1998 Diesel E320 Wagon? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

777funk · #1 03-13-2009, 10:25 AM

How possible would it be to take the gasoline engine out of an E320 and replace it with a 60x diesel engine?

I hate it that no new diesel wagons existed. We've got our 87 300d seats filled and need a wagon on the next kid.

I think my idea MB would be a W210 wagon with an OM606 Turbo engine.

Here's what I've thought about:

-buy an E320 Wagon with a blown gas engine
-scrap the engine
-install an OM606 turbo from an E300D

I think that'd be a great ride! I thing it'd be fairly economical as well since E320 wagons aren't that expensive. Just a little time for the engine swap.

Would the OM606 bolt to the E320 Gas transmission?

I'm guessing I'd have to have new motor mounts welded to the frame?

JimmyL · #2 03-13-2009, 10:28 AM

I don't want to step on toes or be rude, but the W210 wagon has to be one of the ugliest cars ever produced. It is right there with a Camry wagon. The back end just ruins it!

777funk · #3 03-13-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

I don't want to step on toes or be rude, but the W210 wagon has to be one of the ugliest cars ever produced. It is right there with a Camry wagon. The back end just ruins it!

Can't say I'd argue with you there

but I am tired of driving cars that are 20+ years old. I suppose the 98 isn't nearly new. But I guess the worn out antique interiors and keeping up with 25 year old paint is starting to get to me. lol!

JimmyL · #4 03-13-2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 777funk

Can't say I'd argue with you there

but I am tired of driving cars that are 20+ years old. I suppose the 98 isn't nearly new. But I guess the worn out antique interiors and keeping up with 25 year old paint is starting to get to me. lol!

Makes perfect sense since we spend most of our time "in" that interior. But wow!!

bustedbenz · #5 03-13-2009, 11:21 AM

I shudder at the thought of trying to make the wiring harnesses and such match up on a car that new and that computerized (relatively speaking).

If you wanted to attempt it, I'm sure it would physically fit. The Europeans already had such a car:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSKW6CFupeg

Matt L · #6 03-13-2009, 11:31 AM

You would need the IFI computer from the donor car. To use it, you will also need some other modules. Certainly the RCL. Perhaps the ignition switch also. And then you need to wire these things together; the wiring harness is not the same, so you'd better get that too...

I think you can see where this leads.

If you put a 606 in there, use a 603 IP.

Jeremy5848 · #7 03-13-2009, 01:16 PM

Although an interesting project, I agree with the whiners this time. Other choices:
(a) 1987 300TD – the wagon version of what you're now driving. Advantages: nothing to be done, just buy it. Disadvantages: hard to find in good condition, relatively expensive if you do find a good one, same problem with 20+ year old parts that you have now.
(b) Late-model W124 300TE w/dead engine. Buy cheap and install an OM603 turbodiesel engine. Simpler wiring harnesses, easier conversion.
(c) Option (b) but use a 1998-99 OM606 turbo engine plus a mechanical IP from a 1995 OM606NA or a 1987 OM603 turbo. May take some effort to squeeze the intercooler into the airstream along with all the other radiators.
(d) Don't have more kids.

Did Europe ever see a diesel wagon after 1987?

Jeremy

GregoryV022 · #8 03-13-2009, 01:25 PM

heres what i would do, i would buy a '95 E300. and pull a 603 diesel from a 124 300TD.

i am sure the engine would fit because i own both of those cars and they are currently parked side by side.

the only thing i would check would be to see whether the gear ratios are the same in the gasser and the diesel variants.

TylerH860 · #9 03-13-2009, 01:29 PM

or you could spend the 10k+ and completely go through a W123 wagon.

M103-4 Engines are pretty darn nice and durable.

nhdoc · #10 03-13-2009, 01:42 PM

My bet is the differences are overblown by people who don't know the cars. The cars are virtually identical up to the back doors and Mercedes would keep everything as uniform as they could to cut down on "specialty parts". The only issue is you cannot do a 4Matic conversion because of the location of the transfer box, but if you started with a 2WD wagon and a diesel sedan I would say you could easily drop the motor and the electronics and wiring would be no different than if you were trying to convert a gasser sedan to diesel. It is a doable project, IMHO. In fact, if you have the capital and the time you could probably put the gas engine into the sedan and the diesel into the wagon and sell the gas sedan when you were all done.

Having said that the E320 gas engine is quite excellent and you might just find you don't mind driving it as-is without the hassles of conversion. It is smooth, quiet and the cost of fuel right now doesn't justify converting for MPGs. You should get about 25 MPG with a gasser on the highway and a well kept E320 engine can see 200K-300K+ miles, just like a diesel.

klaus kallas · #11 03-13-2009, 01:59 PM

As long as you have a donor car, I agree this is a very straight forward swap. I would be cruising in one myself, except for the pesky OBD II requirements for 1996 and newer cars here in NC. If MO doesn't have emissions requirements, go for it!!!

I'm keeping an eye out for a '95 VW Passat wagon I can drop my TDI engine in and create my own car free of government regulation.....

TMAllison · #12 03-13-2009, 03:13 PM

E) Move to Europe.

pawoSD · #13 03-13-2009, 03:22 PM

I'd just find a M103 powered W124 wagon and call it good. The M103 is a durable engine, and a bit more fun than a diesel.

That route would also be way easier and cheaper.

sixto · #14 03-13-2009, 11:57 PM

W210 wagons are affordable these days. Keep it a gasser. I don't know if you AWD is useful where you are but W210s have a simpler and more reliable version of 4Matic.

Sixto
87 300D