Chris Brander

Hello all! Long time reader first time poster,
im not sure if this is the correct section to post this question but here goes,
let me start by saying I’ve read other posts regarding this matter and mine is a little different. I have an 08 e350 wagon and would like to swap the motor to a v8, I know it’s cheaper to sell it and buy one with a v8 already. However I would have to look at the older e500’s because 55 or 63 are out of price range they don’t make 550’s in wagons. Mine is in prestine condition( I added pics below) it’s a designó edition and I’m second owner, so kinda attached to it. Thinking of buying a 550 sedan cheap and swapping everything over.
I’m guessing more then the motor trans and ecu might be needed. My question is since mine is 4matic would the donor have to be as well? Also if anyone has advice on the matter that would be great. Thank you all in advance


It’s hard to see but it’s actually a dark mocha color not black

tjts1

W211 engine swaps are easier than you might think. Here's an example.
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/my...r-car.3071482/

chassis

Transmission will need to be from a 4MATIC car. The transfer case is integral with the transmission, different from the hang-on t/case in the MB SUVs.

I suggest sourcing a 4MATIC transmission+tcase from a V8 donor vehicle.

Front and rear propshafts may need to be changed as the RFOB (rear face of block position in vehicle) may be different between V6 and V8 engines.

Halfshafts and axle differentials may need to be swapped to handle higher torque.

Spend lots of time on EPC to build the bill of materials before starting this project.

Chris Brander

Thanks tjts and chassis!
so the donor car will have to be 4matic as well
any other issues you foresee, I’ll have the cars side by side. How many hours of labor etc

tartilc

Honestly you should be able to buy a 2007-2009 E550 4Matic, drop the front subframes on both cars, swap em (engine and trans in one go), maybe the differential too if the ratios are different and then swap ECU, cluster, TCU, EIS (ignition switch) with key, steering lock, maybe the fuel pump too. It should all be as plug and play as an engine swap could get, love how modular stuff on the W211 is (I guess because of how many different configurations and motors they were available in).