mykg4orce

Hello,

I have recently purchased a 2009 E350 wagon. Engine has 435,000 kilometers, possible head gasket leak, white smoke like a chimney.

What engines, other than the stock could potentially work as a replacement?

Purchased as a project vehicle.

BlackML550

The most straightforward upgrade would be to the M273 5.5 Ltr and its variants (including later turbo versions) and also the 6.3. You'd need to be game to do anything else such as an LS given the interaction with all the safety features (ABS, ESP etc) and how you would make those work afterwards. I suspect you'd need to spend 6 months with the engineers in Stuttgart!

The 5.5 is a great engine. What are you thinking about?

mykg4orce

Thank you for this reco. I too was hoping to swap in the V8 from the e500 or e55. How straightforward would that be from "systems" point of view? Has anyone done this before with success and documented it?

BlackML550

I'm not aware of anyone that's done it, but that means nothing. Fitment would be simple. You'd need the full Xentry system to coordinate all the modules thats for sure and then to work out what might need to be upgraded for suit.

Youd need a full part number listing to work out whats different about the V8 in terms of accessories and modules etc. And you'd want to buy an engine and trans to match the extra torque. I wouldnt be put off. Its a logical swap and I dont think there'd be too much difference between the 2 if they came of the same production line, but you;d want to be confident on what needs to be reprogrammed to match the new ECU etc.

mykg4orce

I have got lots of research ahead of me.

BlackML550

Soneone out there must have done this. Look also the the W164 forum. Same engines, same engine bay, options, transmissions etc.

mykg4orce

Thank you. I really appreciate your encouragement! I will try to document my efforts.

BlackML550

Start with this. This is the Star Bulletin that outlines the engine number ranges for all the M273 engines that suffered from the crankshaft sprocket wear problem. Find an engine outside of the ranges specified. I did when i bought my ML550. It also outlines the M272 balance shaft issue engines.

mykg4orce

Thank you! I will be sure to pick your brain as this progresses.

BlackML550

No problem. If I can help, I will. Plenty of others here who can as well. Best of luck