New Engine & Box for W124 220

[Nigel Cuttell]

Just read this with interest - I assume that the front wheel speed is determined by an Inductive pick-up somewhere - if this was the case , It would be possible to frig the signal back to the ECU by using a pulse divider or indeed by removing elements from the initiator

Would the "pulse divider" be expensive to make/ buy and would it be naturally robust powered from the car's 12v electrics? Were you thinking of putting it in-line from the existing sensor? How would I get the same output (voltage/ current or resistance) as that from the sensor? (I guess I would need four - one for each wheel for the ABS system).

 

[fredfloggle]

In your case yes - in the case of the guy with the dif change -no

 

[Subyland]

I know where to find some brand new OM603.960 for about £4000. It might be an easier route to follow.

 

[Nigel Cuttell]

Thanks Subyland
I already have W124 estate 3 litre diesel, but although I love the car, it could do with more power (the E320 CDi 204 BHP would be fine!) without sacrificing economy. Perhaps the newer (rustier) E class (W210) is the way I will end up. I noticed manual cars can sometimes be found very cheap and wondered if fitting an auto box is a realistic option. I agree with other posts on the shape of the later W211 estates - although they are attractive, they are too sloping at the rear to be a practical design - posey design morelike. Maybe I should look at Volvos?

 

[bolide]

I think what the RHD W124 diesels lack is torque rather than power. Recent experiences driving a 5-speed auto 320 have suggested that to me

A turbo 606 engine would certainly be the simplest solution - lots of torque, enough to get round the gaps between the gears of the 4-speed box - and more power. Call that Option 1

Early W210s had a turbo 606 with an electronic 5-speed box but the same W210 electronic hassles pertain. If you're going to overcome them you may as well go for a 320 CDi engine. Call this Option 2

Option 1, as an upgrade to a NA 606, would require a turbo exhaust manifold, turbo and injection pump. The exhaust manifold and downpipe may need modifying to clear the steering box. The inlet manifold of a turbo 606 is different to the NA model - it loses the resonance system - so add that to the list too. There will be other detail changes, I'm sure, but those are the basics

Option 2 has been shot down in flames in great detail already. But I feel sure there's a backstreet garage somewhere in Stuttgart turning out 320 CDi-engined W124s...

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[grober]

I always thought the best source of a w124 diesel engine would be the mercedes 2.7 litre 5 cylinder diesel from one of the Jeep Cherokees diesel models. I was counting on the fact the engine management system and electrics would be less "integrated" into the rest of the vehicle electronics but I,m just guessing about this. Anyone know for sure???

 

[Dieselman]

But then you've got all the same problems mentioned previously and significant expense for the engine as only very late Cherokee's had MB engines. Earlier versions were all VM units either 2.5 or 2.8 litre four bangers.

As Bolide has said just upgrade with a turbo, intercooler and differential mod.

Looking recently at W211 estates and W124 estates I don't believe there is any difference in the rear window clearance, this is a visual effect created by the C pillar only. W124 slope a lot more than people think but due to the side windows following the line of the tailgate they appear more upright.
W210 have the most upright tailgate and largest load area.

 

[Subyland]

Nigel,

The OM603.960 is the turbo version of the 3.0L diesel hence why I was suggesting it. And, as Bolide said, it is torque which you really need more than power.