LS swap for MB? 

I have a 1990 Mercedes Benz 190e with a 5.3l small turbo with a 4L60 E and I did my Swap because Mercedes Benz engine Parts were hard to find plus they were ridiculous prices on parts I did an LS swap three years back and I’ve never been happier and it’s not about going faster it’s about having the power if I need it , and the parts are super affordable for an ls engine ,

If you don't want an LS swap don't do one. I can't even imagine what it must be like to get angry over what someone else chooses to do with their own property.

You're hilarious. Cheap, reliable, efficient means LS. Aftermarket support means LS. Going to any auto parts store for what you need means LS. Keeping them on the road is important. Originality is great. But you can have a much better driving car with a more modern drive train and an LS is the most affordable way to do so.

AMG putting a 5.5 v8 in a car that had a 4 cylinder isn't what I would call tuning the engine that's in there.

It’s the reliability of the LS from the OG motor and parts, easy to fix and 1000’s of in expensive parts. Thats why I’m doing it.

29 year old here. Totally agree. Second owner of a surgically clean w123 and I go out of my way to keep it stock and the tradition of keeping it well maintained.

I love the cls500 and 550. They have just plummeted in value due to the repair costs for the engine and trans. I considered an ls not for the power aspect but as an economical way to keep one of these great looking cars on the road for an affordable price.

The big calling to a LS is you can actually build them, they have aftermarket support and are cheap. I am definitely thinking of it since rebuilding my om603 is expensive and hard to find parts, and with the proper suspension and break upgrades i don’t see the huge problem. Cheap power in the beautiful w124 chassis sounds like smiles to me!

I still dream of a 560SEC with a M113 AMG (5.4), a 722.6 transmission and braking to match...maybe even a M156. I don't think that swap would be a sacrilege or unintelligent...just plain bad-ass

at least here in jalisco mexico, its easier and cheaper get an ls and make it run if the car its broken, but a good running car its not good idea ls swap

RCR said it best: "On a long enough timeline, a car will get a LS engine.".

In an alternative universe, OM617A Swap into many vehicles because of the longevity of the engine and still strong performance

I am going to start installing Mercedes engines in Corvettes and Camaros...

Still not gonna stop me from putting a 383 sbc in my 240d w123 🦑

While I agree with the majority of your sentiments the main reason for the divergent engine building paths that the American & European took was primarily monetary driven and centered around fuel prices at the time. Historically speaking fuel prices have always been cheaper in the U.S. as opposed to Europe, so when an engineer from Chrysler or Ford, etc wanted more power they were easily able to grab a bigger set of pistons from off the shelf. Unfortunately, the engineer over in Europe didn’t stand a chance at competing in the gas guzzling game but rather had to reach for tuning tools instead. Back in the day when Mercedes did jump into the muscle car arena they came out the 6.9 & 6.3 SEL. I had a 6.9 for a brief time and when I started it up you could hear a great sucking sound coming from the gas tank, I couldn’t drive around the block without having to stop at a gas station first. The point is, you had two sides of the Atlantic dealing with different circumstances .

Im 27, love my 92 (same age as me :) ) 190e 2.6! Its my first benz, when i got it, i knew the quality was far and above other manufacturers, and i have told the wife, we are never going without a benz from here on, keeping my eye out for a diesel now...

I'm 61 and put a LS in a 1976 International Scout. 300 lbs lighter, fuel injection, reliable electronics, more power and also hard to find parts for old International engine. But I agree that a LS in a MB just ain't cricket. BTW I learned to drive in the South, we can drift.

Hi Pierre! I have to admit that I has no clue about this subject, yet after watching the video I share your thinking. I have restored two W123s in my life, one 250 and one 300D and owned two W201s 2.5L diesel non turbo when I lived in my hometown in Costa Rica. Mercedes Benzes in CR are not cheap to repair, yet those machines are so perfectly balanced and engineered a bold swap for a LS engine will ruin the whole car and the driving experience. I think if one feel the need for more power or speed then one needs to get a different car all together. I really enjoy watching your videos and apreciate all the information you share with us. Thank you so much!!

I'm into the idea of swapping bigger engines but so long as that engine is the same manufacture as the car itself. I like the idea of a v8 w123 so long as it's either the m116 or m117 v8 from an r107 or a 560 w126. You'll have more power but make it look like it looks factory. Even AMG made v8 swaps in w123s in the 80s and one particular black 500 TE was recently sold for 300k

I am all for originality .But a LS engine has awesome performance and great fuel economy . I would not put one in a rare Mercedes Benz like a W113 or W111 but a run of the mill 4 door hell yea !! Have you ever driven a 400 HP + LS powered car it is a blast . It cost less for a good low mileage LS Engine than a bunch of CIS fuel injection parts ???? . Like I said I am all for originality but reality is LS engine 's are sort of cool .

Pierre Hedary is the man born without a filter !!! That is why we all love his content. I can only imagine the handling and braking capabilities of a w201 with a LS V8. Imagine a horse race taking place on a frozen lake !!! 😂

Recently at my mechanics in Sydney Australia a guy drove in with a fantastic looking w201 190e which when new had been modified by AMG !! My heart pounded!! I couldn’t believe it ! Then he raised the hood and i thought i was going to faint. BUT UNDER THE HOOD WAS A WORKED LS ENGINE!!! ARRRHHHH!! This may be politically incorrect but i share my mechanics sentiment when he said that was like being picked up by a super model at a bar only to find out (s)he’s more hung than you!!! 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢

I put my signature under every word in this video! Thank you!!!

I have a 73 450SL and although it's my intention to keep it original there comes a point where collectors at my level can't afford to maintain/replace to factory standard. My car is a sweet beast, no corrosion and mostly original but it has 130,000 miles and will never be worth what it has in it. If the time comes to swap out the motor I will consider alternatives... It's not a rare car. I can't afford to be that precious, if that means I shouldn't own the Merc... Well I have words for that but lets keep this family friendly.

I’m considering an LS swap for my 115 and I’m 60 years old because I have no compression. I was lied to by the selling dealer that my car was running when I purchased it a month ago. Nobody seems to have any reasonable priced om115 rebuild parts. Help me keep my Mercedes a Mercedes and finds some reasonable priced rebuild parts! Thanks. I love what you’re doing.

LS SWAP:Best swap for any car.

every now and then I just like to come back to this video,l best motivation to do more engine swaps

So, where do I fit? My mercedes engine crapped out and I've been offered a spare LS by the owner of the shop I work at.

I think I am going to do it now, ls1 in my 123. Ford rear end. Merica!

I plan on putting a LS3 in a W1233 200D. I want to do it because I like it plus I like the LS engine

Don't hold back Pierre 🤣👍🤟

Your frankness is pure bliss.

6.2L LT1 V8 in my W140 400SE sounds pretty cool to me probably cheaper then doing a rebuild at 350 000 km

No brainer, Chevy V8 has been the most popular engine ever since the introduction of the ohv V8, aftermarket parts. Easy to buy parts, affordable pats. Stronger upgradable parts. The Chevy V8 has proven the test of time, we know it works. We know it's smart, we know that parts will be available off the shelf for a longer period of time. Alot of people depends on their car to get to work, they are not stupid. They don't muck around with complex engines that need parts ordered from Germany or Thailand

No the answer is realibility and parts are super cheaper.

It's not just about more power. If you're looking at spending 5 to $10,000 to put an engine in a car plus all the time it might make more sense to put an LS in it. The drive train is extremely well supported the electronics are super simple. It's not just about more power

I’m 25 year old and I got my first Mercedes at 19 And I agree keep it original and you will enjoy having your car. I just don’t like it when people turn an old Mercedes in to a hotrod at the end of the day you just fucking the car up

Nice Video !!We are an Mercedes Service & Tuning Company Since 1994 and we are swap Most the time the M156 (6.2L V8) in Old Daimler We are more Turboupgrading the Old Engines M111 M102 M103 M104 M112 M113 for People,We now the Old Mercedes Engines are very Stabil . The M111 (2.0L R4) Can handle Stock 300-350HP with turboupgrade. I Love the Old Mercedes Modells i'm owning 3 1. Mercedes S124 E36 T AMG (Only To Roadtrips to Mercedes Meetings) 2. 560SEC ( Only Summer ),Mercedes S210 E 240 T Modell Biturbo with 7 G tronic but only 367HP and 480NM because its Dailydriver.

Although I disagree with you on this one, I felt your pain man! There are benefits to a LS engine but I absolutely agree that not touching the suspension, brakes and structural integrity of a 30 years old vehicle is plain stupid.

Through the Mercedes-Benz Fanatics group Simone said that they want to put a a Honda engine in a 98 W202 for drifting. (Face palm) It took everything in me to hold back my feeling. I think he was a later Millennial or a Gen Z. I don't think is that bright. He thought his car had a switchblade Mercedes key.

¡Hi!,¿is late for the comment?,I don´t care... Okey,I´m 100% agree with you,Thanks a lot.I have a W108 280S. When he is ready,I´m going to cross the Route 40 - 5.194 kilometer. Thanks again.From Salta Argentina.

Devil's Advocate here. There are several valid reasons to swap in an American V8. If the original motor is seriously toast, you love driving the car, and it will cost a Zillion dollars to get the stock engine rebuilt/replaced. The LS swap might only be a half a Zillion dollars. (Go ahead, pay to have that lovely dry-sump M100 6.9 motor rebuilt correctly, or look at the price of a crate LS and some adapter plates. It is often an economic choice. And to say "Oh then you can't Afford a Mercedes" begins to sound a bit elitist.) Also, Mercedes themselves offered multiple engine choices on all of their modern chassis. You could get a W123 with a small 4cyl gas, several Diesel versions and a twincam straight 6. They recognized the advantage the chassis itself had and gave you power options. And then there is the great American tradition of putting a large, reliable, fully developed (wide range of parts available) power plant in a European chassis. Shelby A/C Cobra? Sunbeam Tiger? Bizzarrini GT? Jensen Intercepter? DeTomaso Pantera? I see no shame in powering a stunning chassis with the reliable, affordable, known quantity of an American V8. Yes, it would be wonderful if all old Mercedes could continue on with original authenticity. But there are many roll-up doors into the Temple of Car Enthusiasts. Not everyone who truly loves cars loves them in the same way. Alden

I personally love Mercedes Benz minus the powertrain.

So interesting when someone’s love and passion for antiquated technology gets crapped on and the defensive name calling starts.

Yep you are correct everything you said!

Im planning to put an LS3 into a V140. Poor mans AMG.

The ls swap is better for reliability very low maintenance and cheap parts that are easy to maintain

I have yet to see a prejudice that was not based in ignorance. Ad hominem remarks don't really advance the elimination of ignorance. Or is this "stirring up the base" as they say in politics these days? I can imagine situations where dropping an LS in a Mercedes would make perfect sense, assuming other upgrades were done as well. May I recommend the youtube channel JMSpeedshop!? Johan systematically has been dropping an M120 into a mid-eighties 190 for a year or two now. There's a swap I think you might cotton to.

intelligence among younger people? im 58 ive picked up a sweet W126 280SEL with a handfull of issues but i bought the car for under 3K ,i needed a fuel pump alternator the sls was totally flogged out the transmission slipped and the engine needed a thorough going through ,cost me 220 dollars for a set of coils and shockers so the sls got the boot ,the rest was a nightmare and outrageosly exspensive so i bought a complete wrecked car with a LS2 and within a couple of weekends its just a dream with near 380hp on tap ,have racked up near 80 thousand kms and its faultless ,best decision ive ever made

The idiots with LS swapped into an R107 are awestruck that nobody wants to purchase let alone look at the turds when the things are posted to craiglist. Your junkyard chebby engine does not make a classic roadster worth more than scrap value. You are not getting BaT lottery with that swap

THANK YOU

I bet Sr20 swap is bad too I am assuming

The LS Swap is the most unimaginative “upgrade” to cars that don’t need it.

I own a black on black 1983 r107 380sl with 82,000 miles originally owned by my father that got it from the dealer new when business was good up until 9/11 when the economy went down he needed some extra cash for the company and I didn't want to see this car leave the family so I purchased the car off him in my 20's and till this day I still own it and its still garage kept like he did and keeping it classy im now in my 30's and will never swap a ls into it. Its not fast but its made to be looked at and admired.

To add to my previous comment - I don't mind resto modding. It is another way to keep the old benzes on the road. One factor you might be missing is that the people who grew up with the cars from the 80s are now pushing 40s and have the means to create some really cool vehicles. The dumbass kids have no appreciation of the benzes from the 80s simply because they don't know them which keeps stupid butchered cars from ever being created (for the most part). Keep an open mind is all I am asking. A properly built 201 with a light aluminum v8, 6spd manual, it's great 5 link rear suspension and a very discreet body bracing to the addition of nicely done refreshed interior will be a killer ride.

I don't see anything wrong with installing a LS engine or a late model FI V8 engine in a R107,any S-class gas model,etc.if it's done right. It would have better fuel economy & more hp.😎

Although I understand the sentiment here, there may be financial reasons behind such a swap. I have a 73 C107, a used engine is not cheap and you have to consider you are buying a 40+ year old engine. Rebuilding the original is nowhere near cheap, so if all you can afford is an older small block Chevrolet engine why would you let your car sit? Sometimes practicality over rules sentiment.

I have to admit, there times when I got frustrated enough with the '74 280 that I pondered dropping a 350 in it. However my inner engineering purist kept preventing this from ever happening....

We want reliability! So 2jz or any of the Japanese engines is a good thing

Thanks god somebody said it already!!! Dont ever LS swap any german car!!! Thank you Pierre!!! You are amazing!!!

This has not aged well.. most who do engine swaps want more power, more reliability and most of us who love our car and are willing to put the time and money into an engine swap are willing to put the same time and money into making it stop and handle as well as it goes and looks..

So when the engine goes on a 2014 c250 (or other model around that year) would you recommend a repair, or a crate replacement, or short block. My mind was with reliability and parts cost on an LS1 and a compatible tranny if needed to match engine output.

When. Dodge Daimler split, it made it damn there impossible to find certain parts. Like fuse boxes. I'm not risking buying an ebay used engine relay fuse box for example. There was a few other parts that are hard to find......making the care value drop more than half. So why not have some fun with it. Not worth much now. Won't be worth more later. Might as well have fun with it. I'm referring to an x164 BTW. It'll get a lift so I don't run into the infamous bag pops. Pcv already got replaced, secondary air, manifold(plastic flap replacement wasn't enough. Oil catch again, oil cooler gaskets. Every hose? Radiator...and the list goes on wayyy on......

A good friend had a W114 and at one point the engine needed some repairs. He decided that the parts were too expensive and Mercedes was "over engineered needleslsy". His solution was to swap a hotted up Ford 302 SBF. After he accomplished the swap he took me for a ride in his hot rod Mercedes. It was a total disaster, every time he stomped on the gas the rear wheels would start jumping up and down like a bird flapping its wings. At some point he abandoned the Mercedes project pulled the Ford engine for a future project. The Mercedes was scrapped. Years later he asked me to find him a "roadster" which I did. A Jensen Healey in very nice shape, in good running condition. A couple of years later the Healey's Lotus engine head developed some problems with the studs. No problem he says I still have that Ford SBF sitting around I'll just drop it in the Healey. My friend spent many thousands of dollars in that project and it never ran right. A few years ago when he had to go to a nursing home for Alzheimer his wife offerd me the car and I politely refused. Moral of the story is if you are not happy with your car's performance sell it and get something faster.

When I was a kid my friend's dad had a MGA in a shed someone had put a small block GM V8 in. His dad said it was a piece of junk and the engineers had designed it for the 4 cylinder and anything else was a good way to make lawn decorations.

I just recently was introduced to a Mercedes w123. I really like the car a lot love the engineering! It is just beautiful. But if I had a car that was rusted out and the engine was blown I would put an LS in it. I don't get what's wrong with that and LS is a very serviceable engine

Oh my gosh. Hahahahaha this was great. I like to keep a Mercedes factory. The refinement of a Mercedes is beyond any other car I have encountered. Too funny Pierre I like this video a lot.

While I agree, I just ran across a LS swap and the individual couldn't keep the Bosh Jetronic system running. I have 3 ke-jet that I maintain, but it took me years and a little help from your channel to develop the skills nessasary.

LS swapping any car, or any engine swapping, is car like cruelty to me, not a fan of it.

I had a w114 250 with a ford 6 cylinder, it accelerated good but it was unrefined and vibrated too much. This put me off ever wanting anything to do with engine swaps unless it was something like a w126 motor into a w116. Plenty of jags were ruined too but the ones with original engine keep their value a lot better.

I like the video everybody has a opinion in the preservation of cars.Truthfully only people buying 80’s to early 00’s Germany cars are young people only to hot rod, drift or autocross them. I never heard a wealthy or retired person say let me buy a 190e to show off in Miami. Nope maybe s550 m6 hell a Bentley. Everybody love to hate the LS but it is what it is. What other motor can you build at a auto part store from a bare block all parts in store no shipping needed. Me personally I say resto-mod them make them funny again. Give old cars a new beginning. Leave the cos-evo’s 1 and 2 alone though. Just remember the greats whom placed American v8’s in imports and changed the game like Mr.Shelby R.I.P

1UZ ON W126 would be my next project

Pierre, I'm toying with the idea of installing an m120 v12 into a c107 SLC that I saved from the scrapper. Someone already removed the m117 450 motor and trans. Should I quickly seek counseling from a licensed therapist, or keep going on this? :)

This awesome!

You're hilarious, thoroughly entertained, rocking a w124 300d daily and as a package it's awesome, tweak one parameter and it'd upset the balance of the package. I'd love a manual mind for reasons of boredom!

I got a out of line question what the color wire that goes to each side of the ignition coil rats got to my wiring harness and I trying to get it fix I really hope you have an answer for me thanks Man

Ok, boomer

What if someone swaps an M119 into a W126 or an M113 in a W124?

trick to panning with a tripod is put a length of elastic on the handle and move it with that

But taking a perfectly good engine out of a car to put in Alice in it is a crime against humanity

I get the point of this. In my mind, if I was to LS swap a Mercedes, I’d make the car look as stock as possible on outside. Quiet as a mouse. It would be fast but stealth like. Not obnoxious. Id probably pick a car that may have a salvaged title, shoddy rust repair or the like. It would be simply for power, budget, and parts availability. I hate to see the muffler sticking out the fender, a hood scoop, or exhaust pipe coming up through the hood. Yuck. Tacky as Hulk Hogan at a monster truck race.

I'm not offended I do however think that you are a bit closed minded. I believe you are right about preserving the Mercedes people should never butcher a perfectly good Mercedes. But there are more than your way to successfully do things. That's possible

Well said sir!

im still putting a Ls1 in my 1957 220s

Swapping engine for reliable more than performance especially in hot countries 113° ~ 123°

This is a nasty comment. Great video, keep offending those that severely needs offended

What about putting in a Mercedes 5 liter V8 into a Mercedes 190E or even a 280CE or TE. Something like what AMG does. But you are right a LS swapped Mercedes doesn't sound that great or even a few dopes swapped out a Porsche 911 flat 6 and they put in a LS , I don't go for things like that.

I’m sorry but the 130hp 4 cyl in our 190e is inadequate to say the least. Due to the size of the engine bay and how overbuilt the w201chassis is, the compact design of an all aluminum pushrod v8 is the best option. The weight and balance change will be partially offset by a simple battery relocation. Brakes will be 400e spec. Unless, of course, you have a plan to tune the 2.3 to 350hp and remain as reliable and efficient as a stock LS.

I used to love Ford small blocks. I got into diesels and love my 82 300SD, l mean love it!! Now, l would rather swap to diesel, and l'm with you on ls swaps. It's to trendy for me, and l still love Ford. The C headed teksid 4.6 is an incredible engine from the 98 mark 8. I have one to use in a 73 Maverick.

How do you really feel, Pierre? Hahaha. I'm in your camp. If I was to swap a V8 into something, it would be a later AMG engine into a 201, 124, or 123. I don't see that happening anytime soon, lol. Keep up the good work, Rick

I for the most part feel you on this. The LS swap epidemic is to much. Like an ls swapped rx7 is a smaller c5 Corvette basically. I have a friend that loves the ls and small block ford engines as he works on them. But I darn near slapped him when he suggested plopping a BBC into my 560. Ok so the ls are alloy block and heads, strong, and tunable. Well the m117 is forged internals stock, 4 bolt mains stock, and alloy parts all stock. It's also an overhead cam motor vs a pushrod ( both are proven designs though) the attraction to an ls is parts availability and the fact you can order kits for forced induction. I want to supercharge my 560 badly but would be 20k to do it right. You can get a turbo kit for a Chevy for 800 bucks!!! The youth dont always have a ton of money but want to upgrade a car and get more power and such. In a way they are smart with going with the engine series that HAS the parts market and support. Try finding headers for a mercedes v8 or upgraded cams and a manual transmission for a 500 sec. That stuff is very very rare and costs a fortune when it pops up for sale. But to me I love that challenge as a 22 year old into old benz. I found tri y manifolds and I found a manual transmission for my 300 sel. The fun is modifying the car and keeping it Mercedes and looking period correct. And a well tuned m117 is a friken beast already and just the tri y manifolds should give the extra power I fell the car is missing vs a euro 500 or 560. Now to m117 swap a w201!!! Or a w123 ce with a euro 500. Keep it benz but have some fun.

I agree with you on the LS swap. I would like to know what your thoughts on doing a proper engine swap in a w123 with an m117. I'm not talking about a hack job, but done properly to the same level the factory would do.

How about 2jz none turbo for more reliability due to lack of spare parts like jetronic ect..

what about a m120 swap into an r107? I am getting a nice m120 eng this week

Degradation of intelligence? Or is it resourcefulness and wiseness beyond their years? Lol. Pierre, I assume I'm roughly your age but I've dumped LS engines in all sorts of things and I'm considering it in my W116 if my engine troubles continue. Why? More power, in-stock parts on every corner, less than 14000 vacuum hoses under the hood, no smog pump, is sooooooo much more energy efficient, is soooooooo much cleaner to run, is sooooooooo much easier to run. And the best part? It's just fun to do the work and I can enjoy the car in a couple weeks instead of messing around indefinitely trying to get this dang thing started and idling for once, then on to the next expensive problem, and the next expensive problem, and the next expensive problem. You purists are fine and are absolutely welcome to enjoy your car and its peculiarities, let's call them. And you "brand purists" are fine, too, and are my favorites, actually, lol. Put a modern Mercedes engine into an old Mercedes? Impossible task, impossibly expensive, still impossibly underpowered, underefficient, underavailable parts, etc. But more power to you! Let's all enjoy them our way!

Just came to the comment to watch the arguments 😂

I agree, even though AMG was started by stuffing larger engines into a smaller chassis. What are your thoughts on oem+ modifications?

I considered an LS swap in my 380SL but it’s not an easy swap at all. I’ll stick with the stock engine and get it running properly.

Ls swap the car if it is more economical? Why would i break the bank buying parts for a 25 year old s class, while i can just get a 5.3 or 6.0 and have parts readily available?

For clarity, AMG hasn't always relied on tuning alone, at least not in the last 20 years. As an example, while my 2005 SLK350 has a 3.5 liter V6, the AMG SLK55 version has a 5.5 liter V8. And, although I'm in my 70's, I can see two other reasons someone might consider putting a more modern power train in an older Mercedes: reliability and parts availability.