Anybody try it? Can it be done? Any problems? I have an '86 SDL with a bad motor. Also have a good motor from an '87 300D. Can I make it work without too much trouble?

No trouble at all. Engine mount arms are definitely different. Oil filter housings are possibly different; check the flanges for the oil cooler lines. Oil filter housing caps are different but the SDL will take either cap. Throttle linkage is different; might be easier to keep the SDL cruise actuator with the throttle linkage attachments. Engine wiring harnesses might be different and brittleness might mean some splicing if you transfer harnesses. Keep the SDL tranny in the SDL.

Sixto
87 300D

No trouble.

The motor mounts will need to be remounted on the engine block to the correct position, ( I think is was forward ). The bolt holes for both positions are already tapped on the block.

Leave the PS pump and the A/C in the W126. You may need to move over the A/C mount from the W126 motor.

Use the transmission for the W126.

Pull the engine and transmission as a unit.
Remove the radiator, place a piece of stiff cardboard or thin plywood on the condenser.
Remove the steering shock or risk getting it bent ( I have bent 2 out of 5 )
I have always pulled the oil cooler attached to the motor rather than open up those lines/hoses.

__________________
Greg
2012 S350 BlueTEC 4Matic
2007 ML 320 CDI
2007 Leisure Travel Serenity
2006 Sprinter 432k
2005 E320 CDI
1998 SLK230 (teal)
1998 SLK230 (silver)
1996 E300D 99k, 30k on WVO
Previous:
1983 240D, on WVO
1982 300D, on WVO
1983 300CD, on WVO
1986 300SDL 237k, 25k on WVO (Deerslayer)
1991 350SDL 249k, 56k on WVO - Retired to a car spa in Phoenix
1983 380 SEC w/603 diesel, 8k on WVO
1996 E300D 351k, 177k on WVO