a lot of nice TE's out there, anyone ever swap in a 617? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lutzTD · #1 01-31-2007, 10:24 PM

i have been seeing the price of decent TD's go up and up. I see very nice TE's fairly regular for 1500-2000. Does it seem like a good investment for a car i will keep for a very long time to use my $1500 car with a not so good body but reliable strong running gear as a donor for a TE swap? How many things have to change? Would it be OK to get a newer TE like into the 90's

thanx

#2 01-31-2007, 10:26 PM

Swapping a diesel into a 90's model would not be worth the time/cost to get everything to work.

babymog · #3 02-01-2007, 09:22 AM

I bought an '87 W124 300D for that reason. I figured I can swap the entire drivetrain, ignition switch, mounts, radiator, GP relay, anything it needs from the D into the same-body '90s 300TE. I haven't done it yet, but don't see why it couldn't make a nice project and then I'd have the later body cladding, nice heated leather seats, nicer door panels, two airbags, etc. etc. for less money than an '87 TD.

I think I've lost interest however, getting tired of staring at the parts car.

I'm not sure that swapping a 617 from a different body would work as well, different tranny perhaps, wiring harness, differential, mounts, lots of fabrication could be in your future.

larry perkins · #4 02-01-2007, 10:09 AM

babymog,i been wanting to go a 1989 300te to convert to 603, quote me a price on your 300d and let me look at it for a while,lol
larry perkins,lou ky 15027276903

lutzTD · #5 02-01-2007, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

I bought an '87 W124 300D for that reason. I figured I can swap the entire drivetrain, ignition switch, mounts, radiator, GP relay, anything it needs from the D into the same-body '90s 300TE. I haven't done it yet, but don't see why it couldn't make a nice project and then I'd have the later body cladding, nice heated leather seats, nicer door panels, two airbags, etc. etc. for less money than an '87 TD.

I think I've lost interest however, getting tired of staring at the parts car.

I'm not sure that swapping a 617 from a different body would work as well, different tranny perhaps, wiring harness, differential, mounts, lots of fabrication could be in your future.

yeh, i think i like the comforts of the w124 also. i guess i will keep an eye out for a nice TE AND a w124 diesel

Hatterasguy · #6 02-01-2007, 11:13 AM

I like the M103, its a pretty nice engine.

lutzTD · #7 02-01-2007, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

I like the M103, its a pretty nice engine.

but then i couldnt haunt this board....... but if diesel cost doesnt come down the way gas has the diesel may be moot for me......

Mismost · #8 02-01-2007, 02:30 PM

Man, if you can get a TE that runs good for 1500 bucks, I say jump on it. If you wring dry in a year that is only 125 bucks a month....what can you drive for a 125 a month. Just view it as a disposable auto and run gas.

When I lived in the DFW area I drove "cash cars"...cars/trucks I could pay cash for, basic insurance, and NO PAYMENTS. Drive 'till it broke, fix, drive some, sell out when almost wore down to a nub...repeat.

Biodiesel300TD · #9 02-01-2007, 02:58 PM

The 123 bodys would probably be a pretty easy switch over if you dropped in a 617. The rear suspension might be a bit tricky, I don't know if all the 123 wagons (gas and diesel) had the self leveling system. I think some of them did and some didn't. I don't think the 240TD/TE did. Sounds like a fun project.