M159 6.2 V8 in a W124?
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W124 230E, W124 E280, W116 280SE
M159 6.2 V8 in a W124?
Hi guys im new and ive been wondering about an engine swap from a 1986 230E to a 2011 C63 engine. What else do i need like ecu's, rear diff, modules etc? Ive got a car workshop of my own so i have all parts possibly needed to do the swap. Thanks 
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From: OR
1990 300e, 1985 635csi
If you have the ability to do the swap, Id swap it into a v8 w124. If I remember correctly the 400e/e420 and the 500e (of course) have an entire upgraded subframe to handle the v8. Of course you'd also need the wiring harness and gauge cluster for the m159.
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From: Toronto, N.J
93 500e. 15 GLK 250
w124/e63
You would be better off getting a 500e for all the modifications you wold need to do. Actually you would likely be able to pick up TWO 500e's for less $$ than what the swap you want to do would cost!
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W124 230E, W124 E280, W116 280SE
What are the differences between a 500e chassis to a 230/280/300e chassis? And since those engines were cast iron block, shouldn't the M159 block (aluminium alloy) be somewhat (as) lighter? So I wouldn't need the 500e chassis. Mainly because I've got a 230e in perfect condition and I'd just like a beefy v8 under the bonnet.
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From: Northern Virginia
85 300SD, 80 280SL, 90 300TE 4Matic, 90 300D 2.5 Turbo, 91 300E 4Matic, 92 300D 2.5 Turbo, 87 300TD
It might be helpful to read through this link. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w124...fferences.html
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E430 S430
Mercedes and porsche partnered
You can pick up a more then decent 500e for 10k. Plus Porsche and Mercedes engineers collaborated together to construct this specific vehicle. If I'm not mistaken primarily all the suspension components were put together by porsche. Also the vehicle it self was extensively lighten then the avg w124. All in all Man!! What a pair of ***** does a 500e haul!
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From: Manchester, CT
The 500E is no lighter than a regular W124, btw.
The .036 chassis is just a modified W124 chassis. You can pound out the regular W124 firewall and tranny tunnel easy enough like they did to the 500Es ....you would have to do prolly just as much modding to get a M156 into the 500E anyway. There's actually a picture floating around of a stripped 500E with a M156 fitted in the engine bay recently. So, anything can be done if you have the drive and the donor parts.
Do the swap on a coupe, or even a wagon IMO. Also a good idea would be to use the W124.034 400E/E420 cars. But of course, if you have a beat down 500E lying around then by all means do it to it. No law against that.
The .036 chassis is just a modified W124 chassis. You can pound out the regular W124 firewall and tranny tunnel easy enough like they did to the 500Es ....you would have to do prolly just as much modding to get a M156 into the 500E anyway. There's actually a picture floating around of a stripped 500E with a M156 fitted in the engine bay recently. So, anything can be done if you have the drive and the donor parts.
Do the swap on a coupe, or even a wagon IMO. Also a good idea would be to use the W124.034 400E/E420 cars. But of course, if you have a beat down 500E lying around then by all means do it to it. No law against that.
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From: REHOBOTH BEACH DE
88-300CE TWIN TURBO, 99-C43, 05-G55K, 71-280SL, 94-E320 CAB, 08 CLK63 BLACK SERIES
Porsche didn't do any "mods", they just assembled the cars for Mercedes...
Mercedes only contracted Porsche to do this because Porsche had fallen on hard times and it was to help them get through this rough period.
The design and parts that made the 124.036 were all Mercedes.
Nothing unique about the 124.036 parts that preclude fitting to any 124.
The suggestion to start with a 400E/E420 is purely a financial one.
Less costly than even a ratty 124.036 yet it still provides the V8 cross member and inner firewall that you would have to add and or modify with a I6 car.
You'll probably redo suspension so why pay a premium for a 124.036 that may have a tired factory suspension
Keep in mind to install a V8 that's not a M119, you will have to "engineer" the suspension to match the motor output that you are installing.
You may also have to modify the engine bay to best fit the new engine, but starting with a V8 bay is much better then starting with an I6 bay.
Ed A.
Last edited by RBYCC; Apr 30, 2014 at 08:26 AM.
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W124 230E, W124 E280, W116 280SE
Thanks for the great info. How much would an 400E/E420 cost me these days? (Im from New Zealand (bottom of the world) and even e400's are rare over here lol).
Also i was reading that the 500E's rear suspension is the same as a S124 which i also have. Could i replace my current rear suspension with that one if i wasnt to go out and buy a W124.036? Since they are the same?
Also i was reading that the 500E's rear suspension is the same as a S124 which i also have. Could i replace my current rear suspension with that one if i wasnt to go out and buy a W124.036? Since they are the same?
Last edited by W124E63; May 1, 2014 at 06:48 AM.
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From: REHOBOTH BEACH DE
88-300CE TWIN TURBO, 99-C43, 05-G55K, 71-280SL, 94-E320 CAB, 08 CLK63 BLACK SERIES
If you intend installing a M159 6.2 then the last thing you want to do is to install/replicate a suspension that was designed thirty years ago for much less power at the rear wheels.
You don't want the complications of rear SLS.
The simpler the better to handle high torque.
Chassis will have to be stiffened as well as bracing top/bottom struts/shocks.
Based on your questions, I'm not sure if you should go forward and attempt the engine installation.
It will require much mechanical and electrical knowledge and skill to get the build anywhere near satisfactory.
Not trying to dissuade you, just asking you to be introspective about your capabilities.
Ed A.
You don't want the complications of rear SLS.
The simpler the better to handle high torque.
Chassis will have to be stiffened as well as bracing top/bottom struts/shocks.
Based on your questions, I'm not sure if you should go forward and attempt the engine installation.
It will require much mechanical and electrical knowledge and skill to get the build anywhere near satisfactory.
Not trying to dissuade you, just asking you to be introspective about your capabilities.
Ed A.
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From: REHOBOTH BEACH DE
88-300CE TWIN TURBO, 99-C43, 05-G55K, 71-280SL, 94-E320 CAB, 08 CLK63 BLACK SERIES
Not going to be easy and it will be a tremendous learning experience.
If you have the time and the will and obtain the expertise then it can be worth it..
Good luck and post your progress
Ed A.
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W124 230E, W124 E280, W116 280SE
Yeah thanks for all, just got to get my hands on a wrecked or salvageable C63. It aint going to be easy as you said but ive got enough will power to go with it aha. Ill post it soon in a new thread.
E63.124 here we come
E63.124 here we come
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1996 E320 Sportline Cabriolet x 2
Last edited by WDB124066; May 5, 2014 at 05:10 AM.
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From: Manchester, CT
I will say that a complete and decent .036 will be worth money down the road and it would be a shame to 'cut' one up, just my opinion here. I bet even a turd .036 in the future will be worth good money for restoration as well.
400E/E420s are more plentiful and downright cheap to get into (not sure about your neck of the woods tho)...and they will have the engine firewall all pounded out for the V8 swap already.....and without the self-leveling out back which should be deleted on a .036 with this kind of swap.
