What if the 603 was a "618"?????
 

I was thinking today, what if MBZ added a cylinder to the 617, then called it a "618" I mean the 616 was just like the 617 only one cylinder missing, why not added a 6th one??? It could be a weight issue, I'm sure the 603 would be lighter than a 6 cylinder version of the 617. Any comments on that?

I still want somebody to develop a cast iron version of the 603 head. :D

The 617 (in original N/A form) was just a 616 with an extra cylinder. The 616 was just a 615 (2.0L & 2.2L) with extra displacement. The 603 was a completely new design, so it got a completely new designation. As to why the 3.5L version wasn't called the 604, well, that's Mercedes for you...

Tom

Well MB wanted to make a better engine so they started with a new design. :D

Duck and run from the flames! :ban:

Along that line of thinking.....was the 603 Turbo with its Aluminum head or even a 603 with aluminum head available in Europe and/or Germany in 1985-1987? Just curious, as I believe the 300SDL was a North American Market vehicle.

618...
 

i too wish there was an iron head for the 603 engine.

i believe that they did make a 618 or something similar, the same but with another cylinder. i believe it was used in trucks/ vans in europe.

they also built a three cylinder version that was used extensively in this country to run cooling units for semi trailers. it was sold under the name thermo king... and in an odd turn of events the sthermo king solinoid will work on a maranello starter.

i wouldnt be surprised if they made two cylinder versions and eight cylinder versions too.. for what, lawn mowers and boats?

The motor MB should have made was the OM632. Two 616 motors joined to form a V8, with twin turbos, of course.

Then we'd call it a 618 instead of a 603?

I'm not unhappy, or even disappointed, that MB didn't make an iron head for the 603!

I have 247K on my aluminum 603 head, and it's even an original #14!

Last year, I volunteered to replace the head gasket, and while the head was off for the first time, a close inspection indicated the head to be in perfect condition, with no faults found.

It is becoming my opinion that if the 603 engine is maintained correctly, parts replaced before they fail, chiefly related to the cooling system, the likelihood of head crack failure is probably near zero!

As far as I have been able to conclude, the failure ratio for 603 head fractures, cracks, overall is only between 10% and possibly as high as 20% usually as a result of overheating caused by failed cooling system components. Other factors may have included trap oxidizers that effected higher heat situations that never recognized an MB recall and remained installed to the engine exhaust manifold.

Aluminum is lighter than iron of course, and would have this advantage. Iron might have worked and without overheat cracking, but why would anyone want to neglect maintenance anyway?

I'd rather have the lighter head, less weight up front means better handleing. Besides the new CDI's coming down the pipe line are all aluminum.

The 300SDL is a North American market only car. However I am not sure if the 603 ever got a turbo in Europe, most seem to be na.


Buy a 606 if the head bothers you, that engine is leaps and bounds better then the older ones in all aspects.

I wasn't saying anything bad about the 603, I'd really like to have one someday.....What I was suggesting was to have the 617, only with one more cylinder. I was wondering if it would have the performance of the 603.

And would have even worse economy than a 603. A 603 not only has more power but gets better fuel economy as well and also seems to last longer. Th thing that doesn't last as long on a 603 SOMETIMES is the head, however the bottom ends have proven to be better in my opinion.

Thanks
David

618
 

btw a 618 would not fit in the 123 body and probably not in a 126 either. too long.

however, a 603 will fit in a 123...

or at least I think I saw one in a 123, all I can seem to find is the pic of a 4 cyl (601?) in one :(

Our friends in Finland have done it.....in addition to the 617 masterpiece they created............