M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

ML320 engine swap

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old May 8, 2017 | 09:09 PM
  #1  
ml1999's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
99 ml 320, 05 ml 500, 05 sl 500
ML320 engine swap

What 3.2 engine models are a direct interchange for a 2002 ml320 without having to change a bunch of parts? Also, is it a big computer (or other) issue to go to the 3.5 ml engine?
thanks!
Reply
Old May 9, 2017 | 02:50 PM
  #2  
ml1999's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
99 ml 320, 05 ml 500, 05 sl 500
Vin # 2002

Thanks for quick reply!! Vin # for 2002 ml320 is 4JGAB54E82A333721
Reply
Old May 9, 2017 | 07:25 PM
  #3  
ml1999's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
99 ml 320, 05 ml 500, 05 sl 500
112.942 Engine

I have located a clk engine but how do I find out if it is right one?
Reply
Old May 10, 2017 | 03:32 AM
  #4  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by ml1999
I have located a clk engine but how do I find out if it is right one?
If you are getting the eng. from a junk yard, they are required to keep records of eng. & vin # when dismantling vehicles, due to theft possibilities.
Reply
Old May 10, 2017 | 06:18 AM
  #5  
ml1999's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
99 ml 320, 05 ml 500, 05 sl 500
112.942 Engine

What is 112.942 Engine designation and where do I find it? On engine or from Vin, etc.?
Thanks
Reply
Old May 10, 2017 | 06:42 AM
  #6  
ml1999's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
99 ml 320, 05 ml 500, 05 sl 500
Engine Code

Found answer to my question at www.robisonservice.com. Has engine code for each mercedes chassis built👍
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2022 | 12:52 PM
  #7  
Jerry Easley's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 91
Likes: 15
From: Arkansas & California
'00 CLK320, '01 ML320 Designo, '01 ML320 Sport; '04 CLK320 Coupe Avantgar; '04 C230 SportCoupe (HB)
Originally Posted by ml1999
What 3.2 engine models are a direct interchange for a 2002 ml320 without having to change a bunch of parts? Also, is it a big computer (or other) issue to go to the 3.5 ml engine?
thanks!
Replying to old post, I know. But it has correct title.

My understanding is several of the 112 engines will fit, given a few bolt-on swaps. You verify before you proceed.

Easy way to check is go to mbparts.mbusa.com and compare part numbers of bolt-ons.

For my 2001 Designo ML320 the C320 and CLK320 swap with only the exhaust manifold and motor mount brackets changed. Same for the E320 RWD. MY's 1998-2005.

My first swap was a 2004 E320 AWD - had to change the oil pan as well and relocate dipstick mounts. Water Pump, if fan is electric instead of viscous. If not an ML Donor Engine, simply reuse the assembly line installed wiring harness, landing the terminals on the correct parts. Actually easy to do as I was installing new sensors etc at the same time so it made more sense than disconnecting at the ECU etc.

A benefit of using a non-ML donor engine is they are often available w/lower miles. These 'cars' were often bought back in the early 2000's by retirees who only drove them to church on Sunday and to the MB Dealership for scheduled service - then at 20 years on had a fender bender totaling the car due to repair cost vs value. Low miles, regular maintenance often well documented and a declining demand actually makes for some good prices. Be patient and throw a wide net - 1 will come available.

Major Dundee posted a full set of WIS sheets for the procedure, expand those by googling the references and it get's really simple. My first resource was a 'just answer' inquiry. I am a hotel manager by trade but raised in my Dad's Sinclair gas station - I did the swap in my driveway on jackstands. MB makes it really simple - in part I think because these are expected to be in service around the globe including remote areas. First thing to know: The hood is moved to a vertical position using the 2nd (lower) set of ball-pivots, it is not dismounted: Simple enough. And the Radiator/Condenser/AC Compressor stay in place: Nice. I would probably rather swap an ML engine than replace the plugs/coil packs/etc on my son's 2004 5.4 Expedition, or the timing chains.

Next weekend I am doing another swap this time in a DIY shop in San Jose: DIYORDIE. In the LA Area, there are 2 of these for DIY: YourDreamGarage. Both are great places to do your own work.

You verify the engine applications before you proceed.

(About the 350 swap I have no knowledge, but I see no reason for me. If I wanted more oomph I would move to the 8 cylinder models,)

Last edited by Jerry Easley; Oct 2, 2022 at 01:02 PM. Reason: clairty
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2022 | 04:52 PM
  #8  
cgoodwin's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
1988 560SEL, 2003 C230,
Interesting. I am looking into the possibility of installing an SLK32 motor in a ML320, seems to me that I could swap the engine wiring harness, coolant pump and air to water intercooler and really everything else, motormounts, exhaust, etc, should bolt straight across....
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 8, 2024 | 08:17 AM
  #9  
Jerry Easley's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 91
Likes: 15
From: Arkansas & California
'00 CLK320, '01 ML320 Designo, '01 ML320 Sport; '04 CLK320 Coupe Avantgar; '04 C230 SportCoupe (HB)
Just curious: Did you have a go at this swap? If Yes, how did it work out?
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:42 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE