115 Engine Transplant Question

[drewleroy]

Hi;

A friend of mine has 75' 240D that is in need of a new motor. He's found an excellent 220D motor. Is this a realistic transplant to attempt, or are there geometry or compatibility issues that will make it impractical?

Also, if anyone knows of or has a really good 616.916 motor in the Pacific Northwest, he'd likely be interested in that as well.

Thanks very much.

Drew

[t walgamuth]

i think it will bolt in with a minimum of problems.

i have never done it though.

tom w

[300SDog]

Here's somebody who chucked a '74 240D engine into '68 220D chassis, so the opposite should be no problem: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1968-EURO-DIESEL-MBZ-220D-FRESH-240D-MOTOR-NO-RSV_W0QQitemZ4642785643QQcategoryZ6329QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I understand that excellent running low mileage diesel engines for 115's are now getting scarce. Your friend is lucky to find one. Tragic dilema that engines from w123's wont bolt into the superior handling 115 chassis.

[diametricalbenz]

If I can come up with all the parts required for my W115 240D with a 300D engine conversion he can have the engine for a 300D manual trans flywheel But realistically it would be a few months at the very least but the motor is a good candidate for a rebuild even though it runs just fine (albeit its propensity to go through crankcase oil) if he's so inclined.

P.S. Dieseldog why do you think the W115 handles better than the other chassis?

[300SDog]

Lighter weight, better ballance and lower center of gravity with trunk floorboard mounted fuel tank over/behind the rear axle, tighter steering radius and a real steering box instead of w123 steerage that uses nylon bushings. I've owned both and the 114/115 is nimbler than the 123. Advantages of the later model include superior body integrity, less road noise and better sheet metal durability but not better handling.

[t walgamuth]

i have owned both too. and it could just come down to different preferences. but i think that the 123 handles and steers better. but the 115 may win on ride. i also think that if you take a euro 123 with crank windows and no power anything and a stick and take a 115 equipped the same way you will find the 123 is 50 to 100# lighter. it is hard to find precise data though.

and if both are in good condition, they both are fine rides.

tom w

[rg2098]

I need shocks on my W123 but I would say that the W114 took corners with slightly more confidence. Honestly I would still take my W123 as a daily driver, it's just so much more comfortable.