M272 Interchangeable engines and process.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 62
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w211 e63, v8 e30
M272 Interchangeable engines and process.
My 2007 ML350 has the notorious balance shaft problem. I'm an auto dealer and picked this up as a flip, but the seller cleared the codes, put some really heavy oil in it, and removed the check engine light bulbs lol. Now I'm stuck in the car and buried pretty good, but I see this as an opportunity to retire our old SUV / parts car and replace this with it.
My question is...
All of the ml350, glk350, e350, r350, etc have the same M272 engine with small differences such as mounts and exhausts, etc.
Will any M272 fit in my ML350? Would a 2wd engine work on my 4x4, or do I need a 4matic variant since my ML350 is a 4matic? Some of the engines to a glk350 or e350 4matic are almost 50% cheaper, so I prefer that route...
I've found a used e350 4matic engine from 2010 with 60k miles for a great price that I'm considering purchasing, aslong as it is doable. Thanks in advance, hope it ends up working out, and looking forward to hear what everyone thinks.
My question is...
All of the ml350, glk350, e350, r350, etc have the same M272 engine with small differences such as mounts and exhausts, etc.
Will any M272 fit in my ML350? Would a 2wd engine work on my 4x4, or do I need a 4matic variant since my ML350 is a 4matic? Some of the engines to a glk350 or e350 4matic are almost 50% cheaper, so I prefer that route...
I've found a used e350 4matic engine from 2010 with 60k miles for a great price that I'm considering purchasing, aslong as it is doable. Thanks in advance, hope it ends up working out, and looking forward to hear what everyone thinks.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 558
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2006 R500
If the transmission hasn't been rebuilt/conductor plate repaired, you can count on that going out sometime during your ownership as well. Take that into consideration as well before trying to restore the ML to life.
Yes, any M272 engine will work. At most you will have to swap the oil pan and pickup.
Yes, any M272 engine will work. At most you will have to swap the oil pan and pickup.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 62
Likes: 3
w211 e63, v8 e30
If the transmission hasn't been rebuilt/conductor plate repaired, you can count on that going out sometime during your ownership as well. Take that into consideration as well before trying to restore the ML to life.
Yes, any M272 engine will work. At most you will have to swap the oil pan and pickup.
Yes, any M272 engine will work. At most you will have to swap the oil pan and pickup.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 558
Likes: 114
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2006 R500
4matic, 2wd, doesn't matter. The transfer case is after the transmission, and all the engines bolt to the transmission the same. Heck, you can throw in a M273 engine if you wanted to.
If you get an engine out of a 4matic W164 or W251 you are guaranteed the oil pan will clear/fit with the front differential. If you get it out of another platform, as I said, worst case is swapping the oil pan. Make sure you get 09 or newer, if you're looking at 08 and older you're better off rebuilding your current engine.
If you get an engine out of a 4matic W164 or W251 you are guaranteed the oil pan will clear/fit with the front differential. If you get it out of another platform, as I said, worst case is swapping the oil pan. Make sure you get 09 or newer, if you're looking at 08 and older you're better off rebuilding your current engine.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 62
Likes: 3
w211 e63, v8 e30
4matic, 2wd, doesn't matter. The transfer case is after the transmission, and all the engines bolt to the transmission the same. Heck, you can throw in a M273 engine if you wanted to.
If you get an engine out of a 4matic W164 or W251 you are guaranteed the oil pan will clear/fit with the front differential. If you get it out of another platform, as I said, worst case is swapping the oil pan. Make sure you get 09 or newer, if you're looking at 08 and older you're better off rebuilding your current engine.
If you get an engine out of a 4matic W164 or W251 you are guaranteed the oil pan will clear/fit with the front differential. If you get it out of another platform, as I said, worst case is swapping the oil pan. Make sure you get 09 or newer, if you're looking at 08 and older you're better off rebuilding your current engine.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 558
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2006 R500
It's what I had the shop do when they swapped a CL55 NA engine into my R500. Picked up a 72k mile engine for about 1400, was far cheaper than C55/SLK55 engines (those run 3-5k), and 500 engines weren't that much cheaper (500-2k depending on mileage).
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 62
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w211 e63, v8 e30
They didn't run into any issues with sensor plugs / harness? I imagine some stuff had to be spliced in, or was the DME identical to the CL55?
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 558
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2006 R500
Was it financially stupid? Yes, yes it was, especially for a 160k mile salvage title car. My consideration is that it would cost about the same to find a replacement R500 of equal trim level, an R350 with the same trim swapped to the M273 engine will be more expensive and have smog and resale problems, and a full size SUV that can match it in interior comfort is a 2020+ GLS, way outside my price range.
I had done a fair number of mods to it and the transmission was rebuilt by the previous owner at around 120k miles. The R class is unique, the closest thing I can get to a station wagon while still keeping the ability to tow, not to mention the comfort of the airmatic system and middle row captain chairs. Probably the only R55 AMG in the world. Not quite as crazy as the R63 but way more affordable.
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2024
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Mercedes Benz ML350
2007 ML350 4 matic engine swap
I was reading this post and I have exactly the same issue, I am about to purchase a m272 tha came out of a c300 2011 and I´m tryng to figure out if this engine will fit my 2007 ML350 4matic, any help will be appreciated, thank you.
4matic, 2wd, doesn't matter. The transfer case is after the transmission, and all the engines bolt to the transmission the same. Heck, you can throw in a M273 engine if you wanted to.
If you get an engine out of a 4matic W164 or W251 you are guaranteed the oil pan will clear/fit with the front differential. If you get it out of another platform, as I said, worst case is swapping the oil pan. Make sure you get 09 or newer, if you're looking at 08 and older you're better off rebuilding your current engine.
If you get an engine out of a 4matic W164 or W251 you are guaranteed the oil pan will clear/fit with the front differential. If you get it out of another platform, as I said, worst case is swapping the oil pan. Make sure you get 09 or newer, if you're looking at 08 and older you're better off rebuilding your current engine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,086
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
When buying a second hand engine, read the attachment and focus on engine numbers that fall outside the range MB has stated as those with the balance shaft issue.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 21
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From: North Carolina
2004 E320, 2006 ML350, 2017 CLS550, 2017 GLS550, 2009 Volvo S60
I'm just gonna say it right now -sorry if this is too late-, do NOT buy that engine. While the C300 does have an M272, it's a 3.0 liter that makes about 220 horsepower. Your ML has a 3.5 liter with about 270 horsepower. While the 3.0 liter will likely work, the car will be quite down on power and ultimately the potential cost savings aren't worth it. Don't downgrade your ML!
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 3
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From: SF Bay area
1992 300SD, 2006 R350
Reprogramming after engine replacement.
I just finished replacing the m272 in my 2006 r350 with a used one from a 2011 e350. This thread actually is the one that gave me the confidence to go through with it. Somewhere in the process of the swap with the engine out of the car the battery was connected, by my lovely girlfriend but she was trying to clean the inside of the car so I'll forgive her, but when that happened the car began to beep and flash red in the dash and locked the key in the ignition. The key didn't come out of the ignition until I reconnected the battery after completely finishing the swap but at that point the car started. I have completed the swap and the engine runs smooth and well but now I am having all kinds of can bus and just wacky communication codes that weren't present before. The most concerning by far is the 061B code saying my PCM isn't able to communicate with the torque value in the y3/8n4 inside of the transmission. I want to believe that the car just needs to be cracked into with xentry and reprogrammed to get all the communication on the same page, but I also know that the battery being connected with no engine in the car was a bad thing to have happen. If anyone has any direction I can start to go in without xentry please let me know. I know this thread is old but I think it's the best bet for some good answers. Thank you in advance, this thread has already allowed me to put a new engine in my car so I'm happy.
Newbie
Joined: May 2026
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Ml350
Swap a5,5v8 m273 ML500 w164,2008 engine into ml350w164 ,2008 body.
Hello want to swap a 2008 rebuild 5,5 l ml500 w164 engine into 2008ml350w164 body. You think ECU and gearbox and keys can match?fom ml350w164 to ML500 w164engine? Both 2008.Thanks
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 558
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2006 R500
You would definitely need Xentry to reprogram the computer VINs. Ideally you would have the ECU and engine harness from the ML500. Gearbox is fine. The ML350 has a higher ratio final gear than the ML500, so your acceleration will be quicker and mileage will be worse.
Newbie
Joined: May 2026
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Ml350
Thanks,i have the m273 with his harness, but not ECU. If is not possible to reprogram ml350 ECU, and I buy a new ECU suitable for ml500 m273 engine, or used ECU with his star keys ,can match with the car?or where I can reprogam with Xentry.?Thanks
Newbie
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Ml350
thanks, have the m273 ml500 with original harness but his ECU is missing, everything else is complete.What option is best i buy a new, never used aftermarket ECU suitable for ML500 m273 engine, it can match with the car key from ml350w164? Or i buy used ECU with his start key from another m273,? Or is easier to reprogram with Xentry my own ml350w164 ECU? WHO can reprogram with this Xentry? I think MB dealers are much more expensive than the m273 ML500 engine. Thanks
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 568
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W221 S500
thanks, have the m273 ml500 with original harness but his ECU is missing, everything else is complete.What option is best i buy a new, never used aftermarket ECU suitable for ML500 m273 engine, it can match with the car key from ml350w164? Or i buy used ECU with his start key from another m273,? Or is easier to reprogram with Xentry my own ml350w164 ECU? WHO can reprogram with this Xentry? I think MB dealers are much more expensive than the m273 ML500 engine. Thanks
The affected modules are the engine, ignition switch, trans ECU and shifter servo.
Using ALL your original to the car modules, it may well be possible to change the motor type on your car, either via the engine module or as a box tick in the CGW module. Try the CGW first and see if it runs. I have changed to tune on an ML280cdi to that of the higher output 350 using this method so it's more than hypothetical, although all the V6 diesels share the same basic 3.0 V6. Obviously you pick up an extra two cylinders, but the overall sensor array should be similar between the 350 and 500 so it just needs to know it's a V8 instead of a V6 and if the new engine comes with the intake and the MAF then it shouldn't be too upset.
You do need Xentry/DAS to access the modules.
Another consideration is that the prop shafts, engine mounts and gearbox mounts may be different as the engine is longer and may end up in a different position. Acquiring these from an ML500 shouldn't be too arduous a task.
Last edited by AL5461; May 14, 2026 at 06:03 AM.
Newbie
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
Ml350
Once they're vin coded they can't have a new vin applied.
The affected modules are the engine, ignition switch, trans ECU and shifter servo.
Using ALL your original to the car modules, it may well be possible to change the motor type on your car, either via the engine module or as a box tick in the CGW module. Try the CGW first and see if it runs. I have changed to tune on an ML280cdi to that of the higher output 350 using this method so it's more than hypothetical, although all the V6 diesels share the same basic 3.0 V6. Obviously you pick up an extra two cylinders, but the overall sensor array should be similar between the 350 and 500 so it just needs to know it's a V8 instead of a V6 and if the new engine comes with the intake and the MAF then it shouldn't be too upset.
You do need Xentry/DAS to access the modules.
Another consideration is that the prop shafts, engine mounts and gearbox mounts may be different as the engine is longer and may end up in a different position. Acquiring these from an ML500 shouldn't be too arduous a task.
The affected modules are the engine, ignition switch, trans ECU and shifter servo.
Using ALL your original to the car modules, it may well be possible to change the motor type on your car, either via the engine module or as a box tick in the CGW module. Try the CGW first and see if it runs. I have changed to tune on an ML280cdi to that of the higher output 350 using this method so it's more than hypothetical, although all the V6 diesels share the same basic 3.0 V6. Obviously you pick up an extra two cylinders, but the overall sensor array should be similar between the 350 and 500 so it just needs to know it's a V8 instead of a V6 and if the new engine comes with the intake and the MAF then it shouldn't be too upset.
You do need Xentry/DAS to access the modules.
Another consideration is that the prop shafts, engine mounts and gearbox mounts may be different as the engine is longer and may end up in a different position. Acquiring these from an ML500 shouldn't be too arduous a task.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 568
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W221 S500
HELLO, i got finaly the comple engine 5.5l ml500 w164 m273 from 2011,with all accessories, harness, ignition, engine mounts and ECU,all original coming with engine, but not the start key, i have the ml350 2008 key .Transmission shafts and front diff,are same interchangeable. Gearbox and back SAM from ml350 also. You think can work? Find the all comple engine, ECU and mounts with 3k$ shipped, 120k miles. Not original key. Normally can match with Gearbox ,small modifications in the front for radiator and fan,i think. I don't know if start with ml350 2008 key. Thanks
You need to use your 272 ECU and tell the car it now has a 273 fitted. Otherwise you need to replace EVERYTHING I listed previously with ALL the components from the donor.
If the key, ignition, engine ECU, shifter motor and trans ECU don't match, the car will never start. They can not be made to match unless you replace with new, (a new crate v6 from MB would be cheaper), or get all the ECUs and full harness from the donor.
The only potential solution is to tick the box in the engine ECU and central gateway ECU to tell the car it is a V8. This will not affect the vin coding that the security system relies on. A tick box and software update should get it running.
Before you do anything, take a Sharpie and write 3.5 on the original engine ECU and 5.5 on the one that came with the new engine. Do the same thing on the wiring plugs that connect to the ECU. One will be a body harness and the other will be for the engine side of things.
Once they are labeled, compare the 3.5 ECU to the 5.5 one. Same with the plugs. The V8 harness will have at least 4 more wires for the extra coil packs and injectors. As long as the 3.5 ECU pins match the 5.5 ECU pins, software should be all that separates the 3.5 ECU from the 5.5 wiring.
Where are you located?
Last edited by AL5461; May 14, 2026 at 04:33 PM.
Newbie
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
Ml350
It won't work.
You need to use your 272 ECU and tell the car it now has a 273 fitted. Otherwise you need to replace EVERYTHING I listed previously with ALL the components from the donor.
If the key, ignition, engine ECU, shifter motor and trans ECU don't match, the car will never start. They can not be made to match unless you replace with new, (a new crate v6 from MB would be cheaper), or get all the ECUs and full harness from the donor.
The only potential solution is to tick the box in the engine ECU and central gateway ECU to tell the car it is a V8. This will not affect the vin coding that the security system relies on. A tick box and software update should get it running.
Before you do anything, take a Sharpie and write 3.5 on the original engine ECU and 5.5 on the one that came with the new engine. Do the same thing on the wiring plugs that connect to the ECU. One will be a body harness and the other will be for the engine side of things.
Once they are labeled, compare the 3.5 ECU to the 5.5 one. Same with the plugs. The V8 harness will have at least 4 more wires for the extra coil packs and injectors. As long as the 3.5 ECU pins match the 5.5 ECU pins, software should be all that separates the 3.5 ECU from the 5.5 wiring.
Where are you located?
You need to use your 272 ECU and tell the car it now has a 273 fitted. Otherwise you need to replace EVERYTHING I listed previously with ALL the components from the donor.
If the key, ignition, engine ECU, shifter motor and trans ECU don't match, the car will never start. They can not be made to match unless you replace with new, (a new crate v6 from MB would be cheaper), or get all the ECUs and full harness from the donor.
The only potential solution is to tick the box in the engine ECU and central gateway ECU to tell the car it is a V8. This will not affect the vin coding that the security system relies on. A tick box and software update should get it running.
Before you do anything, take a Sharpie and write 3.5 on the original engine ECU and 5.5 on the one that came with the new engine. Do the same thing on the wiring plugs that connect to the ECU. One will be a body harness and the other will be for the engine side of things.
Once they are labeled, compare the 3.5 ECU to the 5.5 one. Same with the plugs. The V8 harness will have at least 4 more wires for the extra coil packs and injectors. As long as the 3.5 ECU pins match the 5.5 ECU pins, software should be all that separates the 3.5 ECU from the 5.5 wiring.
Where are you located?
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
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W221 S500
Newbie
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 11
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Ml350
Last edited by Ddae; May 15, 2026 at 06:01 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 568
Likes: 196
W221 S500
Thanks, very much. I will write you here when the engine arrives, maybe you can help me with ticking those electronics, I have a professional only mercedes scanner tool with all software updates which i use for codes and déclare wheel sizes, and Air matic suspension levels and at what speed to came down automatically the suspension level. Is a very pro tool only for mercedes ml,sprinter and maybach. You think with this tool i can tell the car's electronics now she runs a v8?We see then....Thanks very much, bro. You think is possible pins port not same? It looks the same in photos. Ml350w164 ECU 2008, ml500 v8 engine, and harness 2011. Ecu port looks same from photos. 1longer 1shorter for each ECU. Good day bro
