S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

W220 Is V12na2TT possible?

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Old Mar 9, 2018 | 04:59 AM
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W220 s600
W220 Is V12na2TT possible?

Hi all,

I am new to Mercedes Benz.

looking to take ownership of a 2001 s600 that runs really rough, but I can get it really cheap ($2-2500) and I am considering swapping out the pre-facelift headers with twin turbo headers to give it 6psi of boost after fixing the ignition issue. Or timing issue of that's what it turns out to be.

any advice on things to maintenance/ improve while I'm working on it? I haven't found a good description for engine removal, yet.

I have experience swapping turbo parts into non-turbo variants (1984 300zx na2T), and working through a plethora of maintenance items on my 2001 740iL. What new things should I expect with MB?

I haven't been this excited since buying my first car years ago, proceeding to slide it into a ravine 1 week later.


- Jay Wye

Last edited by jy1235689; Mar 9, 2018 at 05:00 AM. Reason: Make title relevant
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Old Mar 9, 2018 | 08:18 AM
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First suggestion - Do some research on here and on benzworld on buying SDS (the computerized diagnostic system for all Mercedes Benz vehicles). It isn't that you want one, or that you need one, but that you must have one to go to the level of ownership that you plan. You will need a C3 (hooks to a Dell D630 or D830 laptop with a serial cable) or a C4 (hooks up wirelessly) or a C5 (the latest). These systems are Chinese clones of the $15,000 dealer system...
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Old Mar 9, 2018 | 11:15 AM
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Anything is possible !! But its going be a lot of cheaper if you start with a 2003 and up S600 ! I have seen a lot of 2003 and up S600 for sale around $4k-$6k.
I am pretty sure if you start with a V12 NA S600, you are going to spend more than $2-4k to finish the project that's not include labor. The rough running may cause by
the two ignition coil bank on each 6 cylinder, it will cause you $1k each if you are doing yourself. Also 2003 and up W220 has a lot improvement than 00-02. I don't think
you will save money if you start with a V12 NA W220.
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Old Mar 9, 2018 | 04:58 PM
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W220 s600
good advice

Thanks for the advice!

This car is going to be a hobby sitting in the garage until complete, so labor ≈ $0 . I took Electrical engineering courses in college, I'll definitely be taking apart the coil packs and ignition voltage regulator to repair if possible (this is essentially what v12icpack.com does for $500 labor cost). I just am hoping that is the case and not fuel system related when I go check it out this Sunday. Owner says "it's not safe to drive" so It may be running on 1 bank.

I believe the stock tune should be ok for 6psi, but I will be definitely looking into those assets! The hardest part for me is finding a good program to visualize the fuel and timing maps.

It isn't just the price I'm after. The only other example of an s600 remotely nearby is another 2001 in running condition with the owner asking $8k. I know that when I saw a 2003 CL600 for $6k last year I would regret not getting it, because none of them are left to buy.

Why this is happening: Americans are prospering again and there is no more need to sell their collectables and luxuries to make ends meet.

Jay
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Old Mar 10, 2018 | 05:27 PM
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2009 E350 4M Avantgarde;mistress 2002 S600; wife 2014 C300 4M
don't make assumptions about the ignition system; you need an SDS system.
rough running could be anything else, e.g. 02 sensors and/or cat converters, crank case ventilatio, 6 cylinder shut down system, etc.
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Old Mar 10, 2018 | 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by kraut56
don't make assumptions about the ignition system; you need an SDS system.
rough running could be anything else, e.g. 02 sensors and/or cat converters, crank case ventilatio, 6 cylinder shut down system, etc.
thank you so much for pointing that out. I was planning on testing the spark before the star diagnostic system arrived to look into the actual codes.
I did keep all those in mind but didn't think of crank case ventilation until you said something.

looking at car tomorrow, wish me luck

Last edited by jy1235689; Mar 10, 2018 at 09:55 PM.
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Old Mar 10, 2018 | 09:59 PM
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Let me add:

I need to somehow check the WOT injector duty cycle before the swap

and

I'll have to put in a wideband o2 for each bank and get mechanics ears (alligator clip microphone) so I can watch out for leaning out / pinging before I even attempt the build.
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Old Mar 11, 2018 | 01:10 AM
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2001 S600 Lorinser Body Kit & W215 Front-End Conversion
I'd be with what wallyp and trustz said. It's probably not worth it. Even if you save on labor, you still won't saving much had you to start off with buying a 2003 and up model. You will go through alot of issues with getting the electrical system and computer to work properly and getting it tuned right if you end up getting to that stage. Mercedes are known to have insane amount of electrical components tied to their computer. And getting that SDS system, you're looking at at least $600 on that system. And that's a must.

But if you want to be the 'FIRST' to ever attempt to do such a swap and hopefully get some recognition for it, then I can see why not. In that case, here are some of my advice: Make sure you check the valve cover gaskets. They tend to leak in these models. Also the oil cooler, which is the worst problem this car can have(along with the hydraulic suspensions). But you probably won't know that till you get the car up and running. Possibly remove the intake manifold and inspect if there is any oil leak on the rear of the engine. I have an 01 S600 and I'm going to be replacing the oil cooler in a few weeks. It's the most excruciating and labor intensive job, at least in my book, which requires the removal of both heads. Hopefully your hydraulic suspension is doing alright. If not, expect to dish out some $$$ on that as well.
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Old Mar 11, 2018 | 02:46 PM
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A misfiring s600 NA isn't worth $2000-2500 only about $1000 so don't pay more than that

your first step would be getting it to run correctly on the NA setup , because if you can't do that then no point tryin to turbo it
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Old Mar 11, 2018 | 04:49 PM
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W220 s600
Originally Posted by tusabes
A misfiring s600 NA isn't worth $2000-2500 only about $1000 so don't pay more than that

your first step would be getting it to run correctly on the NA setup , because if you can't do that then no point tryin to turbo it
went to look at it today and it seems over my head even to get it running NA since it probably needs timing chain fixed. Does it still sound worth $1000?
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Old Mar 11, 2018 | 05:55 PM
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2001 S600 Lorinser Body Kit & W215 Front-End Conversion
Originally Posted by jy1235689
went to look at it today and it seems over my head even to get it running NA since it probably needs timing chain fixed. Does it still sound worth $1000?
Https://youtu.be/cJvYqunsu44
That's a horribly maintained S600. You're opening up a Pandoras box. Expect it to run next year, after you've ripped off your hair trying to troubleshoot all the electronics and sensors trying to get them to run fine altogether. Those sounds from the engine make it sound unhealthy. Who knows how the internals are and how long he's been running the car that way. I'd def say not worth $1k. You can find better running ones for even 2500. There is an 05 S600 in FL for $6k. You might be able to get it for $5k. Says coils were replaced. Might be a better investment without all the headaches if you got that amount. https://spacecoast.craigslist.org/ct...524181369.html
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Old Mar 11, 2018 | 06:42 PM
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W220 s600
Originally Posted by shooffnyc
You can find better running ones for even 2500. There is an 05 S600 in FL for $6k. You might be able to get it for $5k. Says coils were replaced. Might be a better investment without all the headaches if you got that amount. https://spacecoast.craigslist.org/ct...524181369.html
I'm in Minnesota and there isn't a v12 s600 on this part of the Midwest under $7k. The point of all this is to have a project that I can get at a deal, ave be rewarded at the end if I so choose to sell it or sell another car I own and drive it.

1 year sounds about right with a complete engine tear down.
and you're right about it being worth more in parts, which goes against my goals.

thanks for reality
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Old Mar 11, 2018 | 06:43 PM
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I would stay far away from that car

Especially after seeing all that rust on the doors

I wouldn't even take it for free

This car is not worth all the work you will be putting into it
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Old Mar 11, 2018 | 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by AlexMercedes
This car is not worth all the work you will be putting into it
I am tempted to offer $500 knowing he will turn it down. He wants 3 grand.

can I have some help finding a v12 project near me?
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Old Mar 11, 2018 | 08:05 PM
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Please stay far away from that car. The seller must be out of his mind. I would rather flush 3k down the toilet than buy that car.

If you're looking for a v12 project, I recommend you look for a 94-99 V12 Cl, Sl, or S class. They are much more simpler engines with no outrageous problems like coil pack misfires and they sound like Zonda engines when straight piped. They are far better cars mechanically and electronically and they also look better inside and out than the w220 era cars in my honest opinion. Just avoid the early models if you can, try to get 97-99 as they are the most reliable with no transmission or engine wiring harness problems.
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Old Mar 11, 2018 | 08:19 PM
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Forget about trying to find one close to you
they will all be junk . Find a CA or FL car where there are tons of luxury cars rust free

do What Alex just said
get a 97-99 600

no issues with the engine

here is one for $2999
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/1997-mercedes-s600-cleantitle/6508098289.html

or $2300
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/mercedes-benz-s600-v12/6526126716.html
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Old Mar 12, 2018 | 01:34 AM
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Thanks for the Craigslist links! I hope I can find a seller that is willing to go through a dealer to ship, or hold it until I can fly out.
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Old Mar 12, 2018 | 12:15 PM
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2001 S600 Lorinser Body Kit & W215 Front-End Conversion
Good that you passed that on. Just hang in there. There are good deals that will come through in time. It's all about finding one at the right time. There were few good ones that came out some time ago near you, well around Chicago. Few TT S600 for ~5K and even N/A S600 around 3K. I monitor all S600 that come on Craigslist nationwide so I'll look out for you if I come across a good deal near you. Also for shipping, use www.uship.com I've used them before and it was like $700 for about 1500 miles.
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Old Mar 12, 2018 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by shooffnyc
Good that you passed that on. Just hang in there. There are good deals that will come through in time. It's all about finding one at the right time. There were few good ones that came out some time ago near you, well around Chicago. Few TT S600 for ~5K and even N/A S600 around 3K. I monitor all S600 that come on Craigslist nationwide so I'll look out for you if I come across a good deal near you. Also for shipping, use www.uship.com I've used them before and it was like $700 for about 1500 miles.
thanks! Pm me if you find any. I found a 1989 SL600 in CA Craigslist but they won't return my emails. $2000
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