Hey All,

I've got an '02 C320 wagon. Great little car. I've lowered it (H&R Cup Kit), C32 front calipers, clear headlights, funnel wheels, quad exhaust, and Eurocharged tune.

I want to step up the fun factor now. I've thought about transplanting a C32 motor in it, but was told by a shop who has done this before, that it would be in excess of $15k (and this did not include the donor car). Then I saw someone on MBWorld that said they did it for less than $2k. Anyone have thoughts on this and how involved this would be? Also, keep in mind that I'm in CA, so this would have to have CARB blessing. But then I thought, would someone doing a smog check on this really know if the motor was a transplant?

Second option is to swap the automatic transmission for a 6 speed manual. The Eurocharged tune helped with the shifting speed, but it still lags tremendously. The manual would provide a much more stirring experience.

Lastly, has anyone installed a later model steering wheel with paddle shifters to work with the slush box (automatic)? I was also thinking that a cheap and relatively easy mod would be to be able to use the buttons on the existing steering wheel to shift...has anyone done this?

Thanks in advance.

Henry

What does a C32 motor have that yours does not?

If you do everything that you want, $ 15 K is a possibility, just a motor swap might be possible for $ 2 k.

Try posting this in the Performance section of this list.

Do you mean a C36 motor? That is the higher output AMG version.

Also, for the cost and complexity I bet you could just buy a C36 for less. In fact I bet you could get an E55 for less!

__________________
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'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

It has a supercharger and another 100+ HP.

The quote for $15k was just for the motor swap...labor only.

Thanks, I'll post this in the Performance section.

No. I have a W203. The C36 is the AMG V6 version with about 250hp. The C32 is the AMG supercharged V6 with about 350hp. This is the same basic motor as mine (3.2 liter) with forced induction.

One thing you haven't considered is the Drive Authorization System. If you find a donor car you'll need the EIS and keys. The new engine ECU won't work with your current EIS.....

Yep, I know...a lot has to be transferred.