I own a 380se and my wife just recently drove it into about 3 feet of water. Water got into the intake and I'm pretty sure she bent the rods. I tried taking out the plugs and starting the engine to flush the water out but flywheel will not budge. Car was in mint condition with 150,000 miles on it so I was not happy. I would be perfectly happy with finding another 3.8L engine to put back in it, but I was wondering what the proper procedure would be to put a 4.2L engine from a 420sel in it. I'm guessing the best thing to do is to also use the 4.2L fuel injection and the 4.2L ecu.

Goodness gracious! Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Sounds like it was a great car. I wish my 380SE had only 150K. I have 267K on mine now, but it still runs decently, despite lifter chatters, but for $1000.°°, who can complain?

Did the entire car go underwater? If so, there may be other gremlins lurking around on the interior electronics.

[QUOTE=86560SEL]Did the entire car go underwater? If so, there may be other gremlins lurking around on the interior electronics.QUOTE]

Unfortunately.....The transmission may be damaged also.
My 2 cents..... Evaluate the WHOLE car FIRST..... BEFORE starting on just a new engine endeavor.

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My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

Talk to WhiskeyDan about an engine. I think he has a good one lying around in North TX...

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

Bummer.

Your car doesn't have the brain to support the engine management on the 420, so you would have to use your injection, maybe the whole intake manifold.

I have a 3.8 single chain short block that "ran when pulled" that you can have if you come and get it or find someone to haul it. You could use the pieces from your engine to convert it to a dual chain. But this would be a lot of work. Email me for details if interested.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

I'm pretty sure the transmission is okay, but I'm going to get a second opinion here in a few days. I already checked out alot of the electronics with a meter and they seem okay, but of course you can't really tell without being able to turn the car over and drive it.