1986 to 1995 300E compatability for parts
 

Hi all,

I own a 1986 300E 5 speed and have the ability to pick up a 1995 E320 that has electrical problems and a pretty bad deer hit. How many parts are interchangable? I am looking to just have a parts car, I know a 1986 would be a better choice, but none are available close by. Everything else works on the 1995, I assume it is the wiring harness that is bad. I also know that the engine is different but can that be transplanted back to a 1986? Are the suspention parts the same? Any insight that I can get would be great.

Thanks,

Matt

suspension and interior are pretty much the same.if you wanted to change seats you would need to retain the modules on the 86 seats.the 95 is 104 engine with electric injection versus cis e,so an engine swap would be pretty involved with all the wiring and computer.

Hi Matt,
I see you’re in WI. I’m in WI as well in Hudson, near Minneapolis/St. Paul.
I just did an engine swap from a donor 1990 300E to my 1989 300SEL. The engine management system changed even between those two years. I had to change out sensors on the donor, 1990, engine to make it compatible with the 1989 management system wiring. I can’t imagine moving a 1995 104 engine to a 1986 103 engine wiring harness without turning it into a real science project. Additionally the cooling system is all different; the exhaust system is all different. I think the ’95 would have a blower motor for a dust filter so you couldn’t even use that. I'd wait and try to find a ’86, ’87, or ’88 donor.
Outofspec

The body parts (doors, hood, fenders, bumpers) are an easy swap.

This is an interesting thread. I don't see why you couldn't just swap out the engine harness and accessories at the same time you moved the engine. You shouldn't need to adapt the M104 to the older car's electronics. Just remove them and replace them.