saespyder

Two nights ago, I got in my car ('03 C230K) and the car was idling violently and had intermittent power while nursing it home. I took it to my indy shop the next morning and, as they were pulling it in to the garage, the engine died. Pulled the codes and there was a camshaft error (I have the code if anyone is interested).

Compression test showed 0 compression in cylinders 2 and 3 and about 40 lbs. in 1 and 4. After some digging, it looks like the timing chain malfunctioned, which threw the cam timing off and caused the piston to smash into the valve. I will say that there was limited testing done (plugs, fuel pressure, etc.) done in an effort to save money.

So, here's the meat of the question: I need a new engine and the guy is currently searching salvage yards, but has anyone ever done a conversion from the M271 to the V8 from a C55?

Off the top of my head, the relevant issues would be motor mounts, position relative to the transmission (and even whether the stock tranny could handle the V8), and ECU. Given that they're already tearing the car apart, if this a reasonably feasible idea and, if so, what other issues do you guys think I should look into?

This literally happened overnight, no CEL or any signs prior to the event. Any other ideas or suggestions are definitely welcome.

CHiKompressor

you will need a clk front end. The W203 nose isnt long enought to house the V8 not to mention other electrical issues. I think you would need to get the transmission along with it as well as the wiring harness and such. its not as simple as just picking another engine in the family

bheng

you will need a new front end. as for the tranny, if you have the 5 speed, you can have the same transmission because the 5 speed handles 800 lbs of torque.

so you might be good, you will need an ecu and all that good internal stuff.

check out the w209 forum, one of our members switched out the 320 engine for the c32 engine. i believe 203 member psheck did the same.

look for those threads as it will let you know what parts you might need to swap

saespyder

Well, it was fun to dream for a minute, but it's back to reality.

I heard back from the shop and it was the timing belt tensioners that failed and caused all the subsequent problems. The head is at the machine shop to replace the intake and exhaust valves in all four cylinders, so hopefully that's done soon.

While everything is pulled, we're going to replace the timing chain, tensioners, gaskets, plugs, and thermostat (unrelated, but there was also a code for that). Anything else we should be paying attention to while we're in there?

tommy

WaveyKat put a C32 into his C240, I believe. That's the avenue I would have gone if I were in your shoes and were looking for a swap.

As for other things, off the top of my head, I'd say motor mounts and give the tranny a good going over. And do a wire tuck and custom valve cover, too. Good luck with all of the repairs!

LILBENZ230

Did it rattle on start up ever before this happened? Any rattles on a cold start that go away as oil pressure is established can be an early warning sign of chain trouble on the M271. If this happens, get it to a mechanic as soon as possible to replace chain/tensioners before you need an engine rebuild.

I imagine this is costing quite a bit?

saespyder

That's the thing, there was nothing noticeable (to me, at least) that this was about to happen. No rattle, no cold start issues, no weird noises or vibrations. About two days before this happened I got the message to add a quart of oil, so I did that and the message didn't come back.

I was parked on a pretty steep hill and didn't have much gas, so at first I thought it might be a fuel pump issue. I turned the car off, put it in neutral, and let it drift to the bottom to even things out. No change.

He's still putting together the estimate to include all the ancillary parts, but he's thinking close to $4k at this point. The shop was recommended by quite a few people and all his work (parts and labor) come with a 12 month warranty, so I'm at least hopefully that it'll be fixed properly.

saespyder

Maybe I can find a local artist to airbrush Smurfette right on the cover?

tommy

It would be an improvement over stock. Make sure that she is enhanced properly.

saespyder

You're right, she has huge feet.

FrankW

1. you don't need a CLK/C55 front for the V8. the front top rail is at the exact same spot for the C55 to the rest of the W203.

2. might as well get a new car instead of doing a engine swap. Waveykat (C320->32) got his done with an awesome deal that normal people don't have access to.

tommy

Wait til Michael finds out he's not normal!!

dre5373

Didn't Brabus already fit a V8 into the normal C engine bay?

a3i

Is changing the timing chain and componets part of a maintenance at a certain milage on m271's?

C230 Sport Coup

Dr. Sunil shoehorned a 5.5L Kompressor motor into a C320.
And yes, he replaced the whole front end with the C55 front end.
And someone else did fit a C43 engine into a W203.
That was a nice car. Had like 8 piston brakes and sheet.
In that case, he didn't replace the front end.
Wavey Cat put a C32 motor in?
I though Peter (Pshek) was the only guy who got that done.

ahmadk

c43 engine would be nice... I say go with that

samaritrey

why a c43 engine over a c55 engine?

ahmadk

I don't think anyone has done it before... a way to be unique

TruTaing

I believe at the time, there was no c55 and IIRC, it eventually went from a c43 motor to a c55 motor... widebody, custom lip kit... too much stuff to even name off on that car - its been discussed several times on here.

Brabus has a stroked (over bored?) 5.8L m113 in standard w203 - it fits and after talking w/ the xf guys who have been doing m112->m113 swaps, the m113 only need roughly 4 more inches of space to work and that space is available between the front of the NA m112 to the back of the radiator/fan (ive measured :x). The xf guys have been using smaller C43 fans in front of the radiator to make extra space for the V8. Personally, if a m113 fits into a standard w203, I bet an NA m273 would also fit :x ~390 hp + 7spd trans? Yes plz!

ps -Wavey has a m112k from an slk32 in his car with matching transmission. His deal was unbelievable (that *******).

FrankW

because that was years before C55 came out.

LILBENZ230

It is mentioned no where in the maintenance booklet that came with my car and covers what should be done up to 195,000. It should *never need* to be replaced but if you ever hear a rattling at start up this is an early warning signs some of the cars exhibit. It will rattle until oil pressure is established. This can mean the chain has stretched some and even jumping a tooth can result in catastrophic engine damage.

To the OP.. $4000 to repair a $6000 car?

Glyn M Ruck

These chains sometimes let go with zero warning. Fortunately most times there is a rattle at start up before oil pressure normalises.

Engine swaps to greater power require a diff change.

MBfinatic

You should get the more updated better overall performing motor 55>43. Hp, mpg, etc. Stop and think though. Do I want to spend that much money on this car and maybe KILL the re-sale value. Im not saying dont do it. If you really want to than go for it! It will be a long project. As for the transmission im not sure. If you have the automatic you should be fine. Im not sure if the different kinds of 722.6 can hold as much power as the amg variants. If you have the manual than you are about to go into some very shady territory.

Someone did put a S55 (V8 kompressor) into a c320.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBJQ_...Q285e4dxzgJyce

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRjm2...20HQjKSTg6kz86

WaveyKat

Wait What.. Normal? NO am not am CRAZYYYYY.. but doing a swap is great you will also need a new Diff, if you using the Tranny from the V8:-)
My Swap: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...stions-25.html
Page 25 i think :-) enjoy

tommy

LOL, I knew it was only a matter of time.