I always liked how the SLs looked, but I want a diesel.
Has anyone ever tried this swap? If so, how much trouble?
I have done other swaps in the past, just none in a MB. Guess it would be a challenge.
Thanks, Jeff

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1971 R600 Mack toterhome (SuperDawg)
99 NU-WA Snowbird 34+2 SE 102 5er
If it's not diesel, it's not in my stable!
53 F100 617.951/auto
95 Dodge 3500 Cummins/5 speed service truck

I'm not an SL person, so I don't know what years the 450SL covers. If it is the same years as the 123 series, AND you are an experienced engine swapper, I don't think this would be too bad. You would probably have to get hoses made at the local hydraulic hose shop for P/S and A/C, but I think it is very likely that using the correct engine mount castings, you could bolt in the engine and transmission. Since all the SL's of that era were V8's, you need to measure to make sure that you would have the engine compartment length. I would think that if you measured from the center of the vertical motor mount bolt to the rear radiator edge, you would be able to tell.

With this measurement keep in mind that there are at least two different motor mount castings for the 617. They differ from the 126 to the 123 chassis. There also may be a variant for the 115 and 116 chassis that may place the engine properly fore and aft. You will also most likely have to fabricate a driveshaft of the correct length, but maybe not.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Have a great day,

I met an old timer last January at the MB Dealer in Chandler, AZ, he was there picking up a few odds and ends to finish his project - exactly what you describe. He was dropping a 5 cylinder turbo into a 107. I haven't been back to Chandler since so I don't know how the project turned out.

I think I wrote about that chance meeting in January.

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

some of the euro 107 sls had straight sixes in them - the 280 series in the early 1980s.

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1986 500sl

The pre-'86 diesel motors are really tall, so I suspect that you will need some sort of really big and wide Mustang GT type hood scoop to clear the top of the motor, including all that diesel injection linkage stuff, etc. That might make the SL more than a bit less classic looking. On the other hand, it would really intimidate the hot-rod drivers with bad ears.