Engine swap
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Joined: Mar 2007
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2007 Gl450 2006 cls55
Engine swap
looking at a 2007 gl450 with a blown motor can I drop in a 550 motor without too much modifications. I know physically it will fit but will the original 450 ecu work on the 550 motor? Thanks
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Joined: May 2013
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From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
I don't know the specific answer but generally you need to buy an ECU for the engine you are installing; that's the way it's been for every engine swap that I've done. You may need to buy a harness as well (assuming you're buying a junkyard motor that will come complete rather than a long block.)
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: ATL
2017 GLS 550
there is not that much of a difference, actually. the only difference is internal to the engine (Bore and Stroke). externally they are pretty much the same. including exhaust mainfolds. I would imagine the ECU would adapt to the different air/fuel ration requirements of the larger displacement. If you get a 550 motor out of anything other than an x164 you will probably have to swap things like oil pan, and some ancillary parts. I don't think you will have an issue.
Last edited by thtguy; Oct 18, 2018 at 01:35 PM. Reason: additional info
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2008 gl320cdi
I was very skeptical but that’s awesomeWas thinking could have install a widband o2 sensor just to confirm air/fuel correct. Plx has some good units and ways to monitor. If off could probably then get a custom tune.
Last edited by smiledr996s; Oct 20, 2018 at 05:05 AM.
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
It was literally plug and play other than the oil pan and oil pickup? Connectors all matched up? Thanks for the response. Would be nice to have the additional power of the 550 engine.
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Joined: Oct 2018
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From: New Jersey
GL 450
2014 G 450
I know it is a different vehicle. I need to swap the engine in a 2014 GL450, long story, painful.
it is a 278928 30 1717137.
The S550 and CL550 appear to have the same engine. I have heard anecdotally that the sedan engines will fit, with swapping the oil pan. This appears to be consistent with your experience.
Do you think i am on the right track? Any other advice or preventative maintenance that should be done while the engine is out? Rear main seal for example?
it is a 278928 30 1717137.
The S550 and CL550 appear to have the same engine. I have heard anecdotally that the sedan engines will fit, with swapping the oil pan. This appears to be consistent with your experience.
Do you think i am on the right track? Any other advice or preventative maintenance that should be done while the engine is out? Rear main seal for example?
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Joined: Apr 2024
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2007 GL450
@bbspoolside I am doing this exact swap. I have some questions, would really appreciate connecting on it.
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Joined: Apr 2024
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2007 GL450
I have also officially completed this swap, as bbspoolside as noted:
swap the upper and lower oil pans from the GL's original engine,
Use the GL engine harness and ECU,
Swap over the rear heater coolant wiget that connects to the back of the engine(if its a different style than the GL's)
Its actually one of the more plug and play swaps I have preformed. Do the above and you should be good to go. For my swap I had a 2007 GL450, I purchased a 08 SL550 engine off ebay. Price wise, not the cheapest strategy but my entry cost on the GL was on the ground.
swap the upper and lower oil pans from the GL's original engine,
Use the GL engine harness and ECU,
Swap over the rear heater coolant wiget that connects to the back of the engine(if its a different style than the GL's)
Its actually one of the more plug and play swaps I have preformed. Do the above and you should be good to go. For my swap I had a 2007 GL450, I purchased a 08 SL550 engine off ebay. Price wise, not the cheapest strategy but my entry cost on the GL was on the ground.
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2024
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2007 GL450
Few ongoing issues to sort drivability yet, intermittent fuel pump function(I believe the fuel pump relay socket contacts are loose), the air suspension is getting completely replaced(when I got the car the suspension was completly empty, linkages are siezed and its stuck all the way up right now), small coolant leak on the radiator neck, overall engine bay clean up/reassembly.
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
There is very little wrt Xentry and developer mode posted here, unfortunately. No good training aids either, although if you have the DAS simulator on your laptop that might be the best way to experiment and learn without the risk of bricking your ecu.
Any xentry with dev mode has a disclaimer in German as part of the startup - „dieser program“ (Oder was) “Ist mit developer mode ausstattet.”
you will need dev mode to do the coding I am speaking of. It’s not available under drivetrain -> ME (motor electronics) 9.7.
i also don’t know if it will have any effect as you are literally the first use case.
Any xentry with dev mode has a disclaimer in German as part of the startup - „dieser program“ (Oder was) “Ist mit developer mode ausstattet.”
you will need dev mode to do the coding I am speaking of. It’s not available under drivetrain -> ME (motor electronics) 9.7.
i also don’t know if it will have any effect as you are literally the first use case.
