there are some extra issues if you try to combine manual and automatic parts. not sure about the complications going from gas to diesel. it will at least bolt into a 123 regardless of form factor.

 

Many Thanks!

123 Coupe is looking favourite.

Cheers,

Paul

 

Something that you may not have considered, but is actually pretty easy would be putting that OM617 in a 107. Of course it's only two seats, but...

Here's the instructions - SLDiesel.com

 

Something that you may not have considered, but is actually pretty easy would be putting that OM617 in a 107. Of course it's only two seats, but...

A little too small for me, but thanks for the insight via the link.

Cheers,

Paul

 

Gas engines typically have the starter on the left side of the car. The exhaust is on the right side. This means the bell housing will require modification if you want to install the OM617, which has the starter on the right side of the car, if you'll use the same transmission.

You'll also need to modify the engine mount arms. The W126 uses a different arm than the W123 uses, IIRC.

The W126, W116 and W123 already had an OM617 engine variant in one or more of their models, consider those individual models and see how different they are from the OM617.951. The W116 used a OM617.950 IIRC, W126 an OM617.951 and a W123 (turbo) an OM617.952.

If you'll install the engine in a wagon (W123 most likely), you'll need to make sure the engine you pulled has the hydraulic pump fitted in the head, unless you want to delete the SLS system (which is not recommended).

 

Gas engines typically have the starter on the left side of the car. The exhaust is on the right side. This means the bell housing will require modification if you want to install the OM617, which has the starter on the right side of the car, if you'll use the same transmission.

Not recommended to use a gas transmission (auto) with a diesel. The setup is completely different. The recommendation is to take the engine and transmission as a unit, as well as all the control stuff. The other recommendation is to keep the donor car and target car until the swap is done to be able to grab all the little bits you'll never know you'll need until you're into it. Otherwise you'll be spending half your time chasing parts at the junk yard.

 

Have you got the manual or automatic fly wheel?

 

I bought the engine only.

I have an auto-box from a 300d n/a, I was hoping that would be a match??

Arrgh!

Cheers,

Paul

 

There are a few versions of the automatic gearboxes that were fitted to the non turbo 300D. Which one do you have? Look along the casing on the right hand side of the transmission (as though it was installed in the car) and look for numbers such as 722.118 stamped just above the transmission oil pan.

I can tell you now that none of these transmissions were fitted at the factory to the turbo OM617. We'll have to do some research for you to see what modifications you'll have to make (if any) as things like the shift points might not be what you expect...

...in addition to transmission shift points there's the whole top end speed thing => differential final drive ratio. The OM617 turbo had a 3.07 and in the last year(s)(?) 2.88 final drive. The non turbo OM617 has 3.46.

In real terms => in my non turbo I'm kind of almost comfortable driving at 130 kph but more than that is pushing it a bit whereas with a 3.07 or 2.88 rear end I'd probably get that "almost comfortable" feeling at about 140 - 145 - may be even 150 kph...



Back to the fly wheels. It is in your interest to make sure you've not got a manual fly wheel fitted to the engine...

...however, if you have pop the champagne! They are worth quite a lot - you'll be able to swap your one manual fly wheel for may be 10 of the automatic ones you want!

 

Thanks All,

I appreciate your comments and thoughts.

How will I tell if it's a manual flywheel - forgive my ignorance.

There's a feeling creeping up on me that I might be a bit ambitious with this and I should either keep the engine in reserve - I have a 116SD and a 300TDT - or sell it on.

Army, is there a market for these in Holland/Germany, would you know?

Cheers,

Paul

 

...
Army, is there a market for these in Holland/Germany, would you know?

Cheers,

Paul

There is still a market for a turbo OM617 here in Holland.

I'll give you 50 euros for it but only if you deliver!


But seriously => The whole running a diesel on chip fat thing was all the rage a few years back so the prices were higher then. I would expect to get between 500 euros and about 1000 euros for a "good" OM617a here. The top end price would probably be got by seeing it running with good service records etc. I think you would have to wait a long time for your money here at the moment though. Everyone wants to pay 25 euros for everything - it would be a pain in the arse to sell it here at the moment.

I'm no expert on the German market. A few years back everything seemed cheaper over there and lots of cars were sourced in Germany and brought here. Now the imports seem to be coming from former eastern block countries - lots of them seem to be real rot boxes though. I think that this might have had an effect on the spares prices here too as these imports last perhaps a year before there is some serious work needed - they end up being parts cars...

 

I think the front springs might be a little beefier for the diesel chassis, so you may also need new front springs.

Why not find a w126 in great condition except with a blown motor. You would be able to pick it up cheap, swap in your engine and you would be good to go.

 

That had crossed my mind, and does look the logical choice.

It's a while since I had a 126.

They're a rarer thing in Europe and never came to England - which does puzzle me, as that's where I bought the motor!

 

Thanks for the insight and advice, Army.

I think I'll take it to Belgium and decide what to do with it. It's not needing food! If the right 126 comes up, that'll decide for me.

Cheers,

Paul