Thanks for your replies. Had to Google bluetec engine but did not catch the price for that little puppy. This conversion is starting to look grim. I like Tom's suggestion of changing the interior from a dead late model to a mechanically sound SD. I find more dead SEL's with good paint, body and interior and some good running east coast rusters highly depreciated (good for engine donor). One would have to find a SD or SE donor with the correct interior color or deal with the longer rear door panels. I just find the late model SEL's a more attractive vehicle. I would like to get a Mercedes tech or a transmission specialist to comment about the tranny question. I am thinking one could simply change the torque converter and modify the valve body with the latest diesel kit or change the whole valve body with a diesel vb. I have learned here that lots of $$ is spent for trannys and often as not because of wrong diagnosis related to vacuum adjustments. Also learned that these 722's are bullet proof. Have any of you considered using a dead engine gas car tranny with some mods? Thanks to all of you for your replies and especially thanks to the forum for all that I learn here.