When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
It was not very cost effective (for me at least). I looked into this and it was going to be $15k minimum...not including the donor cars. There was a thread by Pshek (I think it was), who did this to his coupe. The problem is that all the electronics and wiring also need to be swapped and then recoded. Also, here in CA, there would be a bunch of other hoops to jump through.
I don't see why not. However you would definitely have to go to the dealer afterward to reprogram some computers. Remember, the same transmissions were mated to the same engines in the same car in Europe.
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort (What the heck, it gets 38 mpg!)
Originally Posted by hanknum
Anyone know if I could swap in a 6 speed manual transmission? It would go a long way on increasing the fun factor of the wagon...
No it can't handle the power.
I know this...somehow.
I considered putting a Kleeman kit on a C320 coupe at one point.
At the end of '03 Mercedes was offering a $6000 rebate on the C320 coupe.
I figured get one stripped for 22K + maybe leather and send it to Colorado and have a screamin' demon for 32K. or so.
Too bad I bought my car in 02. Ha! I Woulda done this. But does Kleeman pass CA smog? Not sure.
When I looked they were 10 grand + install.
The auto can handle gobs of power though which is why AMG kept using it
for years after the 7 speed came out.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; 02-14-2015 at 04:20 PM.
So, I contacted WaveyKat and he said he swapped in a C32 motor/trans/diff for around $3k. How is it possible? When I contacted the shop that did Pshek's (sp) swap, they told me minimum $15k in labor alone. The shop is in Huntington Beach. Is this another "disadvantage" to living in CA? Anyone here on the left side of the map done this?
Just stumbled upon this old thread, update on my end: I have both the donor totaled C32 and recipient RWD wagon cars, $4200 in for both so far. Also picked up another C32 for the gf that I'm currently getting road worth to pass inspection so the project is temporarily on hold. I did tag the recipient wagon however and am driving it
I'm reviving this old thread as it's relevant to my current and future pursuits. Curious to know how and why the 6spd manual will not hold the power of the c32. Seems like that would really add to the fun factor.
I'm reviving this old thread as it's relevant to my current and future pursuits. Curious to know how and why the 6spd manual will not hold the power of the c32. Seems like that would really add to the fun factor.
I’m thinking of this as well. Just bought an 04 C320 wagon and I am contemplating doing a C32 Swap. I would love to know if anyone has done this project. Pics and links would be awesome.
I remember looking into this years ago and it was cost prohibitive. Getting all the electronics to communicate with one another was a major ordeal...unless you planned on moving all the computers and CANS with the transplant. In theory it sounds simple, but lots and lots of details. I determined (for me) that it would be better to just try and find an old Kleeman supercharger kit and slap it on. Never did though...sold the C320 wagon and am driving a ML550 now. Not nearly as fun as the wagon...
I saw a C32 sedan in the JY the other day, pulled the seats for my c320 wagon. These cars are getting cheap, stupid cheap. Find one that's been in accodent, park em side by side and go to town. Swap over every module into the wagon body and you've got yourself a C32 wagon. https://row52.com/Vehicle/Index/WDBRF65J72F165150
The white one is getting the 32 swap, exterior and interior is done, went from tan to the standard C32 anthracite with a little help from another donor wagon in the junkyard for wagon specific bits like cargo area trim and the rear door seals.
Trying to make time now to get the drivetrain switched over so I can get rid of the parts car.
Some pics from the project. Unfortunately life and taking on too many other projects has got in the way but I hope to get back on this soon and finish it up
04-08-2014, 03:55 PM
