me register the Frankenstein.

I appreciate your concern

Sixto
87 300D

[babymog]

I'm curious too now that straight/driveable high-mile S500s are under $2000. I'm thinking that a 603 could be happy in there.