Hi I've read some of the older threads here and am still contemplating converting my S430 4matic to RWD. I've heard all of the advice about going out and just getting a RWD car or fixing my 4matics grinding noises. However, I'm not worried about the effort or the work as its part of my "car therapy" so to speak. I already tried just removing my front driveshaft and the car would barely move as all of the power was mechanically directed to the non-connected front side of the transfer case. The good news is I already have a spare 722.6 RWD transmission and the longer split rear driveshaft in my spare parts bin. I know ill need to remove both front axle shafts as well as the 4matic transmission, that's not a very big deal to me. My big question here is about the DAS coding and if it will be required for the transmission swap. I have the DAS system and can do the basics, but don't think I have the advanced ability to re-code components if needed. As a note, my current 4matic car is basically in Mint condition with just at 160K miles, engine runs like a champ, etc. But i have a loud grinding noise coming from the tranny or one of the 4Matic components. I've already replaced both front axles and bearings, flex disks, center driveshaft support, and within the last year as well, the fluids in the Front differential, and transfer case...none of these has even slightly changed the sound or feel of the grind. Transmission fluid is also relatively recent. I live in the south and rarely need 4matic (although this is my second car with that option). My plan is to swap the transmission with a RWD version, pull the front axles out, and either leave the front diff hanging there, or pull it as well, and leave the pass-through oil pan in place. the axle paths appear to be sealed from the engine.
Let me know your non-judgemental thoughts and any issues I may run into with the coding, if any. Thanks in advance.

 

These things have become so reasonable nowadays just go buy yourself a RWD 500 and save yourself a headache. Keep your eye open and you’ll find a great deal on one. They’re all over the place in the NE. Spend your car therapy on routine maintenance and fun mods.

- Joe

 

This is denfinetly the right advice

 

OP projects that get finished are the fun ones.

If you are dead set on doing this it may be worth contacting BenzNinja about the coding end of it.

As for the parts that bolt in... That is the easy part.

 

Please please please heed the advice of fixing your current car or selling/trading for the car you want.

This isn’t meant as an insult, truly. If you can’t figure out what is wrong without throwing parts at the situation you will never get some conversion like this correct

On top of the hard parts you listed, the entire front suspension is different. There will likely be differences in at least the rear shocks as well, possibly more in the rear. The coding will not only need to be changed in the TCU & suspension control unit but also the SAM units, instrument cluster, and probably the ECU

I know the temptation to have a car therapy project is strong but this is something that you likely will never see the bottom of. And besides, the reality of owning a 220 is an endless “car therapy” in itself