W164 ML500 engine change or upgrade

[Goletiani]

I wonder if it's possible to fit my ML500 with AMG engine? Has anyone upgraded ML before?

To remove this ad, register today or login if you already are registered!

[Vernl]

Originally Posted by Goletiani

I wonder if it's possible to fit my ML500 with AMG engine? Has anyone upgraded ML before?

This a a very invloved swap.As with anything MB ..it can be done as long as you throw enough cash at it.First...the AMG motor is outrageously expensive... Consider things such as engine/ trans computer,air intakes. bellhousing, perhaps new mounts for all...exhaust and O2 sensors...drivshafts...and the list goes on.If you got an estimate for the work , I think you would find its waaaaaay cheaper to trade yours in on a few yr old AMG. And also one that is modded to that extent would never have a warranty and so any issues would continue to chew away at your bank acct.Also might be next to impossible to sell when you got tired of it or it used up all your cash. Having said all that, if you proceed with it, keep us allposted.

[roadrutz]

$10,000 plus installation and you could get almost the same performance with an HPS supercharger.

[lkchris]

I'd figure $10k for installation and maybe $30k for the engine.

[sosh]

Just buy a new ML63 and you will be way ahead of the game.

[roadrutz]

Originally Posted by lkchris

I'd figure $10k for installation and maybe $30k for the engine.

I can't speak for the durability of the Mercedes engine, although I would suspect it is just as overbuilt as the BMW V8, but I had a supercharger on my BMW for six years with absolutely no negative effect on the engine whatever. As long as it is a good kit that avoids running the engine lean, the chances of it damaging the engine are minimal. Mine was an ESS kit. The owner of ESS used to brag that they had never blown a BMW engine, even when running 12 psi. Mine was 6 psi; it took power from 285 HP to just over 400. I don't know anything about HPS kits for the Mercedes V8, but they appear to be well engineered. If the OP wants to know more about supercharging Mercedes engines, he should contact Hans, the owner of ESS in Norway. They used to sell kits for Mercedes but I see they no longer do. Maybe they had problems, maybe the kits just didn't sell well.

[ouroboros]

How much do these ESS or HPS kits go for? I reckon my 5.5 isn't working hard enough either! 380 hp from 5.5 l isn't that much these days...

Are there any MB configs from other MB Cars (like the S or E class) where the proper MB kompressors are bolted onto the same 5.5 in the 550?

Originally Posted by roadrutz

I can't speak for the durability of the Mercedes engine, although I would suspect it is just as overbuilt as the BMW V8, but I had a supercharger on my BMW for six years with absolutely no negative effect on the engine whatever. As long as it is a good kit that avoids running the engine lean, the chances of it damaging the engine are minimal. Mine was an ESS kit. The owner of ESS used to brag that they had never blown a BMW engine, even when running 12 psi. Mine was 6 psi; it took power from 285 HP to just over 400. I don't know anything about HPS kits for the Mercedes V8, but they appear to be well engineered. If the OP wants to know more about supercharging Mercedes engines, he should contact Hans, the owner of ESS in Norway. They used to sell kits for Mercedes but I see they no longer do. Maybe they had problems, maybe the kits just didn't sell well.