w124 e220 to 230k engine swap, (m111)

[sagesingh]

Hi to all,

i need some help with the theory behind this conversion.

Background:

i currently have a '96 E220 convertible, it has the m111 2.2 engine with 4speed auto box.

(on a side note it has: Jenhert install, exhaust system, wald bodykit, new wings, full paintjob/rust removal, minor engine work, remote engine start/uprated alarm, Bilstein b12 suspension, remote boot release, front fogs, and im sure a few other bits i forgot)

The aim

I want to change the engine for a m111 2.3L komp engine (post 2000) from possibly a clk or something similar. Then to this engine i will install the asp racing pulley kit, taking it to around 240bhp.

The issue

I was speaking about this conversion with the mechanic and he (and now i) are wondering whether the ecu (from the donor) will cause any immobilastion issues. We are in disagreement here, he thinks that the ecu will effectively immobilise the engine because it will require the key from the donor.

I dont think that it will cause a problem personally, but then again hes a professional with 20year with merc under his belt and im not really, lol.

I was assuming that i would only really have to have the engine, wiring loom, ecu.

Also would the 4sp autobox be ok for this setup? i understand that the 4sp box is stronger than the 5speed but will it be good enough.
also if i were to change it to the trip-tronic setup what would it involve.

Many thanks in advance,

ps. i will be posting pictures of both the cabriolet and the coupe soon.


i am also planning a uprated intercooler system and brakes off a larger merc. i have not looked into the brakes properly yet, want to get the power sorted first.

[bolide]

Lots of hard work. Why not put an M104 3.2 in there? Standard W124 engine, all bits are available over the counter or via a breaker

The M104 has more power and will be a much smoother, 6-pot engine. If you want to make it a little different fit the M104 with an aftermarket ECU and dump the factory loom & ECU

I suspect E320 brakes will be fine for whatever you want to do

Nick Froome
the independent Mercedes Estate specialists

[grober]

In the later compressor M111 2.3L engined cars the main engine ECU " talks " to the ignition key unit and possibly to the 5 speed autobox ECU. Without the presence of these units and their associated wiring I'm not sure the engine will run. There may well be ways of fooling the main engine ECU with suitable "dummy" inputs" but how exactly you would go about that I don't know. Your problem is that you are trying to mate up components from 2 different electronic generations of model. The engine will fit-- but that's about it sorry.

[sagesingh]

Grobber, i guess he was right then.

Nick: that was the original plan to be honest, the m104 coupled with a TT twin turbo kit when i can find one. The conversion itself would take place in a few months. just getting everything organised now so when i get the money i can start working again.

Assuming i do go down the m104 route, what would i need to swap

• engine
• ecu
• wiring
• radiator
• (brakes)
• tranny?

Is there anything else?

[bolide]

I would expect the diff to be a different ratio on the 320. The diff also varies with 4-speed / 5-speed auto. There are a few ratios to choose from so break out the calculator and work out what you want for rpm / mph for your usage

If you go for a TT setup you are into lots of work with fuelling, compression ratio, etc

Personally, if I were going to go to all this trouble I'd find a wrecked 500SL and build something unique

Nick Froome
the independent Mercedes Estate specialists

[sagesingh]

The cabriolet been in the family for over 10 years and it was my dads, so im not looking to change the actuall car, just improve the engine.

I was thinking putting about putting to 500 engine in it,but i just got new wings and suspension etc.. and if i get a 500 engine, it will need new wings, different front suspension and then respraying the wings, etc... and i dont really want to go through all that again.

The ecu, enigne, wiring, rad and tranny i could change over in 2-3 days. that is based of the fact that i just finished a volvo 2.4 turbo in 1day (that was complete engine swap, and tranny, turbo, rad, driveshafts, and wiring.) Im really not bothered about the amount of work, i enjoy it. and even if it takes a few weeks doesnt matter, because i got the volvo to drive around in.

With the TT setup, i understand i will have to change the fueling system (was looking at additional injectors and a stand alone fuel managemnt system), also will need to shorthen the conrods and alter the throttle body, might use forged pistons.

I know its alot of work but i think it will be worth it in the long run.

Does anybody know where i can get the TT kit from? anyone got one they want to sell??

[bolide]

The 500E wings are to cover the bigger wheels on that car. If you're happy to run a 320 Twin Turbo on standard wheels, why not a 500?

It'd be interesting to know the weight difference between an M104, M104 Twin Turbo and a 500 V8 engine. I suspect the 500 would be no heavier that a 320 TT and, because it has a shorter block, the weight would be further back in the car

The one disadvantage the 320 has over the 220 is that it's 100 Kg heavier - and all that extra weight sits ahead of the front axle line

The 500 has a stronger gearbox as well

Nick Froome
the independent Mercedes Estate specialists

[Niks]

This thread brings back memories! lol. If I wanted to create something different and unique, it'd be putting a M117 5.6 32v engine in there along with the gearbox and tranny. Not too many 124's left with that set up now.

Back to your dilemma, I'd put in a M104 3.6 L from an early donor C36 without the electronic mileage on the dash. Then you'll have 6 sweet cylinders pushing out 270 horses, plus it'll still look like a factory install.

[sagesingh]

Originally Posted by Niks

This thread brings back memories! lol. If I wanted to create something different and unique, it'd be putting a M117 5.6 32v engine in there along with the gearbox and tranny. Not too many 124's left with that set up now.

Back to your dilemma, I'd put in a M104 3.6 L from an early donor C36 without the electronic mileage on the dash. Then you'll have 6 sweet cylinders pushing out 270 horses, plus it'll still look like a factory install.

Was thinking about the c36 but then i thought if im going to make it a m104 then i might as well go all out and twin turbo it.

Nick: wont a 3.2TT be quicker than a 500?

[mattc]

Originally Posted by sagesingh

Nick: wont a 3.2TT be quicker than a 500?

slightly; maybe on a drag. In real world conditions the spooling up of 2 turbos might well be negated by the 'on tap' torque of the 500

[Charles Morgan]

The 500 would be a great relaxing engine with oodles of torque low down and a very nice rumble.

Far more in keeping with the car.

[Niks]

I think the 3.2TT will be as quick as a 500 (talking about a 500E here) from a standing start, but i think its after the 80mph mark, the 500E will leave the 3.2TT for dead.

[bolide]

Also, fairly high up in the "Things You Never Hear People Say" Top Ten is:

"I fitted a Twin Turbo kit to my 320 and it ran perfectly from the first turn of the key, never gave me a moments trouble, fuelling was spot-on and the original management system coped perfectly!"

Nick Froome
the independent Mercedes Estate specialists

[flanaia1]

A pre facelift 230k would be an easier option less sophisticated ECU so much more configurable. You won't manage 240bhp with the ASP pulley alone been there and done that one the best you can get with a pulley swap is about 231 bhp and then you have to upgrade the intercooler. My 230k has Brabus K1 tuning which consists upgraded pulley larger intercooler etc see HERE with a few other tasty mods you can just squeeze above 230 bhp, I then went into a performance head and bigger valves etc and now running around 270 ish bhp

Good luck with the conversion will be nice when done

[NW_Merc]

Originally Posted by flanaia1

A pre facelift 230k would be an easier option less sophisticated ECU so much more configurable. You won't manage 240bhp with the ASP pulley alone been there and done that one the best you can get with a pulley swap is about 231 bhp and then you have to upgrade the intercooler. My 230k has Brabus K1 tuning which consists upgraded pulley larger intercooler etc see HERE with a few other tasty mods you can just squeeze above 230 bhp, I then went into a performance head and bigger valves etc and now running around 270 ish bhp

Good luck with the conversion will be nice when done

Sorry, so as not to hijack this thread, could you PM me where you got your larger intercooler from as I'm going to need one for my turbo kit.