davesays

My apologies for the super long post, long time forum lurker. This is the place to go to get experience the easy way, I have enough of the other kind. I am extremely mechanically inclined but don't know Mercedes. This is either the best or worst idea ever, or both.

Wife and I want an all wheel drive turbo station wagon (+points for diesel). Unsatisfied after looking at everything else (and starting to be into MB and esp. diesel). Gwagons are too much. Wondering, what if I took a 4matic wagon and a salvage MB Diesel the same vintage and swapped the engine and everything else into the wagon?

Starting with two complete running/driving cars, most probably:
05/06 E320 or E350 4matic wagon
05/06 E320 CDI sedan

If I have the keys for the CDI will the DAS and ECU let it start?
Does the engine ECU control the trans?
Will the engine bolt up to the trans? (both 5sp auto)
Will the 4matic take the torque (will I have to reprogram the shiftpoints)?
Will the harness in the wagon mate to the diesel ECU and/or how bad will that be to deal with? (diesel harness back to the AAM)
Is there a better year combo for these to get it to work?

I appreciate everyone's time and input, thank you!

Dave

mrbobby

Wow what a job this will be. Unfortunately I can't help with any of your technical questions but just wanted to say you have some "big gonads" to attempt such a project. Good luck with your project.