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?

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-Randy Wakefield

1969 220D 4 speed (parts car)
1976 280C
1976 280S
1981 240D 4 speed (parts car)
1982 300D
1983 300TD (Ivory)
1983 300TD (gold)
1985 300TD (gray)
1987 190D 2.5
1970 280SEL (sold)
1977 240D 4 speed (sold)
1974 280 (rusted to death)
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1927 Chevy 4 door sedan
1938 Chevy 2 door sedan
1950 Willys Jeepster
1955 Studebaker President 4 door
1977 Ford F250
1979 Glastron 17'
1948 John Deere A
1960 John Deere 2010
1979 Satoh S650G
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2000 Bichon (Doby)

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

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.

Duck and run from the flames!

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

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.

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Mercedes Fleet:
2004 CL600 Designo Espresso SPORT
2004 S600 Designo Espresso SPORT/Lorinser Pkg.
1999 S320
1988 300TE
1972 280SEL 4.5
Diesel Fleet:
2014 GL350 Blutec
1987 300SDL Blk/Blk 4 place seating #18 head
1987 300SDL Smk Slv/Burgangy #17 head
1986 300SDL Blk Pearl/Palomino #14 head w/ 280K
1984 Lincoln Mark VII Fact BMW Turbo Diesel

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?

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

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

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E