300 sdl performance mods
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
Hello! It's been sometime!
Gentlemen..It has been my opinion that one does not generally buy a W126 diesel for powerful performance. You don't buy any W126 for it's handling characteristics. A Mercedes S-Class is designed to be an opulent, safe, mildly sporting luxury sedan, in the Teutonic sense. They are what they are. That being said...
To summarize:
The OM603 motor is capable of providing 180 hp maximum simply by making a few adjustments to the injection pump (There's a specific procedure that must be followed). It can do this reliably without any other modifications. It is recommended that an exhaust gas temperature gauge be preeminently installed. A decent intercooler will help to keep things cool under sustained maximum loads.
If one desires the engine to produce even more power, injection pump internal upgrades will be required. These engines have been documented in making well over 400 hp on stock internals (but that's pushing things).
So yes, they are capable. 230 hp is possible but will cost a few bucks to get there. How much? Thousands if it's done right. I'd imagine it wouldn't cost much more at that point to get to 300. But you also must be a skilled craftsman, or possess excellent social connections.
Gentlemen..It has been my opinion that one does not generally buy a W126 diesel for powerful performance. You don't buy any W126 for it's handling characteristics. A Mercedes S-Class is designed to be an opulent, safe, mildly sporting luxury sedan, in the Teutonic sense. They are what they are. That being said...
To summarize:
The OM603 motor is capable of providing 180 hp maximum simply by making a few adjustments to the injection pump (There's a specific procedure that must be followed). It can do this reliably without any other modifications. It is recommended that an exhaust gas temperature gauge be preeminently installed. A decent intercooler will help to keep things cool under sustained maximum loads.
If one desires the engine to produce even more power, injection pump internal upgrades will be required. These engines have been documented in making well over 400 hp on stock internals (but that's pushing things).
So yes, they are capable. 230 hp is possible but will cost a few bucks to get there. How much? Thousands if it's done right. I'd imagine it wouldn't cost much more at that point to get to 300. But you also must be a skilled craftsman, or possess excellent social connections.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
cheaper than a benz...
I just want to mention the SVO/WVO comment earlier, I have a greasecar kit in my 97 that I installed and re-engineered myself. I have not had any problems with it other than some soot. It is imperitve that you use the cleanest oil with no water in it. I would also recomend a solid state inline fuel heater, not really needed inthe south but would add it anyway, to maximise the hot WVO.
I have just done routine oil changes, and have not had any problems
I have just done routine oil changes, and have not had any problems
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 4
From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
Guys: be civil to each other, let us talk MB cars
I sat in a Hyundai Genesis today and must confess it is inferior to same size MB products (like the old C class coupe with Krompressor) but hey, it costs much less! The V6 has 300 horses and the 4 cylinder turbo 210 horses. The Track package is extremely tuner friendly and since it is fundamentally the Mitsubishi Evo engine 300 horses should be easy. It is also rear wheel drive and available in stick.
Why can't MB do its cars in the same manner to allow for power enhancement? I guess AMG power should only come from factory.
Why can't MB do its cars in the same manner to allow for power enhancement? I guess AMG power should only come from factory.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: MA
1987 SDL; 2001 Chevy 2500HD CC, 8.1L, Allison special order; 1970 GTO LS2, 4L60E, under construction
Ever dealt with an engineer from Germany? I have.....and the stories are true. Right even when they're wrong..
Perfect job for the king, if he only had a brain....
One thing I know or sure is, the Hyundai will give you less problems, better fuel economy, and is less than half of an MB. Not to mention the warranty... A great deal for those not hung up on badges.
Perfect job for the king, if he only had a brain....
One thing I know or sure is, the Hyundai will give you less problems, better fuel economy, and is less than half of an MB. Not to mention the warranty... A great deal for those not hung up on badges.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 835
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area, CA
09' E320
More hoof and mouth disease G'Man. W/O the warranty no one would buy one. Based on your comments you are a candidate for one of those $2500 Tata Motors vehicles or maybe one of the cheapo cars that will be made in China. They'll prob offer 150k warranty to get people to buy that cr*p.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: MA
1987 SDL; 2001 Chevy 2500HD CC, 8.1L, Allison special order; 1970 GTO LS2, 4L60E, under construction
Like saying MB doesn't have synthetic trans fluid, or some other kind... 
There's a reason why the list goes Toyota, Honda, Hyundai.
The sharper among us will notice MB isn't on that list....
There's a reason why the list goes Toyota, Honda, Hyundai.
The sharper among us will notice MB isn't on that list....
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Banned
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Federal Heights, CO
1982 300D VNT, 1980 240D 3.0T, 1982 300TD
Thank you for displaying your ignorance once again.
