BioDieselNow - Renewable biodiesel fuel

Hi!  I was all set to buy this 190D Benz to convert to biodeisel with an SVO unit on it when I accidentally rented a Mustang convertibale and now I totally need to have a convertible.  So I was wondering about the feasibility of converting either a Benz 450SL (http://www.calcruisingauctions.com/1979mercedes450slforsale.html for exa) or other similar benz (500, 560 SL?) to diesel by installing a 1980's benz diesel engine in it. 

 

Alternatively, another convertible I was looking at casue it looked like it might fit and has a decent passenger safety and mechanical reliability is a BMW (something like this: http://www.pre-checkedautos.com/3_bmw_convertible_e-bay.jpg).  

 

I can pick one of these vehicles up for $3000-5000 and I was wondering what other people's thoughts were on installing a diesel engine in either.  I would $10000 to do this including the automobile cost.  I know there would be legal issues but I think I can take care of those - I am just kinda interested in the feasibility, what size engine might fit (can I use the Benz engine in the BMW?), if anyone has done something similar, and if anyone can recommend a mechanic in Southern California, San Francisco, or nearby those two places?

 

Thanks for any advise or wild speculations!

 

-ellie 

Are you in England? If so, aren't there a ton of options for diesels and you could just buy a diesel convertable? IMO, it's cost prohibitive to buy a gasser and convert it to diesel.

 

I was wondering if you ever found any information on a SL conversion - if any has tried and what are the set backs and problems.

I am very interesting in this as well.

I am in california and there are lots of older 450SL / 560SL with lots of miles which could be ideal canidates.

 

 

I have also been looking into the same thing. I would like to put an OM606 6 cylinder diesel, with a manual pump in the 450SL W107 chassis. Haven't been able to find much on this subject. I did however find some performance info on the inline 6 cylinder engines at:  www.teamrwd.com/dieselboost

Also found a few good videos on youtube: dieselboost     , but nothing in an SL. Would be fun if I could do a 450hp diesel SL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VERY VERY difficult, the SL (107 Chassis) never had a diesel option, the motor mounts, driveshaft angels, tranny mounts and every other piece would have to be hand fabricated. The 190 and the 450 have less in common than a HUMVEE and a toyota Corolla. 

NOW, if you need a convertible and a diesel consider the Mitsubishi Jeep CJ3. We import them to the US. Have a look see  www.paladintrucks.com

 

Sean

This too is "off topic" but there is also the IH Scout with the Nissan diesel that can be found. Very cool retro 4x4 SUV with removable hardtop like the Benz. 

There has been one that looks very solid in the Georgia area on ebay several times lately, around 6K complete.

I am also interested in doing the same thing. It seems this thread has been dead for awhile. Someone MUST have done this already...

 

Of course is possible to do, but i would install no less than a om603 turbodiesel with modified ip, huge turbo and good intercooler. after all is an sl and should be powerfull. In terms of mounts you could find a donnor car with similar dimensions and the other mount would need to be fabricated, but that is done all the time, ex mazdas rx7 with big chevy 350 v8. Ther is somebody who did a 560 sec with an om617 turbo 5cyl, in fact it was for sale in ebay, nice car, But again for an sl I would go for the om603 or brtter the om606. Send the injection pump to Finland to MynaDiesel and you will be set for 450hp or more.

One gentleman that I know of converted a 1982 Mercedes 380SL roadster to a diesel. He had a 3 litre OM617 Turbo Diesel engine dropped in. Running great as far as I know...He's in south jersey

Having parted out a 79 mercedes 300SD and an 83 300D, I have two motors and need to do something with them. My first preference is to sell them, but since I have a 380SLC without a motor, I'm considering the same swap.  I'd love to talk with that guy in NJ. -CTH

I have a beautiful 450SL and the motor is definitely goin bad;>( Do you still have a motor that runs good I could purchase and drop in?

A 450 SL running on diesel, this sounds interesting. To the thread starter, how did it all go? Where you able to finish the project? Any problems encounetered? Any updates on it? Thank you very much!

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