OM617 Turbo in a 240D? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JamesDean · #1 08-28-2010, 04:27 PM

Hey everyone,

I was on craigslist this morning and saw a 83 240D for sale locally, apparently repainted, southern car that was in storage up here. Owner says it has some weird engine noise. He's asking $1500

I have a rusting-it-self-to-death 300SD with nice and healthy rebuilt om617..

I was just wondering if it would be feasible to swap the SD's motor into the 123 chassis. I know the 123's had a 3L turbo diesel variant but I was just curious.

Think I'd need any additional parts, other than what the two cars have already? I.e oil cooler? etc?

Just a thought.

t walgamuth · #2 08-29-2010, 06:07 AM

It oughta work! I am not sure the sd rad and oil cooler will interchange, so you might have to find those parts from a 123 body turbodiesel. Also not sure if the speedo is the same in the sd and 123 so you might also need that from the 123 variant.

To do it right you will need to change the diff too, and the speedo. You will also want to go with whichever tranny you are more certain of.

I suspect the driveshaft from the sd will need to be shortened as well.

It is a worthy swap and a fair amount of work but worth it. There is a bracket for the engine shock which needs to be fabricated and don't forget to remove the motor mount tab which extends forward from the subframe on the 240.

Good luck!

Benzcrusher · #3 08-29-2010, 01:58 PM

Not sure about the engine carriers, might need to change them. Shabby was a manual trans 240D, the original dif is in the car, fast off the line engine screams @ 85mph.... I try to keep it under 75...

JamesDean · #4 08-29-2010, 04:10 PM

I havent gone and seen the 240D yet but, this 300SD we have have right now...well my list of things to fix is flowing onto a third post-it note...not to mention the never ending quantity of rust. And the engine is happy to haul the car around getting some 25-26mpg.

diametricalbenz · #5 08-29-2010, 04:23 PM

I think a 3.07 might be better since the car runs out of revs fast with the 3.69.

Either way if it's a decent chassis go for it.

mercmad6.3 · #6 08-29-2010, 06:50 PM

The Engine won't fit because the turbo will hit the chassis rail.

JamesDean · #7 08-29-2010, 07:01 PM

I thought these w123's came in a 300Dt variant? with turbo? Anyone corroborate mermad6.3's comment?

JamesDean · #8 08-29-2010, 07:04 PM

According to Auto Haus, the SD uses OM617.951 and all the 123 diesels uses OM617.952...

JamesDean · #9 08-29-2010, 07:14 PM

Some searching across this site and it would appear the only major differences between the 951 and 952 is the engine mounting arms, the oil pressure sender, and the vaccum connection for the brakes....

Engine 617.951 ?617.952

Now I can't speak on the 240D chassis, so maybe the chassis rails are different...

JamesDean · #10 08-29-2010, 07:22 PM

Ah this has been done before actually,

http://www.kastdiesel.com/240D.html
617 Turbo->240D 4-speed questions

theres more..

Seems like a lot of people went for the manual trans.. I'd be going automatic..and maybe a diff swap from the 82SD as well..not sure what either has stock..

Anyone comment on the auto trans?
A 240D has a 722.117
A 300Dt has 722.315
A 300SD has a 722.303

I'd like to use the trans thats on the SD right now..probably have to have the driveshaft shortened...or maybe get one from a Dt?

diametricalbenz · #11 08-29-2010, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mercmad6.3

The Engine won't fit because the turbo will hit the chassis rail.

Is this in reference to the W115 with a OM617.952x? I can see that problem with that specific configuration and was wondering about it. It was part of the reason for my use of a OM617.910 motor in my W115 conversion. In a W123 it is not a problem at all since it is the exact same engine bay.

JamesDean, in your case I would use the 300SD or the 300D trans not the 240D transmission because it is beefier to handle the extra 70+ lb.ft of torque.

It seems somewhat laborious to convert a 240D to a 300D automatic since one could be found for the same price if you are patient or lucky. If you have the time and the tools to do it all go for it but the ROI would be rather low.

JamesDean · #12 08-29-2010, 08:05 PM

I'm hoping to talk the price down to a lower one. I'm not really sure on what he's means by it makes strange sound..could be minor could be major..not sure.

If minor, maybe I'll just run the 240D with the 616 in it and store the 617 for a rainy day.

mercmad6.3 · #13 08-29-2010, 10:47 PM

Thats right,I mistread his post. A w123 has the same frame as a W116 so the OM 617 turbo engine fits.

t walgamuth · #14 08-30-2010, 06:18 AM

I thought the inner fenders were further apart on the 116.

mercmad6.3 · #15 08-30-2010, 06:36 AM

W123 inner fenders are narrower on the upper part and the fenders thinner,hence the narrower body work but the Floor pan and chassis rails are identical. This is why a 560 Engine is a drop in fit ...or a 6.9.