I have a 300SDL in need of a transmission. I also have a 1982 300SD that runs and drives, but has rust issues I decided not to fix. So, here's the theoretical idea. I found another 1987 300SDL on Craigslist with a bad engine. I was thinking of buying that, using the transmission out of it in my 300SDL. Then removing the running engine/trans from my 300SD, and dropping it into the 1987 300SDL off Craigslist. Can anyone think of reasons why this will not work? I'm hoping the Turbo 5 and 6 cylinder engines are the same length from the motor mounts to the transmission tailshaft. Will the tailshaft flange from the 300SD transmission bolt up ok to the driveshaft in the SDL? I'm just kicking this around as a project. But I wouldnt venture into it if it's either practically impossible, or much more difficult than a standard swap. Thanks in advance for any insight on this.

The starter on the 82 300SD is mounted on the passenger side of the bell housing/engine. With the 87, the starter has been moved to the drivers side. It is the same old bugaboo that has stopped many swaps.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

I have seen a 300SDL with a 617 5 cyl engine. It was listed for sale by a 'backyard' mechanic. I do not know how it was done but I test drove it.

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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

I suspect if one went the long way around and mounted a 617 engine with a matching transmission it could be done. Not easy, it never is, when you have to change a lot of stuff, but I think it could be made to fit.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

Great! That's exactly what I'm talking about. I want to swap the engine/trans as a unit (starter included) to the 300SDL from the 300SD.

Hmm, I may tackle this after all...

I'm not using the engine/trans out of the other car anyway, and the 300SDL will have that void needing to be filled. I wonder if the curb weight difference will matter in terms of overheating, or if they would be somewhat evenly matched for that. Obviously, it will have less power, but that's ok by me. Any other thoughts or tips would be GREATLY appreciated!!

Thanks!

Go ahead and do the swap!.W126 engine compartments are all pretty much the same. I did a 617 swap into a 1989 420 SEL a few months ago. The only thing I had to cut or modify under the hood(besides some wiring) was a bump on the inner? firewall where the oil filter housing hit it.I just shaved the bump off with the sawzall. This also gave me a small hole to run my heater hose through. This could also be fixed by removing the firewall panel from both cars and swapping them if that bump is on the SDL.
I also had to shorten my driveshaft 1",I used the SEL shaft. Is the SDL longer wheelbase than the SD? If so, you may have to do the same.

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84 300SD was driver,now donor for 89
89 420SEL diesel swap
84 300TD parts car,soon to scrap

Yes Boss, the SDL is the longer wheelbase. I'm glad to hear from a couple people this is doable, because I drove about 10 hours to Florida this weekend to buy the car. Here's a pic of it. At some point, I hope to reply with good news that it has indeed been done. Thanks for the pointers Boss, and thanks in advance to anyone who can contribute any other hints or ideas. Thanks alot.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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1987 300SDL #1, 1987 300SDL #2, 1980 240D, 1982 300SD, 1994 S350, 1990 350SDL, 1991 350SD, 1985 300D, 2005 E320CDI

Gone, but not forgotten: 1981 300SD, 1982 300SD, 1987 300SDL, 1983 300TD, 1980 300CD, 1981 300SD #2, 1987 300D, 1987 300TDT, 1980 300D

I'm committed to the swap now. We trailered it to a friends house, and look to do the swap maybe in November. Thanks for all the help and advice thus far.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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1987 300SDL #1, 1987 300SDL #2, 1980 240D, 1982 300SD, 1994 S350, 1990 350SDL, 1991 350SD, 1985 300D, 2005 E320CDI

Gone, but not forgotten: 1981 300SD, 1982 300SD, 1987 300SDL, 1983 300TD, 1980 300CD, 1981 300SD #2, 1987 300D, 1987 300TDT, 1980 300D

Good luck, and take a lot of pictures.

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On some nights I still believe that a car with the fuel gauge on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. - HST

1983 300SD - 305000
1984 Toyota Landcruiser - 190000
1994 GMC Jimmy - 203000

https://media.giphy.com/media/X3nnss8PAj5aU/giphy.gif

Any results ?
Maybe a link to the new thread if any?

Me and my son are planning on the same swap just wondering about specifics.

Drive line compatibility
Will ABS and Air bags still work I read about separate computers

Going to be the sons car so speed is not a problem.

I'm just glad he didn't feel it with the 603 in it!

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Experience : what you receive 3 seconds after you really needed it !!



86 300SDL 387,000? Motor committed suicide
81 300SD 214,000 "new" 132,000 motor
83 300SD 212,000 parts car
83 300SD 147,000

91 F700 5.9 cummins 5spd eaton 298,000
66 AMC rambler American 2dr auto 108,000
95 Chevy 3/4 ton auto 160,000
03 Toyota 4runner 180,000 wifes

Driveline is the only thing pretty much (drive shaft specifically), minor details. No computer issues. Oh and the AC...

Hello JUSME, Did you do the swap ? Inquiring minds want to know. Seriously even if you did not finish it let us know so anyone out there trying the same will have some baselines as to what to look out for.

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92 500E Silver 66k
82 Porsche 911SC 84K
68 Cadillac ( Gone Now )
03 Suburban Z71 200K
85 300SD 217k From Original Owner ( Dad )

hi guys i have this mecedes 300e model and the problem is abs light on,,i already replaced all frontsides,,since they are busted,,still the abs light is on,im figuring out to check the rear abs sensors but i cant find any signs of it,,does it have?pls i need someones help right now

Dude, you are in the wrong forum for that car, and you added on to someone else's posting, so no one will answer.

You need to go back to: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/forumdisplay.php?f=1

Then click on the button at the upper left that says NEW THREAD, and write your question there.

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Thanks!

I was thinking the drive line due to the flex disc and possibly length I seen it on another post but that was on a 350sd wasn't sure about the SDL.

I guess just swapping the output flange on the transmission would cure the flex disc part .
If the length is the same its a bolt up if not Drive-shafts unlimited will be getting a call.

On the AC I am going to keep the GM style R4 and install a set of 134 lines from one of my SD's
Sure would like to keep the 603's compressor though.

The thought even crossed my mind to try and adapt the 617 to the 603 transmission but what a difference a year made!

Need to get this done as painless and quick as possible. (wife would like her yard back and father son bonding last only so long when they turn 20)

__________________


Experience : what you receive 3 seconds after you really needed it !!



86 300SDL 387,000? Motor committed suicide
81 300SD 214,000 "new" 132,000 motor
83 300SD 212,000 parts car
83 300SD 147,000

91 F700 5.9 cummins 5spd eaton 298,000
66 AMC rambler American 2dr auto 108,000
95 Chevy 3/4 ton auto 160,000
03 Toyota 4runner 180,000 wifes