tompoeschel

Hi all,

So I've been having this crazy idea recently, and would like some input. I have an '04 E55 sedan, and have really enjoyed the car. However, I've always really wanted an E55 wagon. As we all know, the prices on these cars are quite high. Here's where the crazy part comes in - would there be any major hurdles in purchasing a W211 E500 4matic wagon and converting it to an E55 wagon using my E55 as a donor? I don't just want to do an M113K swap; I'm thinking remove the E500 drivetrain and subframes and replacing them with the E55 components.

The reason I would choose an E500 over a 320/350 is:
1) the interiors are higher quality than the E320/350
2) the E500 had factory air suspension, so wiring and air lines would already be run
3) the E500 had more of the factory options similar to the E55 than the 320/350 (bi-xenon lights, heated seats, power lift gate, etc)

Looking at pictures, it seems like the hard body mounting points of the E55 and E500 subframes are identical, even though the subframe itself is different. Obviously the exhaust would be different on the AMG, and the fuel pump would be different too - but the wagon and sedan use the same AMG part number, so that could just be swapped.

What do you guys think? Obviously it will take a lot of time to do this, but what major hurdles that I'm not thinking about would be in the way?

Thanks!

mrmotoguzzi00

Hey if you like projects, go for it... unfortunately i have no technical help for ya, hopefully one of the guys with access to factory manuals and parts list may get intrigued and give ya some guidance....

Richbot

This is (relatively) common in the BMW world - basically body-swapping a non-M wagon body onto an M3 or M5 sedan's running gear. On the BMW's you also have the complication of rear fender flares to deal with, but IIRC the AMG's didn't start getting any rear flares until much later on beyond the W211 soooo I say go for it. With the benz you at least have the advantage of a car that was actually sold as a factory hot-rod stateside, the BMW people have to DIY some of it to get things to fit right

Considering the latest sales prices of nice AMG S211 wagons, you can just about buy an E55 and an E500 wag for the price of one E55/63 wagon soooo you'll definitely make a huge profit lol

tompoeschel

Thanks for the words of confidence guys! Seeing as it still wouldn't be a "real" AMG (i.e. VIN not an E55 wagon), I don't think it would sell for much money, However, the goal of this build isn't to sell a car or make money - it's just to have a fast wagon (:

mrmotoguzzi00

I hear ya, always wanted a fast wagon.... but i needed to tow so it ended up being a fast suv

tlambert

There is member here that did a M113K swap to a 4matic wagon.

tompoeschel

I saw that - but I believe he just swapped the motor and that's it. I'm looking to do a full conversion (i.e. replace the subframes and drivetrain to make RWD).

fazxs

a 4Matic E55 wagon, WOW! that will be one interesting car. Keep your spirits up, sure it is possible on what you plan to do.

This has been successfully attempted by German tuners by using the base car as a 4Matic 500/550 and doing the required surgery to give birth to a 4Matic E55. Cost..don't ask.

dblock110

wouldn't that be zero profit

tompoeschel

Yes it would be lol. Definitely wouldn't be doing this build with the intent of making money. I'd most definitely lose money, if anything.