Thinking of picking up an ML.. can a om606 fit it? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

duxthe1 · #1 06-01-2015, 01:24 AM

No chance it would fit without re-engineering the entire driveline. Even if you had infinite time and resources to actually pull it off, it'd still be a crappy old ML that wasn't worth an engine to start with.

CoyoteStarfish · #2 06-01-2015, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duxthe1

No chance it would fit without re-engineering the entire driveline. Even if you had infinite time and resources to actually pull it off, it'd still be a crappy old ML that wasn't worth an engine to start with.

Just out of curiosity... what about the driveline is so incompatible? Only thing I can I can really imagine is the front differential interfering with the engines oil pan.

-EDIT-
Meant half-shaft, not differential.

Skid Row Joe · #3 06-01-2015, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duxthe1

No chance it would fit without re-engineering the entire driveline. Even if you had infinite time and resources to actually pull it off, it'd still be a crappy old ML that wasn't worth an engine to start with.

Wondering? How many engine swaps have you done?

I did my first engine swap/install in my late 20s. It's not that big a deal. An I6, 5.9 NA Isuzu for a Dodge 440 c.i. V8. It mated-up perfectly with the existing Chrysler 727 AT transmission.

OP: it's doable, without a doubt.

CoyoteStarfish · #4 06-01-2015, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

OP: it's doable, without a doubt.

Oh, I am sure it doable. Its more a question, I guess, of how easy it can be done. If it's a plug and play swap and all I have to do is address engine and transmission management electronics and wire harnesses then cool beans.

On the otherhand, if I have to go modifying oilpans crossmembers or adjust the transmissions resting position then I would probably rather find something else to put my efforts into.

Skid Row Joe · #5 06-01-2015, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoyoteStarfish

Oh, I am sure it doable. Its more a question, I guess, of how easy it can be done. If it's a plug and play swap and all I have to do is address engine and transmission management electronics and wire harnesses then cool beans.

On the otherhand, if I have to go modifying oilpans crossmembers or adjust the transmissions resting position then I would probably rather find something else to put my efforts into.

My project was a breeze. But, I had some excellent advise to do it.

You're going to have to dig up the stats of tolerances of the respective models, before embarking on this potential project. I'm certain it's doable though. The ML is a fine vehicle, and the M606 is bulletproof. I owned one for 15 years. Once you get your stat and measurement numbers from the MB, go from there. Good luck on your project!

CoyoteStarfish · #6 06-01-2015, 02:32 AM

Skid Row Joe, thank you. Been looking online for dimensions on the OM606 but so far coming up dry. And if anyone out there has a picture of an ML without an engine in the bay I would really appreciate it.

Once upon a time I put a 6.2L diesel into an El Camino, and it seemed like smooth sailing until the engine was lowered in. Crossmember/oilpan interference, AC box no longer fit in its stock location, the rear firewall had to be deformed behind the passenger cylinder head because the stock engine mounts held the engine too far aft for that "little" engine bay, and if the engine/trans was any farther up it would need a custom driveshaft.

...been there, done that. Don't want complicated, lol.

Skid Row Joe · #7 06-01-2015, 02:47 AM

IIRC, later years of the ML either was available with the 3.2 liter I6 M648 or the V6 3.0 M642 turbodiesels. Unless your time is hobby time, and part of the challenge is doing it on-the-cheap, it might be more worthwhile shopping for one of those.

duxthe1 · #8 06-02-2015, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

Wondering? How many engine swaps have you done?

In 18 years as a mechanic... plenty. The 163 with a V8 doesnt have much room up front. Tack on another two cyls and the front of the motor would be well into the radiator in addition to the other issues already mentioned. If the op were to actually pursue the swap I'd guarantee what he ended up with would be worth even less than the sum of its parts. In this day and age 163s are crusher fodder as soon as repairs reach 4 digits.