Engine swap, need help please
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 8
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From: Temple,Texas
GL550
Engine swap, need help please
I purchased a known running power train cradle assembly for my 08 GL550, the swap is completed, the engine turned over a couple of times, after that, nothing.
What is my next recourse.
I’m not a mechanic by trade, but have enough knowledge for certain tasks, but this part is unfamiliar to me.
What is my next recourse.
I’m not a mechanic by trade, but have enough knowledge for certain tasks, but this part is unfamiliar to me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,119
Likes: 784
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Whoa.
you can swap an engine, but not troubleshoot?
Other than checking every connection you’ve made I would verify that the ECU you’re using is the one that was programmed to your old engine and your car’s vin.
You can’t just move the ECU from the new engine into the cars harness and expect it to work, it has to be programmed to your VIN.
you can swap an engine, but not troubleshoot?
Other than checking every connection you’ve made I would verify that the ECU you’re using is the one that was programmed to your old engine and your car’s vin.
You can’t just move the ECU from the new engine into the cars harness and expect it to work, it has to be programmed to your VIN.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,086
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
As Max said, but to give you an example- the Electronic Ignition module is VIN programmed. It talks to your ECU, matches the VIN. If they dont match you'll get a conflict. That's maybe what's happened. Reason the EIS is programmed is to stop people stealing cars by just swapping out the EIS. Look for Benz Ninja on the forums as you may have multiple conflicts to resolve and there's no doubt he can assist you.
Nice work onwthe swap BTW. Id have run for the hills.
Nice work onwthe swap BTW. Id have run for the hills.
Last edited by BlackML550; Apr 2, 2025 at 03:15 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 443
From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Temple,Texas
GL550
Engine swap
Thanks to all who responded to my plea about the starting issue for the engine swap, I swapped the ECU, started right away, I appreciate all the responses.
I noticed the transmission electronics is the me and coded to the vehicle… I swapped them out as well, the selector now switches on the dash, but no movement from the car, what am I missing?
I noticed the transmission electronics is the me and coded to the vehicle… I swapped them out as well, the selector now switches on the dash, but no movement from the car, what am I missing?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,119
Likes: 784
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Did you do a part and parcel engine/transmission swap as well?
If so, you need to program the vehicle speed sensor/contactor plate on the valve body to the car.
it has to be divorced from the car that it was in so you will need the Vin from the car came from, you will need to read the coding off the old one that was originally in your car and transfer it to the new one - and hope that they are the same versions. Otherwise you you will need to put the old contactor plate from your old transmission into the new to you one..
if you didn’t switch transmissions, it could be a simple as reinitializing the ISM or relearning the stalk position. It’s all under ME actuations I believe.
If so, you need to program the vehicle speed sensor/contactor plate on the valve body to the car.
it has to be divorced from the car that it was in so you will need the Vin from the car came from, you will need to read the coding off the old one that was originally in your car and transfer it to the new one - and hope that they are the same versions. Otherwise you you will need to put the old contactor plate from your old transmission into the new to you one..
if you didn’t switch transmissions, it could be a simple as reinitializing the ISM or relearning the stalk position. It’s all under ME actuations I believe.
Last edited by Max Blast; Apr 6, 2025 at 04:51 PM.
