Not a diesel question.. but looking for oppinion.

[Snibble]

I know this is a diesel discussion... but my question would have been on the general or off topic section, but we don't have one. I know some of you have gassers... so you guys might be able to help.

I am looking for a candidate to do a m119 engine transplant to. I am wanting a black 560sel to do this. I have 2 possible candidates... so I would like your oppinion:

candidate 1:

1991 black 560sel. black interior. rust free in southern california. bad engine, cracked windshield, pretty ok interrior, bad exterior paint, rear reclining seat doesn't work. price is $1200. clear title. milage is at 195,000.

candidate 2:

1989 black 560sel. gray interior. rust free in arizona. good engine, everything works, paint has been resprayed and looks pretty, interrior is great, sheepskin in front seat, clear title. 16" chrome replica deep-dish lorinser. Price $3000. milage is 202,000.


Although the 1st one is black/black and very cheap.. it will need a lot of work. The other one is in Arizona, where the transplant would take place, is in very nice shape.

I am in a dilema... but the more I think about candidate 2.. the more I like it. Can someone help me make a good pick between the 2? thanks

[tjohn]

Number two sounds like a nobrainer to me if you have the cash on hand. Clearly its been taken care of in the way the first car has not. Interior can be quite pricey to repair as I'm sure you know. The respray is a concern, as obviously, if a cheap one, will show its age very quickly. You can sell the old M117 once you pull it, and 7,000 miles difference is negligible. My two cents.

[Hatterasguy]

Now that is going to be a big project! Where are you getting the M119 from? Good ones tend to be expensive. I would think finding a totaled 400E/E420 or an S420 and having the two cars side by side would be the way to go.

If you get a 420SEL then you won't have to adapt a pump for the rear suspension.

Get the best body and interior you can find that stuff adds up fast. I would say number 2 sounds better.

[Snibble]

I already have a very good M119 engine and transmission... just need them to meet with the car I am having someone check the car out for me to see how it is

[Hatterasguy]

This project has caught my interest. Will an M119 drop right in? You might need custom mounts. What about the weight difference? I wonder if you will need a custom drive shaft? What about all of the elcectronics?

These guys can make you up a nice custom radiator. All aluminum no plastic!
http://www.wizardcooling.com/catalog/customer/home.php

This would be one cool car. It sounds like a fun project!

[DslBnz]

Dropping an M119 into a W126 can be done. But it ain't easy.

Check this for information on hooking up an M119 to a W126.