The following section is an edited excerpt from the excellent MERCEDES-BENZ a collectors guide vol4 the 1980s by James Taylor. " In the two and a half years following the 1989 Frankfurt introductions two more new high-performance versions of the W124 appeared, both of them available in limited quantities with left-hand drive and using the big 4.2 and 5 litre V8 engines. The first of the W124 super-saloons the 500E was introduced at the Paris Show in October 1990, and under its bonnet was a high-torque version of the four-cam, 32-valve, 5-litre V8 from the 500SL sportscar. A four-speed automatic was the only transmission available.
The 326bhp V8 was, of course, the heart of the conversion,but there was very much more to it than that. For a start, the engine bay of the W124 had been designed to accept in-line fours and sixes, but was not wide enough to accept any of the big V8s. As a result, the whole front end of the car had to be re-engineered. There was also no room under the W 124's body for the twin catalysts which came with the engine, so the transmission tunnel had to widened to accomodate them. The floor pan and area above the rear axle were also strengthened and the w124 suspension replaced by essentially what was the suspension of the SL sports car. The later 400E had the smaller 4.2 litre 272 bhp engine. and shared the same engine bay mods without the widened tunnel of the 500E. The 500E bodies were modified by Porsche at Zuffenhausen before return to Sindelfingen later for painting and rustproofing." So far so good, this is all familiar stuff. But from time to time there are enquiries from budding drag racers about v8 engine transplants for the w124 series, saloons,coupes and convertibles. They always cite the 500e saying if they can put a V8 in one model why not the rest. Well I for one would like to know a bit more about these engine bay modifications.

WHAT EXACTLY WERE THE MODS TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT?
DID THEY GRAFT ON A 126 FRONT END?
DID THEY JUST CHOP BACK THE ENGINE MOUNTS TO THE CHASSIS RAILS?
DID THEY MODIFY THE FIREWALL?
ANYONE GOT A PHOTO OF AN 500E ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITH THE ENGINE OUT?
DID THEY USE THE SL FRONT SUBFRAME.
ANY EXPLODED DIAGRAMS FROM THE EPC FOR THE 500E AND 320/300E TO COMPARE.
I know from posts to this forum there are lots of V8 W124 Models in the USA so I am hoping to get a definitive answer and perhaps see a few photos.

No I'm not thinking of moding my e220 coupe The old girl would be too traumatised I,m just curious.

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Grober
Last of the ol 124s"

WHAT EXACTLY WERE THE MODS TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT?
I was hoping that someone out there might have a few photos of the engine compartment. Even a couple of shots of the front cross member from underneath without the shield might help. Maybe the next time someones under their car they might take a couple of snaps. Dont know if anyone has written the definitive article or chapter in a book on the e500 but would like to know if there is anything in print. thanks.

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Grober
Last of the ol 124s"

I have a little 124 wagon in need of a heart by pass. I have been offered a ....E55 AMG.... COMPLETE less panels and doors its a 2000 model non compressor. Only 65kms sweet running. I have had something to do with transplanting large engines into small bodies in the past and I am contemplating stuffing all that running gear into that 124, as many parts as possible inc. brakes, any queries...Paul