Opinions on 1980 wagon w/o engine purchase - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rrorison · #1 08-13-2007, 12:33 PM

I want a wagon so bad I think I am getting desperate.
There is a 1980 wagon for sale with a seized engine. The car has 260k on it. The following parts have been recently replaced: brake master cylinder, climate control servo, glow plugs, vacuum pump diaphragm-brake, starter, power window switches and tires. It is a non-turbo 617 engine. It has A/C that does not work.

Body is decent with only a little surface rust in small spots and in a scratch. Paint is ok with a large scratch and a rear door that does not match faded paint (replaced maybe). The rear end sags and I cannot tell if it corrects itself if the engine is running. Interior is decent. This car is 6 hauling hours away from me. I can probably get this car for around $700. Location: Portland, OR

Questions:
Would it be hard to locate a replacement engine with an acceptable amount of miles on it?
Are there any issues with this model year that I should be aware of?

What would be the cost range of a replacement engine?

Is it possible to replace this engine with a turbo model?

I am not sure if I am capable of hauling this car myself. Is there an economical way of transporting a non-running car about 300 miles?

Are there any dieselheads in Portland, Oregon that I could hire to do an engine swap?

vstech · #2 08-13-2007, 12:51 PM

oooh, in Oregon I bet the wagons are scarce... personally, I would recommend you search more and find the one you want with the minimum of work... not that I follow that advice... I am cheap, and handy... anyway. the wagon uses a different head in the 78-85 models than the sedans. so if you are having a time finding a wagon, you will NEVER find a donor motor that will work. that said however, if you do find motor with a head with the SLS pump for the wagons, any competent mechanic should be able to do the swap for you. many here on the forum have done it in their own garages... or under a nice tree. also the turbo version would fit fine in your car with little modifications.

kerry · #3 08-13-2007, 01:02 PM

You may be able to use the existing head on a non-wagon motor to get the hydraulic pump, but this would mean you would need a non-turbo motor since the turbo engines have different valves than the non-turbo. A complete turbo wagon motor would be ideal but the gearing would be lower than a wagon with an original turbo motor.

vstech · #4 08-13-2007, 01:09 PM

I would go with this personally...
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/car/395643262.html

vstech · #5 08-13-2007, 01:11 PM

if you can afford it,
this is the one I would go for...
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/car/392516489.html

Chad300tdt · #6 08-13-2007, 01:44 PM

You could also remove the SLS and put in new shocks and springs. You would lose the self leveling for heavy loads, but you wouldn't need the wagon motor with the SLS additions. **************.com sells a kit they put together to replace the SLS with a standard suspension. Just another option you can consider.

winmutt · #7 08-13-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

You could also remove the SLS and put in new shocks and springs. You would lose the self leveling for heavy loads, but you wouldn't need the wagon motor with the SLS additions. **************.com sells a kit they put together to replace the SLS with a standard suspension. Just another option you can consider.

I dont know anyone who has done the swap and been heppy with it.

rrorison · #8 08-13-2007, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

if you can afford it,
this is the one I would go for...
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/car/392516489.html

I would love a 124 wagon! I like the color combo too. The only things that worry me are:
-reconstructed title
-bio-diesel ready/previously had vegetable oil tanks
FYI: This car was previously posted by myself apx 3-4 weeks ago and i decided to keep it, but i just cant afford to anymore.

What can't this seller afford anymore?

Thanks for the replies guys.

Now, if I can just convince the wife to let me spend $6.5K on a diesel wagon...

JackG · #9 08-13-2007, 02:19 PM

Opinions are like *********s.....everybody has one, Here's Mine.

I would rather travel farther and get one in good running condition to start. Airfare is cheap and you will have plenty of time to get greasy without putting a motor in to check the tranny. If you already have a rusted beyond repair donor that you knew the mechanics of, my advise would be different. Keep an eye on CL, Fleabay, and here for something and be patient. We have alot of members all over the country that may be able to check something out for you in their neighborhood.

Jim B. · #10 08-13-2007, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackG

Opinions are like *********s.....everybody has one, Here's Mine.

I would rather travel farther and get one in good running condition to start. Airfare is cheap and you will have plenty of time to get greasy without putting a motor in to check the tranny. If you already have a rusted beyond repair donor that you knew the mechanics of, my advise would be different. Keep an eye on CL, Fleabay, and here for something and be patient. We have alot of members all over the country that may be able to check something out for you in their neighborhood.

I totally agree with that sentiment. These are very sought after right now, and I'd wager the largest concentration of good ones reside down in Southern California, with the best weather, so no rust issues generally, and the larger number of them would keep the prices competitive, and the people there are more generally, "into" cars and therefore the cars are often in better condition and better cared for, and they do have plenty of good mechanics there.

A flying or driving vacation might be in order. (that is how I finally found mine, at a Mercedes dealer near Disneyland)

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