Diesel Hellcat: 1989 Mercedes-Benz E250D Super-Turbo-Diesel
By Cory — You’ve been around the block a few times right? Seen a lot of fast cars in your day? Pretty knowledgeable of motor swaps? This Walter Mitty-esque Mercedes is bound to expand your horizons. Find it here on UK Ebay for an ask of about $14,000 USA greenbacks.
The Mercedes OM606 3.0 turbo diesel engine was originally found in a 1998-99 E300 and produced 175hp and 244 lbs of torque in that application. The good folks over in Scandinavia have discovered that these engines take to boost like a dog does to peanut butter. The engine swap recipe here is a modified 8mm mechanical injection pump, huge Borg Warner turbo, upgraded intercooler, three inch exhaust, and limited slip rear end.
The front bumper is the only body modification and does a good job hiding the front mount intercooler. Later model Mercedes wheels are also pretty subtle in their appearance. The seller mentions the clutch on the 6 speed transmission from a Sprinter only requires a bit more effort to work through the gears. All of this fun results in a car that can deliver anywhere from 10-30 mpg depending on how much throttle is used.
Our car has been “pinned back” to only 362 horsepower because the suspension and brakes needed sorting out. 700 horsepower only requires a manual boost controller install and a screwdriver to turn up to the injection pump.
See a faster diesel that can be imported through the twenty five year rule, email tips@dailyturismo.com
Cory is trying to finish off his project 1995 Mercedes E36 wagon
and figure out what to do with his hoard of rare w124 parts.
Mercedes' W124 chassis that underpins this car is world class, even despite being decades old. It's an example of getting it right the first time. Some MB aficionados would tell you that nothing sold under the three pointed star has been as well engineered since. It's reliable, handles great, stout and quiet. Adding all this HP + a 6 speed manual = thorough win.