Engine, how hard.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Sydney
2014 ML63
, you have proven that theory wrong.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
'14 ML BT
You wonder why people scoff?
Based on your description, I don't know whether you want to swap an engine or replace body panels.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 2
From: Diamond Bar & Anaheim, CA
2003 C-Class Sportcoupe
You will need to swap EVERYTHING in the E63 to the other car chassis. Differences between RHD and LHD are minor. Only thing different between RHD and LHD is the dipstick location and the starter location. So you will need to lengthen the wiring harness for the starter and ECU and bend the dipstick tube to the other side. I have a RHD motor in my 2003 LHD CL203 Coupe, so it's been done before.
In regards to cost, labor will be the most expensive, but nobody works for free, especially on an AMG. In regards to the ECU programming, it shouldn't be an issue if you swap all the electronics (EVERYTHING). Don't count on a dealer to help you. They are in the business of selling cars, not doing custom swaps. Find a tech who will work off hours and pay him to do the work.
In regards to cost, labor will be the most expensive, but nobody works for free, especially on an AMG. In regards to the ECU programming, it shouldn't be an issue if you swap all the electronics (EVERYTHING). Don't count on a dealer to help you. They are in the business of selling cars, not doing custom swaps. Find a tech who will work off hours and pay him to do the work.
Last edited by pshek; Sep 6, 2007 at 05:29 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
Just cause the cat is different is no need to call him names. Let's call him out and see how this goes. If it is real, it would be kind of interesting and not too much more far fetched than what a few other Aussies have been up to. No need to put the smack down on someone just because they do it differently.
That said, GOOD LUCK!! The electronics will be by far the most complicated. Why gut the entire car? Why not just swap out motors and use the ECU off the original E class? That way, you could also dump airmatic and go to coilovers. It is all in the ECU.
Last thing, I hope the chassis you are using is also an '07 or newer, or you may have a few issues with the brakes.
That said, GOOD LUCK!! The electronics will be by far the most complicated. Why gut the entire car? Why not just swap out motors and use the ECU off the original E class? That way, you could also dump airmatic and go to coilovers. It is all in the ECU.
Last thing, I hope the chassis you are using is also an '07 or newer, or you may have a few issues with the brakes.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Sydney
2014 ML63
You will need to swap EVERYTHING in the E63 to the other car chassis. Differences between RHD and LHD are minor. Only thing different between RHD and LHD is the dipstick location and the starter location. So you will need to lengthen the wiring harness for the starter and ECU and bend the dipstick tube to the other side. I have a RHD motor in my 2003 LHD CL203 Coupe, so it's been done before.
In regards to cost, labor will be the most expensive, but nobody works for free, especially on an AMG. In regards to the ECU programming, it shouldn't be an issue if you swap all the electronics (EVERYTHING). Don't count on a dealer to help you. They are in the business of selling cars, not doing custom swaps. Find a tech who will work off hours and pay him to do the work.
In regards to cost, labor will be the most expensive, but nobody works for free, especially on an AMG. In regards to the ECU programming, it shouldn't be an issue if you swap all the electronics (EVERYTHING). Don't count on a dealer to help you. They are in the business of selling cars, not doing custom swaps. Find a tech who will work off hours and pay him to do the work.
Thats good news about only the starter & dipstick being different. As for labour i'll be doing most of this myself, 90 % of it should be a basic straight swap. With the electrics i plan on removing the lot, iv'e seen with the cars iv'e playd with before that every modle has the slightest differences that can cause big dramas. If i get everything swapped over myself im hopeing that i can take it down to a dealer and have them flash load the ecu with the correct software. Shouldn't be to hard to find a tech who wants to earn a bit of cash outside of work, i mean who doesn't like cash.
Thanks mate
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
Without seeing a complete wiring diagram for both models i'll be switching out all wiring looms as with the falcons iv'e done there have been minor differences between 6cyl & v8 models & even differences between the same spec car just auto-manual that have caused the car to either not run or go into limp mode (safety feature). How much controll is there over the factory ecu with tuning software, will the 6 cyl ecu support a v8 engine. Can you change the ignition & fuel tables.
Iv'e noticed in the last 2 days alot of guys don't the like airmatic setup, this isn't intended to be a performance car by any means just a nice cruiser. How much height adjustablilty is there with this setup, also can anyone point me to a link that explains how it works.
Iv'e noticed in the last 2 days alot of guys don't the like airmatic setup, this isn't intended to be a performance car by any means just a nice cruiser. How much height adjustablilty is there with this setup, also can anyone point me to a link that explains how it works.
In your case, you may like airmatic. I personally love it. It raises about 2 inches when you hit the raise button. On the settings button, there are three positions. Comfort (standard), Sport I (slightly stiffer and a bit lower), Sport II (stiffest and lowest). You can find great diagrams on the site (http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/).
If you stay with swaping everything over, make sure the new chassis is good for all the parts. Worst case, you may have to fabricate some connect points.
Super Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 566
Likes: 21
From: Australia
03 E55 AMG
I've worked on Holdens & Fords as well but these cars are completely different in respect to detail and electronics. Most of the electronics and communications work via an optic serial bus which has changed specs from 03 to current.
For instance, you will need to use a Star Diagnosis system to deflate the airmatic before removing it to the donor car or the air bag will explode in your face. Then you will need to inflate and calibrate the leveling in the new car with star as there is no other way.
Any module that is removed or replaced must be registered on the bus via the Star and the list go's on...
I would consider purchasing the STAR system and adding it to the budget before proceeding because MB wouldn't give two rats about what your doing and they may even try to finically rape you too. Have you seen yet how much the spares cost here? ****in joke! that's why I import all my stuff from overseas.
This seem like a real cool and viable project and i hope it all go's well!
Anyway mate It can be done! but it's tricky.
For instance, you will need to use a Star Diagnosis system to deflate the airmatic before removing it to the donor car or the air bag will explode in your face. Then you will need to inflate and calibrate the leveling in the new car with star as there is no other way.
Any module that is removed or replaced must be registered on the bus via the Star and the list go's on...
I would consider purchasing the STAR system and adding it to the budget before proceeding because MB wouldn't give two rats about what your doing and they may even try to finically rape you too. Have you seen yet how much the spares cost here? ****in joke! that's why I import all my stuff from overseas.
This seem like a real cool and viable project and i hope it all go's well!
Anyway mate It can be done! but it's tricky.
