420SEL w/bad engine 300SEL w/body problems - can I combine?
 

My 1989 300SEL has been my daily driver for a while. It has many issues including (but not limited to) electrical problems, heat problems, and a broken interior door handle on the driver's door. The problems are growing in number. The engine is strong (but does have about 225K on it).

I also have a 1991 420SEL with a bad engine. It only had about 90,000 miles on it when the engine went. The interior and body are perfect.

Is it ridiculous to consider planting the engine from the 300 into the 420's body? I know they both have the W126 chassis.

Brett

It seems pretty feasible to me, and an excellent use of our resources. (Its a green idea).

I agree that it is a good idea, if you can get away with it.

Ensure that you will be able to register the car when you're done. Where I live, the car has to be 25 years old for this to be legal. It would be legal to put an engine out of a '91 into a '89.

It may be easier to put a V8 in it. The wiring harness, exhaust and everything else will bolt right up. I believe a 3.8, 4.2, 5.0 or 5.6 would bolt right in.

Yeah... MIGHT be better to sell the 300SEL and use that for engine repair/replacement for the 420SEL.

I'd thought of the exhaust, but not the wiring harness. Maybe I should just look for a good V8.

Fix the V8, the extra torque is welcome.