My CL500 ‘07 VERY Broken Engine - Transplant Project?

[CL500er]

Hi Everyone,

Great to be a part of this community; my first post on the forum. So, Just bought a 74k mile CL500 (m273) 5.5l from auction and within 4 weeks the engine went ‘bang’ when accelerating onto a motorway. Took it to my friendly local Indy who found that the Conrod went through the engine. So what do you all think my best option is? I am open to ideas but think the only option is a new engine..thoughts so far:

1. Like for like - Buy used engine off eBay for 2k ish and get it transplanted by my local garage?
1b. As above but have a go DIY?
2. Sell the car as-is, cut my losses?
3. Create a unique (hacked) CL and replace the 5.5L with 3.2l diesel or 3.5L petrol?
4. Buy a donor car (cat c or similar) and use it for the engine?

Any guidance is really appreciated. This is a truly amazing car when it works :0

 

[LostKiwi]

Hi and welcome. Sorry to hear of your bad luck with the engine.

I would vote for 1 or 1b.
I would definitely not recommend 3. Not only will it create a Frankencar but its a technological nightmare.

 

[CL500er]

if I have access to a garage with ramp and tools, how easy would it be to do a diy job?

 

[LostKiwi]

Not impossible. The big thing you'll need is an engine hoist. You'll need to regas the AC after so that makes it worth removing all the front end stuff (radiator, condenser etc) to get more space.

 

[CL500er]

Thanks, is it worth doing any ‘easy’ maintenance with the engine out of the car? Plugs etc?

 

[Ken_R]

Engine hoists can be hired.

With big jobs such as yours, it may well be worth updating your profile with your location. That way, if anyone lives nearby 'with knowledge'/equipment, you may get better responses.

 

[LostKiwi]

Definitely worth changing plugs etc as you don't know when they were last done. Same with filters and oil.

 

[CL500er]

Hi, thanks, just updated my profile.. I am based in the NW, in Merseyside..

 

[CL500er]

Looks like the best option may be to wait for another ‘problem’ car to come onto the market and buy it for the engine only.. why would the conrod smash through the engine block though?

 

[LostKiwi]

Conrods can exit for many reasons.
Previous damage from an hydrauliced seizure (flooded road, headgasket etc). Faulty rod, faulty bearing, faulty big end bolt, over revving, poor workmanship (if it was ever apart), poor lubrication of gudgeon pin etc. It's just guessing as to what caused it.

 

[Craiglxviii]

I’m with LK. Engine change is a 9-10hr job AIUI. Do all the usual things. Plugs, belts, filters and fluids while you’re at it. An M273 is not impossible to source, try and get one with known provenance if at all poss.

 

[LostKiwi]

There are a few on fleabag right now. Ignoring the overpriced german one they're about £2800-3000.

 

[alexanderfoti]

1b for me!

If you take your time and approach it in steps, it's not too bad.

 

[Wighty]

I'm just hoping you can post loads of pics as you progress . I can't offer any technical advice but plenty of moral support .

 

[John Laidlaw]

1b ish.....that said maybe you can do a ‘deal’ with your Indy ?

 

[Craiglxviii]

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/f...-the-unicorn-of-my-destruction/110824/page50/

This may give you some inspiration...

 

[Oldspanners]

I think getting a reconditioned or re-manufactured engine with a guarantee is the way to go if the car is really worth all the time, money and effort of replacing it. That way you still have the option to fit it yourself and have the confidence that it will run reliably and not end up with a unit that requires more parts and attention when you get back on the road.
As always it's a question of risk and how much it costs to minimise, how much work you are prepared or capable of doing and how soon you need it back on the road.
Good luck whatever your choice.

 

[Botus]

buy another car with a mint engine and everything else gone pop.... should be a choice of virtually every other 2007 or earlier car for about £200

knowing what I know now, I would set fire to it (not an insurance job) and enjoy the moment reflecting on the extreme angst, stress and multiple thousands of pounds you have just saved yourself from... and probably buy a bicycle (with suspension), with our roads and congestion it'll get you around faster

 

[om613]

Prob too late a model for you?
A spares CL like this one, if you've the time and space, is a handy and valuable thing to have.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes...753901?hash=item4b42c4ff6d:g:BaoAAOSwsxJa60zI

 

[LostKiwi]

I think the OP has a 216 CL whereas that's a 215. His will be an M273 engine whereas that's an M113.