Sort of a fantasy question, does anyone know if a V8 with a dry sump conversion will fit in to a 4matic, I don't need the full 322hp but something more than 168 would be quite nice. Will the existing gearbox mount up?

I'm assuming I'll need the sump conversion because of the front driveline.

Thanks in advance.

There were a great many other modifications done to the W124 chassis to fit the M119 V8's. Most of those modifications are not practically retrofittable. That is why you don't see W124 cabrio V8's as well... The amount of headache and funds needed to do the V8 (if even possible) would outweigh trading up to a newer/more powerful car several times over. You could try a supercharger or twin-turbo kit for the I6 though. You can also bore/stroke the M103 up to 3.6 liters for some more power. If your current engine is getting a bit "tired" you may want to consider a performance rebuild to 3.6 liters by one of the tuners. Fill out a Brabus inquiry and see what they might have available for you.

Hope this helps...Lee

just a quick follow up.

What about the 3.2 motor, is it the same block, will it mate up to the transmission? if not, will the 3.2 head fit on the 300e?
Thanks in advance

The M103.983 (3.0 SOHC) and the M104.992 (3.2 DOHC) I would think would be interchangeable by physical space. The trick would be retrofitting all the electronics that go along with the M104.992 (3.2 DOHC) motor. But that is far more do-able than a V8 swap. The 3.2's are also much more common than the M119 V8's. If Benzmac still has the C36 motor and tranny for sale that might be an option for you to consider. You'd have to talk to Benzmac or the other techs regarding the finer points of the swap. Another option to throw into the mix...swapping the M104.980 (3.0 DOHC) onto the M103.983 block or a swap of those two engines all-together. You will want to talk to Benzmac or another tech regarding the fine points of such a swap (and if Benzmac still has the C36 engine/tranny for sale)

Just an idea...Lee

Lee,

As you mention about the C36 engine/tranny. It would fit in a 300SE/S320, I suppose?? Also, you mention that 500E/E500 can't do the tranny swap(W124s never have a electrical tranny before, don't they??), how about W140s? The newer W140s have electrical tranny, and I don't suppose MB will re-design the area where the trannies are. So, is it possible that electric tranny be fitted in my car(of course not yet, but in the future when the tranny needs rebuild and/or replace)...

Happy Motoring...
Andy Kuo
400SE

great, Thanks for all the help, I'll see if I can find a tuner here in the UK and see what the availibility of dohc, 3.0 or 3.2 motors and electronics are.

If any thing happens, I'll tell you all about it.

Russ
90 300e 4matic

Good luck Russ...glad we could be of help.

Akry,
The electronic 5-speed will not retrofit into the W124's. It should be a do-able conversion for the W140's except that the electronics that are needed for the 5-speed are incompadible with your current engine management system. You'd be better off selling yours and buying a newer model for the cost of re-engineering. If you are going to put the C36 engine in anything I'd put it back in a W202 (C-class) or a 190E (W201). Have seen pics of a C36 motor in a 16v that made for a real midget musclecar.

Hope this helps...Lee

Russla...

Whereabouts in the UK are you?? If you find a tuner, let me know!

Germany isnt that far from here though!

Brian




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Brian Drought
1991 300CE
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drought/
ICQ: 2180069

I'm in Berkshire, and I've found a local rep for Carlsson Autotechnik, who can do 3.6 and other engine mods for the 103 inline 6
here is the link to Carlsson, http://www.carlsson.de/indexdswf.html
(i got this link from tirerack)
and here are the details of their local UK rep.

I'm still investigating if there are other local to me MB tuners.

Russ

Here are the details of the Carlsson rep.

Birds (UK) LTD
Premier House, Bridge Works
Iver Lane, Uxbridge
GB-Middlesex UB8 2JF
Tel: 01895 81 08 50
Fax: 01895 23 71 71


Russ
Russla@hotmail.com

Cool, I'll give them a ring when funds permit...

I work in Borehamwood & live in Milton Keynes, so not a million miles away!!

Cheers,

Brian




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Brian Drought
1991 300CE
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drought/
ICQ: 2180069