I am trying to find a nice E320 wagon and intend to get more hp out of it. It would be easier if I could get a wagon with a v8 already in to, but it appears mercedes never made them with a v8. I need the space of the wagon.
I know I can get the motor/trans from a 500sl for around 4-6k depending on condition, but how hard is it to get the v8 in there? I know mercedes did it on the 500e, but were there major changes to get it in there.
I suppose I could get a the 4.3 v8 instead of the 5.0, would that be an easier transplant?
Thanks!

I have done a search on www.cars.com for all mercedes wagons. There were over 500 cars, and the only v8 wagons were the new ones at 40-50k. New one is not an option. My wife will freak if I tell here I am buying a Z06 and a new mercedes.
If I can get a front clip for E420 or a 500E, shouldn't the parts swap out? Trans, engine, ecu's, wiring, fuel pump or regulator, etc?
The big thing I am worried about is the structure of the front end. Did the shock towers sheetmetal change location(ie wider to take a wider v8 motor)? Is the engine cradle different, or just the motor mounts? Is the trans externally the same size or does the trans tunnel have to be hammered out or cut out and custom welded?
thanks

thing i have a clue about is the engines. if the 500 engine is a single cam and the 420 is a single cam engine i think you will find that they are pretty much the same dimensions. the 500 engine out of an sl may have different manifolds since that chassis is different from the e class.

good luck on an interesting project.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

the best approach is to start with two complete cars so you can swap everything over.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Structurally, 6-cylinder W124s differ from V8 W124s significantly. The obvious differences are:
- firewall
- lower frame rails
- transmission tunnel

I think the best way to accomplish your goal is to attach the entire front clip of a V8 model onto your wagon. I too would love to do this but so far, the cost to do it outweighs my desire for one!

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Glen Tokuhara
Beauty & the Beast and the wagon that could!

They did in fact build a C43 estate model in the UK. It might be easier and cheaper to import one and convert it to LHD, as LHD C-class assemblies are easy to find.

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'96 C280 (gone)
'97 C36
'05 C230k

I'm thinking the best solution is to just purchase a BMW 540i touring and be done with it.

- JimY

If the power of the 6 cyl is not enough, how about an aftermarket turbo charger?

driven the stock 320? i think they are pretty quick.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Turbo may work. Who makes turbo kits for e320's?