I had a very nice 1983 300d turbo diesel with an automatic transmission, my son wrecked the car (probably saved him from serious injury or worse). The engine is in great condition, car is totaled. I purchased a 1980 240d with a 4 speed manual transmission. The 240d now has so much blow by that it is hard to keep oil in the engine. Here is my question, will the 300d engine bolt up to the manual transmission, without changing transmission location, different driveshaft lengths, shift linkage, etc. Both are 123 chassis. Thanks to anyone who can shed light on this swap!

 

I own an 83 240D with a great body and awesome interior...I have a friend who was interested in getting rid of his 300D with a not so wonderful exterior/interior. His engine is in great shape and I started asking about this swap. My feedback from a mechanic who works on these things - don't bother. He recommended selling the parts and buying a newcar (working old MB).

He basically said it can be done, but it is no simple switch out.

 

You can do this if you are willing to swap EVERYTHING. Cooling system, front springs, rear end.... The engine is not the only difference. It is the entire drivetrain and much of the engine electrical system.

Lots of A/C differences as well.

The glow plug relay is different, the driveshaft is different, etc...

Idcelr8