I used to have a 1970 280SE, W108 I think. it was very nice aside from some injection problems. I traded it to my friend Robert for his Subaru, then it blew a headgasket (or something) and has been sitting for about 3 years now.
There is a very good European mechanic in town who does mainly Benzs and has a small parts yard behind his shop with a few turbodiesels.
I'm pretty sure Robert doesn't have any big plans for the Benz and that if I offered him $300 for it, it could be mine again. Would it be feasible for the mechanic install a diesel engine and transmission into the 280SE? Has it been done before, and at what cost? It seems like it would be a cheaper than buying a nice 300D, they are going for several grand around here.
There is a very good European mechanic in town who does mainly Benzs and has a small parts yard behind his shop with a few turbodiesels.
I'm pretty sure Robert doesn't have any big plans for the Benz and that if I offered him $300 for it, it could be mine again. Would it be feasible for the mechanic install a diesel engine and transmission into the 280SE? Has it been done before, and at what cost? It seems like it would be a cheaper than buying a nice 300D, they are going for several grand around here.