Recently I put my 83 617 w/transmission from out of an 83 300D, in an ad. A guy called and wants it. I asked him what he was wanting to put it in, he responded he wanted to put it in a 87 300SDL. Hmmmm, I thought and I responded to him that I thought it may be possible!

Is there any reason why he could not do such?

Wonder why he would want to replace a 603 engine 6 cyl with a 5 cyl engine? It should fit, after all MB used that 617 engine in the 126 for MY 81 to 85.

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

of course it will physically fit... the question is all of the wires, hoses, etc. which will not bolt up. i have not heard of anybody doing it yet... lots have discussed it what with the various problems with the 603's and the realtively bulletproof 617's. i would like to do it myself but am not brave enough unless i could see one already done successfully. i have done a few non original engine swaps with engines a lot more similar than this and there are things to work out... some just don't.

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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.