Engine Swap on GLK350
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
2014 ML350 4matic, 2013 GLK350 4matic, 2012 C200, 2006 C350 4matic(sold)
Engine Swap on GLK350
Hi Everyone,
Has anyone ever performed an engine swap on their GLK?
I have this crazy idea of dropping a M156 motor inside.
Think it'll work?
Thanks
Has anyone ever performed an engine swap on their GLK?
I have this crazy idea of dropping a M156 motor inside.
Think it'll work?
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 268
Likes: 8
From: Calgary, AB
2016 Golf R, 2014 GLK
I don't think the 6.2 litre V8 is going to fit in this vehicle and even if it did, you'd need new engine mounts, transmission, and likely all new plumbing, fuel system, etc.
*if* it were possible, you're probably looking at a significant amount of money - at least $15,000.
Far better value for money to just get an ML63 AMG.
*if* it were possible, you're probably looking at a significant amount of money - at least $15,000.
Far better value for money to just get an ML63 AMG.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
2014 ML350 4matic, 2013 GLK350 4matic, 2012 C200, 2006 C350 4matic(sold)
I don't think the 6.2 litre V8 is going to fit in this vehicle and even if it did, you'd need new engine mounts, transmission, and likely all new plumbing, fuel system, etc.
*if* it were possible, you're probably looking at a significant amount of money - at least $15,000.
Far better value for money to just get an ML63 AMG.
*if* it were possible, you're probably looking at a significant amount of money - at least $15,000.
Far better value for money to just get an ML63 AMG.
but you're right, it will require a lot more work than actually just fitting the engine
It would be awesome if it can work though
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
A man after my own heart!
Years ago I dropped a Chevy 396 + THM 400 tranny into a MB 300D; talk about your stealth car!
I don't recall all the details but I do remember that I had to swap out the front springs because the gas motor was much lighter than the diesel.
Just so you know you are not the only one with crazy ideas: http://wot.motortrend.com/750hp-brab...0000-6137.html
PLEASE keep us informed if you decide to do this, and take lots of pictures!
Last edited by rmfnla; Jan 23, 2015 at 05:20 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 445
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
Remember that in '98 & '99, AMG made the C43 with a V-8 & that platform was smaller than the current "C" class platform. The fitment would not be the challenge but the electronics could be daunting. I would not be surprised if much of the present "C" class wiring could be utilised to support this swap. Time & knowledge would be the curse. Once the X204 is depreciated further, something like this will happen. I like the idea myself!
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 445
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
As I recall, the first gen X204 utilised a 90% v-6, likely derived from a v-8 so engine width is not an issue. Length could be interesting but hey, if a v-12 can be made to fit, a v-8 should be a walk in the park. I think the second gen v-6 with a couple of turbochargers could be very entertaining!
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
2014 GLK-350
A man after my own heart!
Years ago I dropped a Chevy 396 + THM 400 tranny into a MB 300D; talk about your stealth car!
I don't recall all the details but I do remember that I had to swap out the front springs because the gas motor was much lighter than the diesel.
Just so you know you are not the only one with crazy ideas: http://wot.motortrend.com/750hp-brabus-glk-v12-is-worlds-fastest-suv-yours-for-580000-on 6137.html
PLEASE keep us informed if you decide to do this, and take lots of pictures!
Years ago I dropped a Chevy 396 + THM 400 tranny into a MB 300D; talk about your stealth car!
I don't recall all the details but I do remember that I had to swap out the front springs because the gas motor was much lighter than the diesel.
Just so you know you are not the only one with crazy ideas: http://wot.motortrend.com/750hp-brabus-glk-v12-is-worlds-fastest-suv-yours-for-580000-on 6137.html
PLEASE keep us informed if you decide to do this, and take lots of pictures!
I would keep it completely stock looking exterior wise I think it would make a great sleeper. I help my brother last summer install a LS-3 with a TKO-500 5spd. in a 71 240Z. That thing is scary fast... Not the best handling car IMHO.
Anyway I would think it be a fun project though expensive but I have to look into whether the rear end can take it, re-work motor mounts, fitment under the stock hood, Wiring harness etc. etc.
Last edited by Calivette2003; Feb 3, 2021 at 09:46 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Mercedes GLK 2010
I am very interested in doing the same project with my 2010 GLK, have you gotten anywhere?
I have already made a replica of the Brabus body kit and looking to start on the engine swap but I am no mechanic and need all the support and advise possible. I have the budget ready so please let's try and make it happen.
I have already made a replica of the Brabus body kit and looking to start on the engine swap but I am no mechanic and need all the support and advise possible. I have the budget ready so please let's try and make it happen.
Last edited by rahmanasad; Feb 2, 2021 at 04:48 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
2014 GLK-350
I am very interested in doing the same project with my 2010 GLK, have you gotten anywhere?
I have already made a replica of the Brabus body kit and looking to start on the engine swap but I am no mechanic and need all the support and advise possible. I have the budget ready so please let's try and make it happen.
I have already made a replica of the Brabus body kit and looking to start on the engine swap but I am no mechanic and need all the support and advise possible. I have the budget ready so please let's try and make it happen.
now with all that said what I did find out is this Bramos doesn’t share any other information on their site you would literally have to reach out to them via email or phone and talk to them one on one. But from my 25 years experience in the Corvette/Chevy world I would recommend save the money forget about the Benz motor and pick up a 5.3 L Vortec motor Which can be had for as little as $500 at a local wrecking yard. Their in every Chevy and GMC truck since the late 1990s and you can get a good 390hp/375 ftlbtorque motor an entire conversion kit if it on almost any car out there. There’s a guy running around in LA near me that has an SL 600 with a Corvette Z06 motor in it and he told me it would’ve been almost 4 times as much to put an appropriate AMG motor in it which would still have less horsepower. Just my .02.
Last edited by Calivette2003; Feb 3, 2021 at 09:42 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 491
Likes: 150
From: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
It's a 5.3 L Vortec. I'm sorry but when I see 5.2 it just jumps off the page and slaps me.
I agree that it's a much cheaper way to go. There are purists who would only be happy with an MB engine.
I agree that it's a much cheaper way to go. There are purists who would only be happy with an MB engine.
Last edited by Silver Shadow; Feb 3, 2021 at 06:26 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,585
Likes: 343
2013 glk 350
How do you get a gm wiring harness to work with mb, and how do you get the computer to talk to the gm. Sounds like a nightmare or paying someone thousands with no guarantee it will ever work,
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
2014 GLK-350
off-topic but yet another interesting conversion I read about a few months ago was a 1962 Myers Maddox dune buggy where they remove the anemic 1600cc motor and replaced it with the Subaru WRX motor. That’s going from somewhere around 50 hp to around 260... and that little car where he weighs nothing probably around 250 pounds for the VW beetle floor pan and 450lb for the fiberglass body. Not forgetting to mention the VW bugs and Sand rails that I’ve seen over at Glamis dunes sporting 700 hp and above LS motors.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
The original (mid-1960's) Meyers Manx dune buggies were built on the VW bug floor pan (IIRC, these were shortened in the hobbyist's garage, using a sawzall and torch), with the stock 36 HP VW 4-banger engines. Hot rodders back then were installing Chevy Corvair flat 6-cylinder engines. The chosen stock configurations were 140 HP with 4 X 1-barrel Rochester carbs (or a Holley 390 CFM four-barrel to get it scarier) or the 180 HP turbo engines with the 1-barrel Carter side-draft carb and a turbo. Those things were scary-stupid fast, but you couldn't really romp on them because the front end would be off the ground and you ran a good chance of snapping the rear axles with the turbo's torque.
Oh, to be that young and that stupid again. . .
Oh, to be that young and that stupid again. . .
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
Likes: 115
From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
Following! You might need RWD version because AWD holds transmission by the transfer case and then the front axles and shaft might get in the way.
I think the biggest issue will be wiring. You would need engine with transmission and DME/Immobilizer. Then the questions is will the car's wiring work (senros/gauges etc.)
I think best way it find if somebody was able to swap C63 into regular C class. I would imagine process being nearly identical for GLK.
I think the biggest issue will be wiring. You would need engine with transmission and DME/Immobilizer. Then the questions is will the car's wiring work (senros/gauges etc.)
I think best way it find if somebody was able to swap C63 into regular C class. I would imagine process being nearly identical for GLK.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 2
From: Wyckoff, New Jersey & Alphabet City NYC
86 190E 2.3-16v, 92 500E, 03 CL55 AMG, 08 E3504M Brabus
This is doable but I’m thinking around10k with a donor motor installed. I’d have to see…Who’s still in? Someone would have to volunteer their car as the mule too. Make a list
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 445
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
To get an idea what can be accomplished, check the engine swap in this vehicle up for auction. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-crossfire-53/ For folks who are unaware, the Crossfire is joined at the hip with the MB SLK. They were built on the same assembly line. The swap was done by Accelerated Industries out of the Windy City. The company has performed more than a dozen of these. One of the many challenges was cracking the code in the ECU to have all functions work as from the factory. That alone reportedly took 1K hours to accomplish. In summary, if you have the money it can be done.
