W202 engine swap, is it worth it?
The current V6 smokes like a professional and the ECU kept going into limp mode. The battery went flat while the key was stuck in the ignition, need to recode the key now...
Any suggestions or advise would be appreciated.




You may be able to swap in the V6 from the C280 with minimal fuss and get a 25 hp bump, but the V8 would be far more challenging and costly.
Depending where you are, you could get a best up c43 for less and it woulf still be a better investment.
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M113
W202 C43 engine mounts (Although I am not sure if donor car M113 mounts are maybe the same, you should check!)
M113 manifolds, probably from W202 amg because they are very tight for the steering box clearance.
722.6 auto from donor car (or 6-speed manual from crossfire/CLK)
Linkages to suit manual or shifter & linkages to suit auto.
Radiator from petrol v6 w202
Gearbox mount - there are many to suit different configurations, I chopped the centre out of mine & rewelded to suit the gearbox but OEM may be possible from a breakers.
Prop shaft - small engined W202's have small diff & thinner prop - Get prop & diff from a larger engine w202 or start with a larger engine w202 (C250TD & E300TD) props are best - the E300 may be a direct fit (W210 chassis)
Complete loom from donor - get it demobilised and wiring would be much simpler - alternate is standalone MS etc, but interfacing with the dash is trickier.
Radiator pipes - use OEM from 202 & donor, buy some aluminium couplers to adjust because the connections are different places, but not hard.
Auto will need ATF cooler - the rad should have an exchanger in the end tank. Factory pipes might work.
You will need a PAS pump from a steering box car not a steering rack car, so ideally use the w202 pump, may need to get one from a V6 W202 for fitment I think.
The radiator mounting is different (front to back) depending on factory engine in the W202 so you may need C43 type or V6 type, not hard to cut and mod though.
DIY exhaust or use the factory exhaust if your 202 is v6 powered. Although the C250td has factory 63mm (2,1/2") so would also work (remove the huge suitcase muffler in the middle and fit a through pipe, keep the last muffler or it's too long.
I am collectnig parts for this exact swap using an ML430 as a donor only because they are £800 here in UK (about 100 bucks US)
Beers!
M113
W202 C43 engine mounts (Although I am not sure if donor car M113 mounts are maybe the same, you should check!)
M113 manifolds, probably from W202 amg because they are very tight for the steering box clearance.
722.6 auto from donor car (or 6-speed manual from crossfire/CLK)
Linkages to suit manual or shifter & linkages to suit auto.






