1983 380 SEL, 118k miles, car is in great shape,, realy great shape. Car runs great but I am wondering what it would cost to convert to diesel? There is a 1983 300 SD sitting about 1/4 mile from my shop and I know it was in good shape when parked in junk yard,,, they were not able to get a title and so there it is. I can scavenge what ever I want off the 300,,, cheap.

I've had a few mer diesels before and loved them. It would probably be easier to sell mine and buy a diesel but I really don't think I'm ever going to find another older car that is as nice as the one I have.

Rougly what am I getting into if I decide to do this.

Thanks!
51

You'd have to re-do the suspension up-front. Diesel engines weigh a lot more than gas engines, and that's just for starters.

It would be easier/faster/cheaper to find a diesel in good shape if that's what you want.

Besides, if the car you've got runs great, why switch? Just buy another one - they're cheap enough.

__________________
A.S.E Tech A1,A6,A7,A8 & MVAC 609 + EPA 608

Unless stated otherwise, any question I ask is about my greymarket 1985 380SEL.

I have seen several SEC to diesel conversions.. they are nice!

You will need the complete engine & transmission.

Since they used a much lower gear ratio in the diesel than the gasser, you might need the differential & axles as well.

I would guess that you will spend 25-30+ hours making that type of swap.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
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MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

It will cost what it will cost to get a diesel car.

__________________
Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

thanks for the input.
51

how do you figure? He could probably just get that junkyard diesel for 300 bucks, park them next to each other, and make the gas model look like the diesel model. unless parts were broken on the diesl, he wouldnt be out much of anything other than shop supplies and fluids.

THats how Id do it, thats how Ive done it.

To date, ive converted (2) chevy trucks to diesel, my auto cummins truck to a 6 speed manual, many vw auto to manual swaps, etc.

The key is having the parts rig right there so you can take measurements, and have all those nickle and dime parts.