My Dear Benz Brethren,

I just bought a 1984 380SL Euro, that has an outstanding body and interior (despite being in Ohio), but a broken engine (actually a broken piston). I'm looking at options.

I did my research on this site. It looks like, if time is no object, I could put a M110 6cyl, 450, 350, 380, Euro 380, 420, 500, Euro 500 or 560. Reasonable choices are probably the M116 380, Euro 380. 420 (with 380 intake, injection & etc) or M117 500 or Euro 500 (Euro 500 not too difficut to find). It's important to use the 380SL oil pan, exhaust manifolds and (I assume) the oil filter housing.

Does anyone know if the M116 oil pan (and/or exhaust manifolds & etc) will work on the M117 block (the car would be a screamer with the 500 Euro)? Anyone know the differences between the US & Euro 380s? I suspect that the car with a Euro 380 motor would be a bit faster but there are often "small differences" that bite you in the butt . . .

Or/and does anyone have a 380 or other engine that work nicely in this application? I have a few months, am in Dayton, OH - but go to the Wash DC/Pennsylvania areas every few months.

Thanks! Joe G (937) 255-5734 (W) joseph.gottschlich@wpafb.af.mil email

I imagine that the pistons, cams and exhaust manifolds are different. Probably little else between euro and us spec. Any of those engines should work but some things will not interchange between the 117 and 116. Tomguy will be able to help you with more specific info.

I would probably try to keep it euro if it were mine.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.