what engine /tranny is best - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jimishadow · #1 09-03-2011, 10:32 PM

we have a 1985 380 se stretch limo.it has 56000 miles and runs great.its a gas motor and we want diesel.I have a 603 with 81000 miles .It is from a 124.ill need a tranny I like the 5cyl turbo better, my son wants the 603.have an engine and tranny from a 79sd.it is a sweet motor/tranny from a rot box with 70000 miles.what are your opinions

pawoSD · #2 09-03-2011, 11:07 PM

Any diesel option will have less HP than the 380.....if it only has 56,000 on the engine I'd leave that thing in there. The 380 gets decent MPG and will last another 150k easily if it has the dual row timing chain installed.....if not I'd at least drive it until that engine failed. Limos are supposed to be quiet and smooth.

A limo with a 380 is pretty rare....most were usually 500/560's......at least all the ones I've seen

Skippy · #3 09-03-2011, 11:08 PM

Leaving aside my overall opinion of stretched limos for the moment, I'll say that the 603 will give you slightly more power and fuel economy at the possible expense of a little durability and longevity. Since you already have a tranny for your 617, I say go with that.

Now that I've said that, I think the best use for a stretched limo of any year, make, or model is to melt it down and make something useful out of it, like two Ford Mustangs, or two C-classes, an E-class and a couple of Kawasakis, etc.

ashedd · #4 09-03-2011, 11:08 PM

I've always thought a diesel w126 would make a nice airport taxi.

pawoSD · #5 09-04-2011, 12:05 AM

A 380 gasser driven normally will return almost equal driving mpg/cost to a 617.....

compress ignite · #6 09-04-2011, 04:55 AM

Whatever combination this guy's using:

"automatic gearbox, this two gauges in the middle off dash are for gearbox oil pressure"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S31vCdcW1QY&feature=fvst

(BUT, I know Kilometrit litraa kohti is not in his "Worry Zone")

jimishadow · #7 09-14-2011, 10:58 PM

registered car yesterday.drove ten miles and it started to get hot.towed it home to find oil in antfreeze.one gallon of sldge in radiator and no oil on stick.it ran nice and quiet.the only indication of problem was the temp gauge going up.it ran good this morning when i moved it next to doner cars.jacked it up and un bolted engine cut off exhaust un hooked and removed radiator and all wiring on engine. .will pull out engine tomorrow if i have time.putting in 603 with 81000 miles on it. have an sdl to pull rear end from and a 300d engine.will post pics.

t walgamuth · #8 09-15-2011, 06:12 AM

You are on the right track to change the diff too. You might want to think about the diff ratio and consider running a lower gear ratio in that limo for a little more grunt to get the extra weight around.

In my books the stretched 123 is listed. I think where a normal 240d runs a 369 the stretched one might run a 410 gear.

Just a thought.

jimishadow · #9 09-16-2011, 08:11 PM

chec out progress

jimishadow · #10 09-16-2011, 08:27 PM

soon a diesel

Stretch · #11 09-17-2011, 04:46 AM

Now that looks like a fun project - which transmission are you going to fit?

jimishadow · #12 09-17-2011, 02:56 PM

can i use the tranny from the 3.8 that was in the car it shifted great and has a starter mount on both sides.fluid like new and no leaks.if not ill have one from an sdl rebuilt and use that.

t walgamuth · #13 09-17-2011, 03:15 PM

My experience with 123 automatics is that they are interchangible but the gas engines are set up to shift at a higher rpm. The 380 is a fairly low reving engine, I think so you may be good.

I really have no direct experience with the 126 trannies.