W211 E320W Straight Engine Swap?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
2004 E320W
W211 E320W Straight Engine Swap?
Hi everyone,
I've got a misfire that has me stumped. Being not very smart and too cheap to get the codes properly read at the dealership, I decided to simply throw parts and various repairs at it over the last year (valve cover gaskets, EGR valve and tube, MAF, alternator, both batteries, coils, plugs, wires, tons of Seafoam, new injector, the list goes on) until it was fixed. It hasn't gotten better. Correction - it got better for a couple of days after the valve cover gaskets, plugs and wires this summer. CEL went off for a couple of days. But it came back. And has gotten progressively worse.
Well, I'm now really concerned. Like, oh crap is it a head gasket, valve guide, bent valve, etc concerned. Car runs like crap. Misfire is very apparent. Shaky and not much power. Occasional surging. CEL is stationary and not flashing. Codes are EGR and P0306. And have been, almost no matter what I change out.
I know engine swaps have been discussed at length here in the Forum. But oddly enough, I haven't come across any for a straight LKQ swap, most of what I have seen is people asking if they can put a 5.5 in place of the 3.2, etc.
It's going to the dealer for some in depth diagnostics this week, along with why I get a strong gas smell when I fill up. If it comes back bad news, is a straight swap doable? I'd rather buy a low mileage engine than start rebuilding - from a time and resource perspective.
Any comments or butt kickings appreciated. Yes, in hindsight I should have gone to the dealer first, but 2015 was a very difficult year. And you can get a buttload o' Beck Arnley parts for what the dealer charges for diagnostics.
Thanks all!!
Nathan
I've got a misfire that has me stumped. Being not very smart and too cheap to get the codes properly read at the dealership, I decided to simply throw parts and various repairs at it over the last year (valve cover gaskets, EGR valve and tube, MAF, alternator, both batteries, coils, plugs, wires, tons of Seafoam, new injector, the list goes on) until it was fixed. It hasn't gotten better. Correction - it got better for a couple of days after the valve cover gaskets, plugs and wires this summer. CEL went off for a couple of days. But it came back. And has gotten progressively worse.
Well, I'm now really concerned. Like, oh crap is it a head gasket, valve guide, bent valve, etc concerned. Car runs like crap. Misfire is very apparent. Shaky and not much power. Occasional surging. CEL is stationary and not flashing. Codes are EGR and P0306. And have been, almost no matter what I change out.
I know engine swaps have been discussed at length here in the Forum. But oddly enough, I haven't come across any for a straight LKQ swap, most of what I have seen is people asking if they can put a 5.5 in place of the 3.2, etc.
It's going to the dealer for some in depth diagnostics this week, along with why I get a strong gas smell when I fill up. If it comes back bad news, is a straight swap doable? I'd rather buy a low mileage engine than start rebuilding - from a time and resource perspective.
Any comments or butt kickings appreciated. Yes, in hindsight I should have gone to the dealer first, but 2015 was a very difficult year. And you can get a buttload o' Beck Arnley parts for what the dealer charges for diagnostics.
Thanks all!!
Nathan
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
In most of developed countries swapping the engine and married computers will cost you more than the value of 11 years old car.
Good news is that 320 engines seem to be bulletproof with 400k miles expectancy.
So I hope for you it really is a stupid sensor.
Good luck.
Good news is that 320 engines seem to be bulletproof with 400k miles expectancy.
So I hope for you it really is a stupid sensor.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
2004 E320W
Thanks
Boy, I hope so too. Have done engine swaps before, but back in the era of L-Jetronic injection, not on something computerized. I guess the computers make this much more difficult than simply switching engines and harnesses. Seems rather a shame that we can't recycle engines on these. Shoulda kept my '84 and '86.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I don't think taking computer from donor car to install it with the engine is such a big deal, but with cost of scanners and learning edge this simply scare people just like first-time smart-phones.
I bet our sons will program new engine to cars blindfolded.
I bet our sons will program new engine to cars blindfolded.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 46
From: dmv
2009 E550 2000 Honda civic mash n' go
Well here we go again more new year gibberish from the dating forum crew---anyone who is famuliar with MB ECU's knows that because of the MB DAS system ECU's can not be swapped without first virginizing the doner ECU and then flashing the donor ECU with the correct VIN related software---that is not a simple process for a freshman.
Be very carful with this gent he is a known spammer and will blurt out anything to get increased post count or impress the less learned!!
Blindfolded----what BS!!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
This is the last place Plutoe was not ban yet for posing and personal bashing.
He doesn't know much about MB what was proved hundreds of times, but amazingly he keeps finding friends like him.
He doesn't know much about MB what was proved hundreds of times, but amazingly he keeps finding friends like him.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
2004 E320W
Please note!!
Lots of cognitive dissonance going on here. Sorely tempted to ask what a "bad ME" is (racked my small brain, can't think of what that stands for), so I can get the part and DIY this weekend.
No! Bad dog! We're getting it scanned properly.
That's gotta be worth three or two (really slow) claps.
EDIT: ahh, I guess you mean "DME". Yeah, it would make sense. We'll see.
No! Bad dog! We're getting it scanned properly.
That's gotta be worth three or two (really slow) claps.
EDIT: ahh, I guess you mean "DME". Yeah, it would make sense. We'll see.
Last edited by naterator; Jan 12, 2016 at 11:35 PM. Reason: update
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 46
From: dmv
2009 E550 2000 Honda civic mash n' go
Lots of cognitive dissonance going on here. Sorely tempted to ask what a "bad ME" is (racked my small brain, can't think of what that stands for), so I can get the part and DIY this weekend.
No! Bad dog! We're getting it scanned properly.
That's gotta be worth three or two (really slow) claps.
EDIT: ahh, I guess you mean "DME". Yeah, it would make sense. We'll see.
No! Bad dog! We're getting it scanned properly.
That's gotta be worth three or two (really slow) claps.
EDIT: ahh, I guess you mean "DME". Yeah, it would make sense. We'll see.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
2004 E320W
Diagnosis...
Good news. It was something stupid. Dealer says its a split PCV and crankcase breather hose causing the misfire and CEL. I get it about that causing rough idle and CEL, but don't know how that might cause a misfire...?? Any ideas??
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 535
Likes: 44
From: Pottstown, PA
'97 S500 Coupe, 2016 AMG S63 Coupe, 2007 Audi Q7
Buy a scanner, read the codes, post the codes and someone may offer assistance and guidance. With all the parts you replaced it could be anything...
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: SWFL
2008 E350, 2010 GL550
It's a good thing it was just something small because the 112/113 (those year v6 and v8) engines really are bulletproof and should last a long time but to answer your original question for your knowledge which no one seemed to be able to do, you can swap another v6 into your car with no issues and not need any different ME. If you were attempting to put an engine in that was not originally designed to be in your specific vehicle you're in a whole different ballgame. Glad it worked out for you.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
2004 E320W
Thanks!
Thanks VERY much! Exactly what I was hoping to hear. Still don't know what code(s) were pulled...dealer has had the car for a week replacing the fuel tank under the recall. Figured they'd do it while it was in.
These cars are so sophisticated. And pretty, especially the wagon. Probably going to spring for a STAR diag system in the near future.
These cars are so sophisticated. And pretty, especially the wagon. Probably going to spring for a STAR diag system in the near future.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
2004 E320W
No idea. I'm a little pissed about it. They started the repair without my authorization eight days ago, since it's free, they apparently didn't need my authorization to begin. Was supposed to have taken a day or two. But then they had to order some parts or something? And no loan car offered. Family logistics has been a pain in the rear because of this. This is the same dealership that WAY overfilled the oil, then sneered down at me explaining that the MFD warning about the oil level was because "you are aware that synthetics expand at temperature, are you not, sir?". Unfortunately they have a near lock on the market around here. Totally snotty and condescending if you aren't rolling up in a late model Benz. Part of the reason I want my own SDS.
EDIT: Just got an email saying the car will be ready by 6:30 tonight, after "for sure" it was going to be ready yesterday, and again this morning. Also, the SM will not give me the engine codes via email.
Question for the group - is it rude to reply "I don't believe you"? Well...maybe, but it sure would feel good!
EDIT: Just got an email saying the car will be ready by 6:30 tonight, after "for sure" it was going to be ready yesterday, and again this morning. Also, the SM will not give me the engine codes via email.
Question for the group - is it rude to reply "I don't believe you"? Well...maybe, but it sure would feel good!
Last edited by naterator; Jan 22, 2016 at 05:54 PM. Reason: update
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: SWFL
2008 E350, 2010 GL550
Generally if you take a vehicle in that is under warranty, permission won't be asked because you're taking it there and obviously would want it fixed and it's no cost to you. On the older 211s the problem is gas tanks being acquired and if they are going to take some time to arrive an interim repair can be performed to get the car road worthy til the gas tank arrives. Sounds like a horrible dealer especially giving some bull***** about synthetic fluid expanding? If you set the oil right level you shouldn't have a high oil light.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I had car at dealer 4 days for wheel alignment.
Something is badly wrong turning with education and job ethics in this country as SA did not even bother to keep me informed about delays.
Now "I don't believe you"
can be translated several ways.
How about "I prefer to check everything myself" ?
Something is badly wrong turning with education and job ethics in this country as SA did not even bother to keep me informed about delays.
Now "I don't believe you"
can be translated several ways.
How about "I prefer to check everything myself" ?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
2004 E320W
LOL
Finally able to pick the car up. They still didn't give me the codes. Guess I'll replace the cracked breather hose and how for the best. If that doesn't do it, then I know a great shade tree mechanic that will have SDS soon - this guy. 😊
