My parents have had their ML320 since new in 2000. Its been meticulously maintained and I've decided to take it off my moms hands and use it as my daily. Since I have become accustomed to driving a 400+awhp car it'll be a bit hard to drive one with only 250 crank hp and 4000lbs. Currently my moms ml has and intake on it, chip and pulleys and it feels about as quick as an ML430/500. On a side note, last summer I had fun spanking a SL500 with its top down and trophy wife inside!


So my plan is to abandon my na 3.2 motor and buy a 3.2K amg motor rebuild it and swap it in. I've discussed this with my service adviser an he basically said its possible as long as I reprogram my ecu to the default values of a 3.2K ecu. Now does anyone know if this is possible? Will the 3.2K harness match my ML320 ecu?

As for the drive train, I plan on rebuilding my trans to withstand the power. (hopefully) If it breaks, well. I'll regret not swapping in a supercharged 4.3 and using ml55 trany and rear diff. (next setup, if not V12tt)

My only reasoning for keeping this car is that it has been dealer maintained its whole life. Its had everything replaced sensor wise and it was my dads last daily before he passed away. After lowering it, I've managed to out handle my buddies ML55, and many other cars. Beating people with a ML320 is harsh. Imagine how you would feel getting walked by a 320. OF-COURSE I know this is not a sports car and bla bla bla, but as I'm sure many of you will agree. Its a fun car. Its not particularity good at any one thing, but its underdog personality makes it a scrappy fun slightly tail happy suv. If anyone has any advice please spread the knowledge.

 

You have a chip and pulley upgrade on your ML. Did you do this yourself? Where did you get the parts and GREAT POST!!!