E300t / 300TE - petrol -> diesel, swap?

[vtecblack]

Hello all,

I'm looking to buy an E300t or 300TE (W124) for our family of two adults and three children. We're running a series III Subaru Legacy 2.5i GX lux estate auto at the moment and as much as we like the Legacy, the draw of an E-class estate is too much to resist.

My question relates to engines - ideally I want a diesel car next as short hops are turning out to be expensive and when we go on camping holidays, with kids, bags, tent and bikes loaded up the weight saps the power and the economy is hit too.

So, a diesel E it has to be, but... with diesel E300t or 300TE models so rare, is it possible, within reasonable financial limits, to fit either a 6-cylinder or 5 cylinder diesel engine to replace the petrol engine in an E300t or 300TE? I imagine, aside from flushing the fuel tank and lines etc, there are the questions about mountings, engine-gearbox compatibility, electrics and ECU. I would appreciate any advice or guidance.

Thanks in advance,

James.

 

[bolide]

I think the cost of the conversion would make it uneconomic - but have heard that lots of Irish taxi drivers have been doing Mercedes diesel conversions

An E300 Diesel engine & box would cost £1500-odd. Add to that the conversion cost, cost of glowplug system & etc and I don't think it makes sense

Transplanted into a W124, an E320 CDi engine would make the most sense but I don't believe there's a sensible way of installing or replacing the necessary electronics

There are still quite a few E300 Diesels about. But, as I know only too well, you have to kiss a few frogs to find your Prince Charming

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[74merc]

I know the guy in Dublin who does most of the taxi conversions. As of a few years ago, he charged about 4000 euro to fit a 250D engine. The 300D and turbodiesels are a lot more expensive.

 

[grober]

LPG CONVERSION makes a lot more sense IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE COST OF FUEL ?? Technology pretty much tried and tested. Only down side is you cant go on the "chunnel"

 

[vtecblack]

thanks for the replies, all good food for thought. I might look into LPG more and perhaps keep looking out for a diesel 300.

does anyone know if 300 diesel estates were shipped to Australia/New Zealand? If so, I guess they would be RHD and may be worth some research?

 

[mark.t]

just a point with all that load your lugging maybe a e300td would be better as the 300d would not pull you out of bed ....... just a note ...

 

[bolide]

LPG CONVERSION makes a lot more sense IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE COST OF FUEL ??

The only drawback with LPG in an estate is where to put the tank. If you fit a big one behind the rear seats, as some people do, you lose the seat folding & a third of the space. A toroidal spare wheel well tank is another possibility but leaves you without a spare

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk