380SL Engine Swap
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Modified 1987 190E 2.3-16
380SL Engine Swap
Hello all.
I have a US spec 1984 MY 380SL (R107.045) w/ a tired M116.962.
I have acquired an M117.961 out of a Euro spec 1982 MY W126.036 500SE.
I've read up on the M116/M117 swap and am aware of the parts swapping that is needed (oil pan, oil filter housing, oil pickup screen, motor mounts, and exhaust manifolds). I am also aware that the 1981 - 1985 MY engines _should_ be pretty close in terms of FI and engine mgmt. However, i discovered that the ECUs of the two cars are physically different.
Here is my question:
Can I use the M116 ECU to run the M117?
I tried to look up the ECU part numbers for the respective models to see if there was ANY crossover, but I couldn't even find where in the parts catalogue the ECU is specified. (I'm using ilcats.ru)
I know that one option is to swap the connectors by cutting and splicing, but I would prefer not to do so. And the W126 ECU appears to have more contact pins, and I assume more wires, than the connector that is native to my M116.
Does anyone have any insight on this?
Thanks in advance for your time!
I have a US spec 1984 MY 380SL (R107.045) w/ a tired M116.962.
I have acquired an M117.961 out of a Euro spec 1982 MY W126.036 500SE.
I've read up on the M116/M117 swap and am aware of the parts swapping that is needed (oil pan, oil filter housing, oil pickup screen, motor mounts, and exhaust manifolds). I am also aware that the 1981 - 1985 MY engines _should_ be pretty close in terms of FI and engine mgmt. However, i discovered that the ECUs of the two cars are physically different.
Here is my question:
Can I use the M116 ECU to run the M117?
I tried to look up the ECU part numbers for the respective models to see if there was ANY crossover, but I couldn't even find where in the parts catalogue the ECU is specified. (I'm using ilcats.ru)
I know that one option is to swap the connectors by cutting and splicing, but I would prefer not to do so. And the W126 ECU appears to have more contact pins, and I assume more wires, than the connector that is native to my M116.
Does anyone have any insight on this?
Thanks in advance for your time!
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I do not have any insight on this but I would think that outside of electronics, an engine is an engine, meaning your ECU should work. We are talking about older technology and not direct injection. This discussion may be helpful: Engine Manual question M117 and M116 major differences - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum
