Can I put a w126 diesel engine, tanny, complete overhaul into my w108 68 280s w/manual trans.? if yes which s class diesel must I used a 300sd or the sdl? 1980, 1981, or 82? I will like to put in the most powerful w126 s class diesel in that old 280s.
thanks
dpl

used on SDL's from 86,87 are the best (my opinion) and by far the most powerfull. the later 350 sld's had rod bending problems. all the ealy sd's used the same OM617 5-cyl. engines's. they are all the same and were also used in 123's. i think trying to get one into a 108 could be a problem, not sure though.

can you please go into detail about what problems I will face. the reason I will like to use a 1980 - 82 s class diesel because from my researching the benz s class, 1980 when they 1st introduced the new flagship s class there main focus was fuel economy in their luxury cars. ( remember the oil enbaco and middle eastern oil crises in the 70's)? and correct me if i am wrong but their bullet proof engine when outof production 1982 also by 1985 computer was added to all cars they had droped mechanicals.
get back at me otherroads68
dpl

The rear diff ratio will be a problem for hiway cruising. Early diesels had a 3.07 chaanged to a 2.88 in '85. Your W108's differential will be a much higher number than any diesel. Very few options available for that chassis.

if you're going for OM617, installation is quite straightforward unless you relocate the oil filter housing b/c it will hit the steering box of your W108,
here the link from youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_CYcIlrXqE

(his car was W111 but the body structure is the same as the W108 the engine was non-turbo OM617)

If You use the older OM617 from W115 240 D 3.0 there will not be any problems with oil filter if I donīt remember wrong. With newer OM617 from W123 or W126 the oil filter placement was changed. I made my own system with heavy-duty oil filter when swapping the /8 200 to newer OM616:

i also have a 68 280s that i had dropped a 617 from an 84 sd in ...you will only have a problem with oil filter housing if you have a column shift..if you have floor shift it will clear fine, passenger side engine carrier from the 108 280 s engine will bolt right up to the passenger side of the engine but will not bolt to driver side mount you will have to customize it there..i had removed the engine and put in a 110.989 because gear ratio was very rough for the diesel but will compliment the 110.989 motor well... EDIT- steering box was no prob for my 617 but i did have a problem with the intake on the 110 engine hitting the gearbox--

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1962 220S
1966 200 Diesel
1981 300TD Wagon
1984 500SL
1989 560SEC Euro

Will the newer 617 fit in a 67 200d?

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1971 Porsche 911 Targa RSR rep.
1968 BMW R60/2
1981 BMW R80GS-PD, dual plugs, 1000cc jugs, 10 gal "Gaston" tank.
1982 BMW R80GS-PD, duplicate of above.
1988 Neoplan/Mercedes 40' Bus
2002 SLK32 AMG
2013 Smart Electric

That chassis was offered with a six cylinder but the radiator was pushed forward into the shell IIRC when that was fitted.

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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.