M112 C280 Engine Swap to ML320 3.2L or ML350 3.7L

[Uranium238]

I'm a lurker on this forum and not sure if this has been done by anyone or not; theoretically, it should be a straight swap to take an engine and ECU from an ML (with wiring harness and injectors), swap it into another M112 C, and you have an increase in power thanks to a bigger motor.

However, I cannot confirm this. Has anyone attempted this project before? I would think a 3.7L from an ML350 would be just as compatible as a 3.2L from an ML350.

[SD202]

if you want a faster w202 just sell the c280 and get the c43. LOL

[Uranium238]

I have a 152,000 miles on this car and would rather either get another engine, or do a swap if that is possible. No way am I getting rid of it. I also already have a V8 car in the garage and don't need another. If it is possible to swap to a bigger M112 with the wiring harness and ECU, it would be an easier route. From what I am reading though, people have run into electronics issues that require the Mercedes dealer to reprogram the key since it is coded to the ECU, and the TCU would have to be reprogrammed as well.

So far, I have ran across only one successful swap, which was to a 3.2L M112 from an ML320 in a 1998 C280. The shop that did it had Mercedes software for the reprogram. The thread is on MBWorld, but there's no other info.

On a side note, there is an ML350 engine with wiring harness and ECU at my local wrecking yard on sale for $1,000 with 92K. How much is a C43 again?

[RemoLexi]

The 3.7L M112 will bolt in,

However, your idea of swapping the ECU from an ML isn't possible. It is a completely different ECU (DAS 2 vs. DAS 3) aside from major differences in the 2 cars.

Your best bet is to reprogram the ECU u have to work the 3.7L.

97'+ ECU are locked and NOT swappable without unlocking, then version coding.

[Uranium238]

This is good news about the re-map.. However, the wiring harness included will not work with the C280 ECU. I don't mind separating it from the engine and plugging the swap motor into the current harness in the car.

Looks like I will have to get in touch with my contact who has the SDS software for the re-map.

[RemoLexi]

Yes you will need to swap in only the long block off the 3.7L

You will need SDS to do the coding as well as have the proper engine variant code provided to you.

[Uranium238]

What engine variants are there for the ML350? If it helps, this motor is from a 2003.

[RemoLexi]

The variant coding will need to be provided by a 3rd party company who knows what coding to provide you with. That coding can then be entered via SDS so that your ECU knows that 'hey, I have a 3.7L now!'

For example when I did my manual conversion I had to code the ECU to ignore communication with the transmission module. That way the check engine light wasn't illuminated for trans faults.

So I had coding that allowed the factory ECU to work a 3.6L AMG motor, yet ignore automatic transmission communication. Though C36' never came manual.

[Uranium238]

What is a recommended third party to obtain this code from?

EDIT: I keep seeing threads on forums about Chinese clone SDS / DAS software and hardware. Will this clone allow me to do the re-coding, or should I just take it to my friend who has an authorized copy rather than dropping some money on ebay crap?

[SD202]

I have a 152,000 miles on this car and would rather either get another engine, or do a swap if that is possible. No way am I getting rid of it. I also already have a V8 car in the garage and don't need another. If it is possible to swap to a bigger M112 with the wiring harness and ECU, it would be an easier route. From what I am reading though, people have run into electronics issues that require the Mercedes dealer to reprogram the key since it is coded to the ECU, and the TCU would have to be reprogrammed as well.

So far, I have ran across only one successful swap, which was to a 3.2L M112 from an ML320 in a 1998 C280. The shop that did it had Mercedes software for the reprogram. The thread is on MBWorld, but there's no other info.

On a side note, there is an ML350 engine with wiring harness and ECU at my local wrecking yard on sale for $1,000 with 92K. How much is a C43 again?

LOL $1000 bucks aint bad, But that does not include labor. If this is a DIY swap then yeah, point proven. I got mine for $4k seen em as low as $3000 on the local Craigslist.
But do you have a V8 that was hand assembled at the AMG factory in affalterbach ? :rolleyes:

[Uranium238]

LOL $1000 bucks aint bad, But that does not include labor. If this is a DIY swap then yeah, point proven. I got mine for $4k seen em as low as $3000 on the local Craigslist.
But do you have a V8 that was hand assembled at the AMG factory in affalterbach ? :rolleyes:

No the other V8 car was hand assembled by Porsche (928), and some parts reassembled by my own hands :D. The swap will be DIY as I have a cherry picker and engine stands.

[SD202]

No the other V8 car was hand assembled by Porsche (928), and some parts reassembled by my own hands :D. The swap will be DIY as I have a cherry picker and engine stands.

MBN:p

[Uranium238]

Hahah! There is nothing nice about pulling an engine. The fun part is putting a better one back into the car and admiring your handy work once it starts and runs right. In the case of the MB and DAS recoding, that is a nightmare just waiting to happen and probably where most of my expenses will be allocated to.

[RemoLexi]

I would honestly try resetting mixture adaptation data and see if it will relearn new fuel mixture demands for a 3.7L

[Uranium238]

That could be one way to do it. My next concern would be injector flow and cycle rate differences between the 2.8L C engine, and the 3.7L ML. I haven't done any definitive research, but I assume the bigger V6 uses a higher flow injector.

The engine I sourced still has the intake and injectors on it. If the ECU's fuel adaption is reset, would it take into account the injector differences?

[RemoLexi]

That I do not know! I would leave the injectors original to the 3.7

As far as the intakes, make sure p/N's are the same. The V8's had a couple different intake manifolds with different runners, could cause issues later on if the V6's have different intakes also

[Uranium238]

Part numbers are different for the intake manifold, but theoretically, the manifolds are interchangeable. There may be a reason for this relating to runner size internally like you had mentioned.

ML350 Intake Manifold - 112 141 01 25

C280 Intake Manifold - 112 140 10 01

Regardless, the ML intake manifold MUST be used with the ML long block and injectors.

[SD202]

not to veer off topic. But can we see your 928 ? anything special done to it?

[Uranium238]

Sure.


Nothing special really has been done internally. I did a lot of clean up here and there mechanically. It does have a single 3" exhaust though.

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/members/mongo-albums-mongo-s-928-picture675-a.jpg

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/members/mongo-albums-mongo-s-928-picture25912-engine-finished.jpg

[SD202]

that thing is super clean man! that Porsche V8 looks well taken care of.

[RemoLexi]

Reminds me of a 951 I had years back!

[Uranium238]

Thanks! What year was your 951? I had two 944s before the 928, one of them was a track car, while the other was a concours car that was totaled on a Saturday cruise thanks to some guy on his cell phone.

[Uranium238]

I managed to dig up an operating manual to the Mercedes DAS software online and it does provide the ability to recode the ECU to the engine installed. It looks like I will be doing this swap whenever the C280 throws a rod. From what I have heard, these M112s are just as bulletproof as a Mercedes V8 so who the hell knows when that will happen. I may just pick up that motor and keep it in my garage, VERY slowly taking time to clean it up. :D

[RemoLexi]

I had an 86' 951 (no abs) and first year of the 951's. I have a 996tt now.

As far as blowing up the 2.8l ... Good luck. You have to do something stupid like run it out of oil or coolant for a while. That's why a 3.7l motor is $300-600 used at all the local wrecking yards. They always have several on hand since they never fail, nobody ever buys them.

[Uranium238]

Let's hope I don't start a trend here if the transplant is successful, thereby driving up the price for used engines. :cool:

[RemoLexi]

Too many people fear the electronics portion.

[Dearlove]

If you're going to all the trouble of recoding the ecu, why not throw in a c32 engine? Or the 3.7 with a charger?

[Uranium238]

Because a complete C32 motor cannot be had for less than $1,000. This car will also be something my wife will be driving later. We don't want something that will eat up gas like a supercharged V6, but a modest power increase for less than the price of a complete overhaul of the 2.8L M112 in there already later down the road.

[SD202]

all this Porsche talk makes me want one!

[Dearlove]

fair call

[202brabus]

How much power does the 3.7 put out?

[Uranium238]

I think that motor is 235 hp with 254 ft/lbs torque.

[Sulaco]

User cm60k at mbworld indicates he's done this swap into a 2000 c280 (that year came with tiptronic transmission, less electronics demons to deal with) but says you can also add throttle body, maf, and injectors from an m113 and push it up to 280+ hp.

[SD202]

User cm60k at mbworld indicates he's done this swap into a 2000 c280 (that year came with tiptronic transmission, less electronics demons to deal with) but says you can also add throttle body, maf, and injectors from an m113 and push it up to 280+ hp.

sounds like a good plan. :o

[Uranium238]

I would have to see a dyno to believe it. Even if you use the ML throttle body, the intake manifold is still a C class and flows less air than an ML.

[Sulaco]

Why would you swap intake manifold? If you're pulling the engine from an ml then you get the ml manifold.

[Uranium238]

Found out it is the ML intake that needs to be used. Please disregard, my error.

[SD202]

will you be posting up pics of the process?

[Uranium238]

When the time comes yes. At the moment, the current engine in my car runs fine, but I figure I'd just pick up the motor and do continuous research on this.

Based on what CM60k on MBWorld says, no dealer would touch this car if I took it to them with the 3.7L asking for a recode on the ECU.

A better alternative would be to just throw in an ML320 long block and force the ECU to adapt to it based on its current settings. This was recommended on Peach Parts.

I have threads spread out through all of the MB forums asking for advice. I'm receiving different suggestions too, which helps me make a better decision.

[Sulaco]

Can't you use ecu from the 3.7? That would negate any recoding? To hell with going to a dealer.

[Uranium238]

It will not work with the C280.

[Uranium238]

After consulting with someone in Peach Parts, the best way to do this engine swap with MINIMAL effort to adapt the electronics would be to just swap in a 3.2L and allow time for the ECU to 'learn' the new motor. Since the C280 and ML320/E320/CLK320 share similar components such as the throttle body, fuel injectors, and MAF, this would the EASIEST route to go.

While the torque and power increase is only about 30HP and 40 lbs/ft respectively, the 3.2L is the way to go in lieu of a 3.7L and trying to recode the ECU to read the higher flow rate of the ML350 injectors.


It is very cost effective to choose the 3.2L for this swap as indicated in the ebay link below. The 3.2L swap would put the W202 C280 on par with the 2001-2005 C320 W203 performance-wise. I have driven an '05 C320 and the performance of that car is very satisfying. In fact, a W202 with a 3.2L M112 may in fact be a little faster since it is lighter than its successor.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/98-03-Mercedes-W210-E320-3-2L-ENGINE-ASSEMBLY-COMPLETE-MOTOR-112-941-FREE-SHIP/251513366189?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D 1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D7246983921055615 295%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D20131003132420%26rk%3D1 %26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D250392566470&rt=nc#ht_4005wt_684