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  #1  
Old 06-22-2017, 10:40 AM
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OM642 transplant

Hey Everyone, random question here...my ML got totaled by a deer the other day and I was thinking how cool it would be to transplant the OM642 into a 70's SE, SEL, etc. Maybe even a 60's fintail...

Has anyone ever considered or done anything similar?

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2008 ML320 CDI 32k "Waiting for a name"
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  #2  
Old 06-22-2017, 12:20 PM
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I haven't heard of such a swap. I can't give you any specific guidance but the issues you should research would be along the line of

1- Will it fit? Certain things like steering linkage, steering box, fender well, crossmembers can pose serious challenges, not to mention hood clearance (aesthetics....hood scoops and bulges are generally frowned on)

2- Computer. The engine and transmission are likely computer controlled, as are countless other systems within the car....like the key. Sensors like wheel speed may need to be somehow grafted on to provide expected inputs.

3- Smog. May or may not be an issue, but should be determined in advance

4- Weight. May need suspension upgrades to handle

If you decide to proceed, you should also research stand alone controllers for both engine and transmission. The SuperTurboDiesel Forum has some great information on these relatively new developments.

Do your homework - my thread on putting a diesel in an SL has good general information, as do the threads on swaps into S-10, Studebaker Coupe Express, Toyota Pickup etc. These are all comparatively trivial swaps, but good info nonetheless. Definitely read Roncallo's V12 swap thread over on BenzWorld.

If my experience is any indicator you'll probably have a year or two of research and a couple months worth of fabrication and installation....probably spread over 5 years ET.

Finally, make sure you've got the space, tools, money, patience, perseverance, motivation and spousal support for the project.

Good luck!

An alternative might be to sell the 642 and pick up a 606 instead....a far simpler swap.


Notice: There is no suggestion in any of the above of "it can't be done" (as I received many times in my project), rather just issues to research. And finally, remember, given enough money and time, anything is possible!
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  #3  
Old 06-22-2017, 01:30 PM
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The immediate puzzle in my mind is swapping in a RWD transmission - the cost of one and getting the control modules to communicate. Maybe a stick is easier.

Does the W164 body come off the frame as it seems the W163 body will? Then you can drop a W110 or W108 body on it if the wheelbases align. It'll be a lot of work to not make it look like an AMC Eagle.

Sixto
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  #4  
Old 06-23-2017, 02:57 PM
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+1 on selling the 642 and picking up a 606. The computer integration required to get the 642 engine to even turn over would be mind boggling. Everything on this vehicle is networked and serialized together and you would not be able to get the engine to run.

The 606.912 or .962 can be easily converted to manual control with a manually controlled IP. Likewise the 722.6 transmission can be controlled with an aftermarket unit.

I think you can forget about the OM642 and 722.9 operating standalone like that.

Sixto: the W164 is a unibody. The W163 is body on frame.
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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
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2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech
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  #5  
Old 06-23-2017, 03:07 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2017
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I would guess you'd have to migrate all the electronics and possibly entire drivetrain. I'm not sure if the computer monitors the AWD system since it's all time AWD but it may since it has all the little off road features.

I would guess that selling your drivetrain and getting a different setup would be the best approach.
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  #6  
Old 06-23-2017, 07:30 PM
jay_bob's Avatar
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To the OP:

How bad is the damage? This car is worth about +/- $12.5k. Any chance of buying it back and fixing it?

__________________
The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech
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