Hi, I own a 280SE. The engine consumes oil now, and the automatic gearbox slips. I found a 230E and a 300E W124 being parted out nearby.

The 230E was equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission. I'm thinking of pairing the 300E's engine (M103) with the 4-speed manual (model 716.217) from the 230E and replacing the original powertrain of my 280SE.

For the M103, I'm quite sure that it won't cause any problems, as the W126 also had the M103 installed from the factory. But for the 230E's gearbox, I'm not certain.

1. Will the M103 engine fit with the M102 4-speed manual transmission?
2. Does it require modifying the gearbox mounting in order to use the 4-speed manual gearbox?

A week ago you said this:

"Engine options for 1988 230E W124 My car is a 1988 W124 230E 4M/T"

You could get advice, if you were not trying to be "a Paperback Writer".

Can I own more than one Mercedes?

I'm interested in hearing more about this swap, as well.

I have a 1984 190E W201 with the 2.3 litre M102 and five-speed manual transmission that we built up as a stage rally racer and then became a really fun track-day toy, but is now rusting into the ground and beyond the point of saving. My daughter has a 1993 190E Sportline LE W201 the with 2.6 litre M103 and a four-speed automatic into which I would like to swap the five-speed. Since I have the entire donor, car I'm thinking that the only issue will be with the flywheel and maybe the driveshaft.

Has anyone else done a M102 to M103 manual conversion and what are the hidden secrets?

Best Regards,
Rob

__________________
Robert Fini

'12 ML350 BlueTec, 100k
'06 E320CDI (x2)
'05 T1N Sprinter 2500/Pleasure-Way Plateau TS, 70k
'97 C36AMG, 319k (son's)
'94 E320T, 249k
'93 190E Sportline LE, 168k (daughter's)
'84 190E-2.3/5spd (Stage Rally Racer)
'66 230 W110 Sedan (Barn Find, Vintage Racer build in progress)

I also had a '84 190E 2.3 five-speed. it had a lighter duty five-speed than the later one that appeared on the 300E, and other six cylinder models, and I think it was also used on later W201 four-cylinders.

The '84 has slightly different ratios, like a 3.91 first vs. 3.86 in the 300E five speed. I don't know what, if any difference there is in physical dimensions.

Also I think your '84 has a different, "lighter duty" axle design than the later four and six cylinder models that may create some integration issues.

It's probably doable, but you'll likely have to deal with some issues. Since you have both cars now get them up on lifts and start measuring things.

Also keep in mind that the lighter duty '84 driveline components may not be as durable on a six cylinder, especially if it is run hard.

Duke

You are right the flywheel is different the M103 engine needs the flywheel to have 3 timing tabs on the back the M102 only has 2 the driveshaft in the 84 uses a smaller yoke every thing else is the same