Hello all,

I've been an MBworld member for a while, but I haven't been posting much. Truth be told, I was busy with work and stuff and I didn't really have the time to touch the old girl. Now that I do, let's get down to business.

First, my 92 W124 300E 24V: (I attached pictures here)


Now, the car as it stands is a bone stock M104 3.0. I fitted a Sportline 5 speed transmission, clutch, flywheel, and it's accessories. It's running great, noticeable power gain and fuel economy.

Obviously, I want more.

So, I've been scrounging the internet the last month, checking out peachparts, mbworld, MB uk, etc... trying to find all the info I can on possible mods and swaps.

Sadly, W124's and M104's aren't an exact science. My old E30/M30 combo had lots and lots of lore to fall back on, while my current car is far more tricky.

After reading and learning all that I did, I believe I have 4 options:

A: Keep the current engine. Convert it to EFI either by mounting the newer E320's fuel rail and injectors and then MegaSquirting it (which seems easier) or custom making a fuel rail and fitting appropriate injectors. Along that road, eventually I am to turbo it since the biggest hiccup in my opinion with these engines is the management system which I would have dealt with.

B: Swap in a C36 motor. It's the same block, so I'll get to keep the manual, which is very important to me. Mechanically there's very little to be done, but it's the electronics that worry me. I believe the C36 has drive by wire technology, and I'm worried I'll come across electrical gremlins I didn't take into consideration. If anyone has actually done this exact swap, please advise me. I also might MS that, but like someone here pointed out, I doubt I can outsmart Mercedes and their tune.

C: Swap in JUST a C36 block. I figure it's compatible, plug and play, similar to the old BMW 4.0/4.4 V8 block swap. I'll gain some torque and power, which is always good. Can always convert to EFI as well, but then it's kinda redundant considering the above...

D: Throw a 500E engine in there. They can be had here for cheap, but I'd be changing the entire characteristics of the car, which is something I don't like to do. Moreover, I don't think my current transmission can be adapted to fit it, so I'll have to throw it out and put in the 4 speed auto. Also, not sure if the stock diff can handle that power.

In terms of power gains, the V8 is the best option, but it effectively ruins my car. MegaSquirting the current engine and fitting a good exhaust system should yield me around 250 horses, but that's my estimate. I really don't know. Again, after I MegaSquirt it I will DEFINITELY turbo it eventually.

RBYCC and BAD300 have been excellent sources of information for me, along with Jay. My thanks to all who wasted 5 minutes of their life reading this, and I urge you to help guide me to the best option for me.

Cheers all, Shoomakan

 

And my apologies for the rice gear knob, I've been looking all over for a original 5 speed AMG one but can't find any for a decent price.

 

For the C36 build, a route I was investigating was to swap the crank/cam/pistons/etc into your current block and have the 3mm? bore done by a machine shop. You SHOULD be able to run this setup without having to change the electronics, but I can't confirm that.

Another option I've been looking into is a 3.6ish build. Basically, 350sd/sdl crank & flywheel with 2.8l m104 piston con-rods and 3.0 pistons should yield you a 3.5 to 3.6l (depending upon rounding/precision) engine for a little less fussing.

I've done neither, so I've no idea pitfalls or anything. These are just options I've been trying to research for my necessary and coming up engine rebuild to repair whatever damage I've done over the years.

 

Come on guys, NEED more input!

 

Saijin,

Your idea is effective but since I'm swapping out the entire bottom end, I think it'd be easier to just throw in a 3.6 block.

More importantly, I think the MegaSquirt and tune alone will bump it up to the same power levels, albeit with less torque.

I've also decided not to go with the 500 project, if I wanted a V8 that badly I'd just buy a 500 from here. Pre-facelift models go for between 6-8000$ over here, which is in the range my car goes for here as well. And since I'm not selling it...

 

Swapping the bottom end of a c36 will work and u should see atleast some 270 hp on a cis setup and I'm sure with little work we can push that number. I'll ask a buddy of mine on the possible diff in the head as he has both under his hands. Just to be on the safe side.

 

I'd stay with the inline 6...
V8 needs more effort to fit.
The 3.6 will drop in and with the 5-speed it will perform.
The electronics shouldn't be that difficult if you take everything from the donor car.

 

did u meant that u can get a W124 500 in the 6k-8k range?
ive searched long enough and the best i was able to find was around 13 k