Will a 1986 300 SDL engine fit into an '83 300 SD? I blew the engine in my 300SD and came across an '86 SDL but with far worse body condition. Interior is sweet though compared to mine.
I was thinking swap engines but I could sell the other for parts car and drive the '86. The SDL has 180K miles and $700 asking price, and leaks tranny fluid. Not sure why didn't crawl underneath yet.

The body on my 83 is far superior though.

Not sure what to do. OR keep both cars. ? one for parts IF some or most will cross over.

Thanks.

Yes.

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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

I'd have to say no. I mean, any swap is possible, but a OM603 in the place of an OM617 isnt a clean swap... The starter is on the opposite side for starters (no pun intended), so, you would have to swap both the engine and trans into it, which would make for extra fabrication with driveshaft lengths, and I would think shift linkage. The exhaust is different, and the sensors on a OM603 are all together different than what you have. Yes, technically, it can fit, but I wouldn't want you thinking they are alike at all. They are altogether different. If you end up selling the engine though, I may be interested for a 1994 S350 I need a donor for. I have a running OM617 that I drove in the car 5 hours back from the coast to home. I'd be willing to trade also! It's all about where we could meet... Hope you find a solution, if not, just let me know. I have the engine in a complete driveable car if you want to swap whole vehicles as well.

Take care.

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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

You simply mate up the OM603 front driveshaft with the OM617 rear driveshaft. Its bolt on. Front DS length is dictated by the transmission, rear DS length is dictated by the wheel base.

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CENSORED due to not family friendly words

I did the opposite swap years ago and put a OM617 into a SDL chassis. I did have to have the DS either shortened or lengthened, cant recall which. It may be different going the other way though.

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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

Referring to the front section...

__________________
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

It's the cleanest, easiest, most straight forward swap you can do.

My summer daily driver is a 1983 W126 with a 1986 W126 engine and transmission.

__________________
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

Hmm, interesting. I wish the swap was as easy the other way, haha. I've 9 OM603 swaps to replace bad 3.5L's, and I've gotten it to about 7 hours time total for both removals, and the install. I may have to try one of these swaps myself.

__________________
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

So I have to replace tranny as well?
I have never done an engine in a car, just trucks. And no tranny's. lol

Thanks guys.

Yes, trans has to matched to the OM603

__________________
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

Easy to do as the trans and engine stay together as one unit. You don't even have to separate them for this swap if there's no leaks or issues with either...

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)