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-   -   advice on buying a classic merc 115 with a bootleg engine (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/super-cars-imports-india/36573-advice-buying-classic-merc-115-bootleg-engine.html)

Hi
This posting is probably anathema to the users of the site, but I could use your advice.

I have been looking for a vintage merc (w111/112/113) for a while but have not come up with a satisfactory vehicle.

I am talking to someone in Hyderabad about a "ponton" (w120) but it turns out that the car needs considerable engine and body work.

I just saw a w115 (230D), which has been retrofitted with a Matador engine (don't laugh, this is a common practice since they share a common chasis as a result of an earlier collaboration) and is in decent running shape, with the fittings pretty intact.

While this is an apples-oranges comparison, not in the least because of the different models and provenance of the engines, I would like to know if anyone has an experience with the matador retrofits. What is the engine like? Are they troublesome? What is the benefit in terms of lower cost to maintain, replace?

Thanks for your advice
Best
Amitabh