Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Hi MJ. I had the pleasure of visiting your country (Morroco) back in 1973.

a 500 SEL would have had a five liter gas v8 from the factory at least in the US. A 300 sel would have a six cylinder three liter gas engine. If equipped with a diesel it would have carried the label on the trunk 300SDL. If it is a swap, the rear differential will be a good deal taller than stock so will offer leisurely acceleration but outstanding economy.....perhaps in the high thirties in mpg which is outstanding for a car of that size and comfort. The 500 would also have come with more luxury options such as leather seats and power windows.

Based on my experience here in the US it would appear you have a car which has had the diesel swapped in. The six most likely is a 617 diesel which might be turbo or not. It should give the car similar performance to a 240d if not turboed, and similar to a 300 turbo diesel station based on estimated weight.

The swap should have been pretty much a bolt in. The 617 turbo motor was offered in the S class from the factory too.

When I was there in 1973 I saw quite a few old American built cars such as Chryslers being worked as taxis running some sort of modest four cylinder diesel. They would run between towns filled up with wiry built Morrocans.