I have a W110 230 that I have been working on. I was wondering about swapping in a diesel engine. What year and model cars would I be looking for to be the best donor? Late '70s 240D and 300D seem to be the easiest to find, but where there too many changes to the engines and mounting points that they wouldn't work?

This is something I've investigated myself. Apparently the oil filter arrangement on newer engines wont fit. Also will need the original engine mount arms. Tranny mounts are probly different too.

A remote mount oil filter might solve the clearance issues. Would the bolt pattern on the bell housing be the same? If so I could use the w110 transmission, although the gear ratios might be a little off for a diesel.

The best bet is a 240D or 300D that is pre 1976 which is a OM616.916 and or a OM617.910 from a W115 chassis. If I can find a flywheel for my engine transplant project I will have a nice running (but a little smoky) OM616.916 engine available for such a project.

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

Guys,

I have in my possession a 1969 220 which originally was a gasser. The P.O. dropped in a 300 turbo diesel, blew up the diesel and abandoned the car. I dropped in a 220 from my wrecked '71 W114.

The owner simply removed the cross bracing to make room for the 300's top oil filter and manufactured a header pipe.

I question the removal of the cross bracing but my '73 280 never had it. I'm guessing it was deemed unneccesary. My '73 220D had them and it is the SAME exact body as the 280.

The front coil springs might be the only difference.

The 110 body might be different in engine compartment configuration but I bet not.