It looks like the starter is on the same side on a 603 as in some of the gassers. My idea, would it be possible to put in a manual tranny, such as a 5 speed from a W201 with a 102? Don't they all have a similar bolt pattern on the bell housing? The overdrive gear would possibly give it a chance to give great fuel ecomomy. This idea's been brewing in my head even before my issues with this car.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

I beleive it is possible. I know the 190D's and the 300D's share the same starter. Also, the '86 300E came with a 5 spd. and it uses the same starter as well. The problem is finding the parts. It's probably easier to find the parts overseas. I don't know how much shipping would cost.

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2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel - 4x4, auto, 3.54 gears, long bed
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'92 300D 2.5 Turbodiesel - sold
'83 300D Turbodiesel - 4 speed manual/2.88 diff - sold
'87 300D Turbodiesel - sold
'82 300D Turbodiesel - sold

and the tranny used in 190ds prob would work fine.

tom w

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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.

I know of about five 5-speeds that I can choose from. The only thing is finding a flywheel that would work. I can get one for a fraction of the cost of a rebuilt automatic. Maybe there's hope for my 124 if I would put in a manual.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

...but they didn't import them to North America. I'll bet you could find all the parts you need on any one of several other continents.

Phil
'84 300D Euro with five-speed
'85 300D California style

And you wanted more time on the weekends to do other things!!!!!!

You crazy!

Fun project though

Difficult project to pull off unless you have a w124 manual parts car. Quite a lot of little parts that you need. Not to mention the manny fly-wheel, drive shaft is a different length, and crankshaft will need pilot bearing punched. Search for tranny conversions, results will spell out what needs to be done. Shouldn't be any different than converting a gasser W124.
If I had my druthers I'd get a Getrag to put behind the turbo diesel, a lot more torque than a 190D/E or 300E gasser.

Cheers.

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Currently:
1972 350SL Euro 4spd
1973 BMW R75/5
1981 BMW R80GS
1995 FZJ80 with OM606 Conversion In Progress

No nuts!

I can dream can't I?

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Oh yes...dreams are what expensive projects many of us have sitting in our garages are made of

Guess I am a "little" nuts too...