Not original engine

[Stebuga]

Hello, I am evaluating to buy a 280 SL and I have found what it seems a good one in Germany, but the vendor told me the engine is not the factory one. So I asked him if it is at least correct for a SL or it is from a Sedan or a coupe.
He sent to me the photo attached, where you can see  280 SE/SL 

What do you think about this?

Thanks in advance!
Stefano

[Iconic]

He sent to me the photo attached, where you can see  280 SE/SL 

Stefano,
The number you are talking about is on the head, not the block. I'm sure there is information on this forum if you search.
But, the number that is stamped into the block right below that number looks like it starts with 13098310.... Please verify this number and search the forum and tech manual.
I believe it means this is a block from a 280 SL with a manual/standard transmission.
Others, please chime in if I am remembering wrong.
Good luck with your hunt/purchase.
Mark

[mdsalemi]

Ciao, Stefano--

The tag in the photo indicates, if I'm not mistaken (our German-speaking friends can verify this) that the engine is an official "exchange unit"; which probably means at one time instead of rebuilding the engine that was in the car, a previous owner installed or had installed an official factory exchange.

[UJJ]

Michael got it right
Original Mercedes Tauschaggregat - original Mercedes exchange unit
Urban

[Bonnyboy]

The first part of the engine number is the same as mine.
 
When I went to the Mercedes shop the first part of what I thought was a serial number was just a part number.  The parts guy said that it was a good thing as it was a Mercedes factory replacement with all the bugs worked out. 

My number was decoded as:
130 - 280sl
010 - Left hand drive - Manual Car
1498 - Mercedes part number
80 - replacement euro motor
XXXXX - serial number of motor

Hope this is helpful.

[Cees Klumper]

Unless I am misreading the numbers, it appears that the number on the riveted plate is different from the one stamped into the engine block. My guess is that the shop that put it in, likely the dealer, manually stamped in the number from the original engine (check the data card I guess) while the tag has the replacement 'serial number'. So this engine has two different numbers, if I'm correct.

Some of these replacement engines end up losing the riveted tag and if that would happen in this case, you would end up having an engine with a manually stamped number that is the original one, making it look like it's the original rather than a replacement engine. The only evident clue would be the two small rivet holes.

My own engine is a replacement one, lost its tag long ago, but does not have a manually stamped number, so it's actually numberless. As I happen to have the proper die set, I could stamp in any number I'd like, e.g. The original one, but I prefer keeping it as-is. Although I may be forced to stamp in a number since I am going through the process of registering it in France, and the authorities are asking me for the engine number ...

[DaveB]

I agree with previous posters - the 130.983 number indicates a correct replacement block, and 280 SE/SL the correct cylinder head.
And an honest seller (at least on this point) is a plus!

[Stebuga]

I didnt understand Cees Klumper at all: maybe he tells that the dealer tried to mistify the engine with the original number even if it is not the factory ones? But it was the dealer to tell me, first, that the engine is not the original one.
Despite of all, just considering This engine "problem", would you discard this car or not?

[Stebuga]

Attached, other photos the dealer sent me.

[Tyler S]

Stefano, What Cees was trying to say is the numbers were put there from a MB service department "Dealer" when the engine was replaced. Not by the dealer curently selling the car. Regardless it is a correct replacement engine. Don't "discard" the car because of a replacement engine. It has the best kind- Rebuilt at the mercedes factory!

[Cees Klumper]

Given that it's the correct engine I would also not worry about the numbers, it means nothing and many cars have similar histories like I explained mine has. Far more important is the condition of that engine, and of course the car in general. Good luck in making your decision.

[Stebuga]

Thank you Tyler and Cees, now it is all clear. Hope the seller will accept my offer: despite of euro quite weak, in Europe Pagoda costs more than in USA, especially in Italy...that's why I am trying to find one in Germany!