Engine swap
 

I have a 1999 C280 and I've been thinking about an engine swap. I have been really interested in putting a c32/slk32 amg motor, or a s430/e430/clk430 motor, or ml350/e350 motor. Can someone tell me which ones will be the best and just because they are 32, 350, 430 motors but put on different cars, are they the same? I have heard that the c280 is not built for a v8, so I'm kinda giving up on that idea, especially that I have to replace a lot of parts on my front end. Any ideas? I saw a 2004 s430 engine with 7 speed transmission yesterday for $3500 with 65k miles on it. When looking at engines that are off of the car what should I look for and how will I know they are not lying to me about the mileage? How should I differ a bad engine from a good one?

The easiest swap would be a non-supercharged 3.2. I cannot guarantee this, as I have yet to attempt it, but it should be plug and play. Any other swap will require ECU shenanigans. :)

This should be worth 30 hp or so.

true that, but 30hp would not make huge difference. I think when I'll be getting the engine I will get it with the ecu, since I've non-fitting engines in cars when the ecu is not right. the dash lights up like a christmas tree lol :rolf:

In all honesty.....you need a car swap not a engine swap.

280 is a straight 6, no? 320 is a V6. Unless I'm mistaken, this won't be an easy swap no matter which way you go.

^ this is a little harsh, but accurate. Don't spend any money tuning the C280. If you want more performance, upgrade to a C320 or E. The C280 suspension, brakes, trans., driveline, diff., etc. are not built for big power.

Not on a Benz. If the ECU isn't "right" for the car, it won't start up at all.

well if I had the money I would change the car most definitely, but see I'm only 19 working a part time job and going to college as a freshman requires a lot of money lol. So I've looked around craigslist and seen few engines. the s430 from 2004 and a 2005 ml350. they both come with engine control unit and a transmission, so i figured I could probably afford that.

The C36 was a bored out C280, the 280 lump itself is very capable of big power but the other components like the trans and diff need upgrading too, plus for all your efforts will the output be that great?

Your options are sell it and buy a C36, or turbo/supercharge what you have. The C36 would be cheaper, but if you have funds available then turbo or supercharge your current car. However will you be insured on it after modifying from stock who knows...

C280
 

has an M112 v6 so the v6 and trans would fit and the issue would be that the tcu the ecu and the das system are all married to each other,so you would need all of those systems and the know how to swap them all in.
Can be done but not an overnight project and you would lose the use of the car for weeks to months. Never mind the cost.
Student on a budget dress it up,lower it,nice 18 in rims,mild tint, upgraded head unit/speakers. Drive it ,maintain it, enjoy it.
Get a c55 when you graduate:)

Noob NW_Merc
The C36 was a stroked M104 inline 6 cylinder not a bored out 2.8 liter m112 v6 like he has in his 99 c280

that's a really good advice, sir. I'm still considering between an ml350 or e350 engine or c32 or slk32 engine low miles. Have found a few engines that have fairly low miles and are not that expensive. which one would be best?

my take is that if you have enough money to buy and swap a motor, then you have enough to upgrade to a new car. An engine swap looks like so much work, and in the end, you might not even be satisfied with the results. I would either get a C36 or supercharge the 2.8.

it can be done !
 

I picked mine up from the dealership yesterday.Wow, wot a difference even
the mechanics were surprised at the performance increase!!!Snaps your head back in the first three gears!! Took less than 6hrs to do the swap.According to the mechanics the 2.8 L and the 3.2L and the new 3.5L are all swappable same block different stroke for 3.2L and bore and stroke For 3.5L.I would say go ahead and try. BTW the 4.3L in the C43 will also fit ,is just the motor from the E430 with different engine mapping and better breathing.

C280 came in both I-6 and V-6 versions and the swap is easy

Actually it only took 6 hrs and made a HUGE difference!!

Btw the whole thing cost less than $2000

PLEASE!!! Tell me more about that 3.5 engine swap is it too hard to do?

Is it possible to put a 3.2 Supercharger (The one found on C32 and SLK32) on a 1998+ C280(The V6 one)?

I know on normal conditions anywhere in the world it would be cheaper to just buy an AMG, but I want to have a fast W202 Touring and Mercedes did not import the C36 Touring neither the C43 Touring to Brazil and we can only import used cars if they are older than 30yr.

The 3.2 supercharger would be awesome, since it has almost as much power as the 5.5 engine but its lighter.

So Is it possible to strap a Supercharger on the 2.8L I6? I Have a 94, i love it but i would like to see a little more speed ot of it, as i'm going to have a DTM kit made for it in the near future

Late reply lol. Would swapping in a 2JZ Engine work?

Hummm, it sounds like a question from a 19 year old :naughty:
I do remember the days. Lots of dreams, and no loot.
Good luck

Yeah I was 19 back then lol the C280 is still running with no mods to the engine except the k&n air filter lol. I'm building out an M111 engine right now actually the Non supercharged C230 engine actually. Planning to put it on a spare 190e I have and turn it into a track car.