What would it take to install a post 96 drivetrain

[alabbasi]

I'm just wondering if anyone has thought about the amount of effort needed to install a post 96 drivetrain with OBD2, coil packs, and a 722.6 into a 500E or 400E. I'm obviously most interested in the 722.6 but the ignition system also seems like a pretty good upgrade too.

 

[gsxr]

This has been discussed before. It's not easy, but possible. Potentially the biggest hurdles are getting around the DAS (Drive Authorization System) but there was a guy on PeachParts who did it (with an M120, IIRC); and then swapping in the late version ASR pump assuming you want to retain ASR.

Or you can use full standalone ECU + TCU but that comes with a completely difference set of challenges.

There's a reason why you see so few of these conversions completed and running well...

 

[motto123]

I have put a 722.6 with Ole controller into a 560SEC and I believe it was very straight forward. It took me less than two days to do the wiring for the controller - install, connect to ABS sensor and throttle position sensor. Getting the wires through the firewall was the hardest. I installed the Ole controller on top of the airbag module (the ashtray is not functional anymore). Configuring the Ole controller is pretty straight forward and I got the car to run well in half a day. Initial set-up is simple. You calibrate the throttle position and driving speed, adjust the overall shift hardness, and set the throttle position % for downshift, select your type of engine and decide when you what the torque converter to lock. I might have forgotten something, and there is certainly more, but with this you will be in a great position already, and the driving improvement is very obvious. You don't have to shorten the drive shaft either.
I got my transmission from Sun Valley Transmissions in LA, even though I live in Florida as they were recommended a lot; Marc is great and the transmission is top notch and pricing is very fair. For the M119, it is a direct fit as far as I know. For the M117, Marc puts in an extra pin / bolt.
Again, to me this is a great improvement and you can even paddle-shift the transmission if you like. If I buy another car with a 4-speed auto, I will do it again.

 

[Stevester 500E]

I'm just wondering if anyone has thought about the amount of effort needed to install a post 96 drivetrain with OBD2, coil packs, and a 722.6 into a 500E or 400E. I'm obviously most interested in the 722.6 but the ignition system also seems like a pretty good upgrade too.

Thought about it for a fleeting moment. But only a thought, as this is way out of my mechanical ability comfort zone.

Why did it even cross my mind?
Not be cause of the transmission, but the desire to have a distributor -less drivetrain.

 

[alabbasi]

Only because I was struggling to find a pre 96 donor engine. It's not a problem anymore as I found a running driving 500SEL.

 

[DLL]

I have put a 722.6 with Ole controller into a 560SEC and I believe it was very straight forward. It took me less than two days to do the wiring for the controller - install, connect to ABS sensor and throttle position sensor. Getting the wires through the firewall was the hardest. I installed the Ole controller on top of the airbag module (the ashtray is not functional anymore). Configuring the Ole controller is pretty straight forward and I got the car to run well in half a day. Initial set-up is simple. You calibrate the throttle position and driving speed, adjust the overall shift hardness, and set the throttle position % for downshift, select your type of engine and decide when you what the torque converter to lock. I might have forgotten something, and there is certainly more, but with this you will be in a great position already, and the driving improvement is very obvious. You don't have to shorten the drive shaft either.
I got my transmission from Sun Valley Transmissions in LA, even though I live in Florida as they were recommended a lot; Marc is great and the transmission is top notch and pricing is very fair. For the M119, it is a direct fit as far as I know. For the M117, Marc puts in an extra pin / bolt.
Again, to me this is a great improvement and you can even paddle-shift the transmission if you like. If I buy another car with a 4-speed auto, I will do it again.

This interests me, a lot!
(I'm completely happy with the distributor engine in my E420).
The transmission however, I would love to have the 5th gear overdrive (especially when I do the 2:82 500E diff change.)
I took a look through Ole's website.

ofgear.dk

If I understand it correctly, he supplies a full replacement wiring harness for the transmission? (Or do you also need the OEM one to adapt?)
There is a 1997 W210 E420 M119 being parted out near me, I'm very tempted to grab the transmission.
What else would I need?
Is the W210 shifter adaptable in this case to the W124?
TIA

 

[Alphasud40]

I’m doing a 722.6 conversion in my 88 300CE and my plan was to publish my journey after I get it installed and sorted. I made the decision to use the PCS controller instead of OFgear. The PCS controller has a harness that plugs into the transmission and uses a factory TCM for the shift logic which I hope to be more polished than the OF setup.

Ideally you want a 722.6 transmission post 2002 which received all the upgrades and swap bell housings from the earlier unit in the parts car. As far as overall length it is also possible to use the stock driveshaft but people have said you want to install the driveshaft as you install the transmission because the 722.6 unit is about a 1/2” longer. As far as the shifter use a R129 shifter from a 96-02 car and it will have the same mounting configuration.

 

[DLL]

I’m doing a 722.6 conversion in my 88 300CE and my plan was to publish my journey after I get it installed and sorted. I made the decision to use the PCS controller instead of OFgear. The PCS controller has a harness that plugs into the transmission and uses a factory TCM for the shift logic which I hope to be more polished than the OF setup.

Ideally you want a 722.6 transmission post 2002 which received all the upgrades and swap bell housings from the earlier unit in the parts car. As far as overall length it is also possible to use the stock driveshaft but people have said you want to install the driveshaft as you install the transmission because the 722.6 unit is about a 1/2” longer. As far as the shifter use a R129 shifter from a 96-02 car and it will have the same mounting configuration.

Thanks for the info, that's interesting!
Keep us posted

 

[motto123]

Ole's kit is complete. The wiring to the transmission is included with the connector to the transmission fully wired.
I would also buy the adapter for the transmission mount from Ole. It bolts right into place and uses the old transmission rubber mount, which is a better design than the one for the 722.6.
What you have to do is the following:
- Wire from one of the front wheel ABS sensors to the controller - connect to the wiring harness from Ole.
- Wire from the TPS to the controller - connect to the wiring harness from Ole
- Reverse light switch wiring - you need to buy the connector and pins that connect to the gear lever - these to wires need to be wired to a plug underneath the steering wheel close to the center tunnel - need to take the carpet off.
- Starter lockout - I simply bridged the 2 pins in the connector under the steering wheel mentioned above - always starts now - you can do the lockout as well
- Wire from controller to speedo - see Ole's webpage - there is a third connector and pins (to the controller) in the kit that you can use.
- Gear lever - there are multiple options - look at Ole's site. It will have to be moved a little in comparison to the old one. You have to open up or move the hole in the tunnel a little bit. Mount the shifter when the transmission is out!!!!!
- You need new transmission oil cooling lines and the tube for the dipstick.
- I would buy a re-manufactured transmission from Sun Valley Transmission and tell them that you will use it with an Ole controller, and what car so that you get the correct flange. Their transmission is great (no commercial interest). I am very happy with what I got from them. They take the 4-speed. Sooner or later, you will have to do it anyway. I guess this is personnel preference.
- Drive shaft - no need for any modifications to the drive shaft!!
I believe that this is all.
Any questions, please let me know.

 

[DLL]

Ole's kit is complete. The wiring to the transmission is included with the connector to the transmission fully wired.
I would also buy the adapter for the transmission mount from Ole. It bolts right into place and uses the old transmission rubber mount, which is a better design than the one for the 722.6.
What you have to do is the following:
- Wire from one of the front wheel ABS sensors to the controller - connect to the wiring harness from Ole.
- Wire from the TPS to the controller - connect to the wiring harness from Ole
- Reverse light switch wiring - you need to buy the connector and pins that connect to the gear lever - these to wires need to be wired to a plug underneath the steering wheel close to the center tunnel - need to take the carpet off.
- Starter lockout - I simply bridged the 2 pins in the connector under the steering wheel mentioned above - always starts now - you can do the lockout as well
- Wire from controller to speedo - see Ole's webpage - there is a third connector and pins (to the controller) in the kit that you can use.
- Gear lever - there are multiple options - look at Ole's site. It will have to be moved a little in comparison to the old one. You have to open up or move the hole in the tunnel a little bit. Mount the shifter when the transmission is out!!!!!
- You need new transmission oil cooling lines and the tube for the dipstick.
- I would buy a re-manufactured transmission from Sun Valley Transmission and tell them that you will use it with an Ole controller, and what car so that you get the correct flange. Their transmission is great (no commercial interest). I am very happy with what I got from them. They take the 4-speed. Sooner or later, you will have to do it anyway. I guess this is personnel preference.
- Drive shaft - no need for any modifications to the drive shaft!!
I believe that this is all.
Any questions, please let me know.

That's useful info, thanks.
I'm very much in the preliminary stages of planning this, gathering info, then start parts hunting

 

[DLL]

I’m doing a 722.6 conversion in my 88 300CE and my plan was to publish my journey after I get it installed and sorted. I made the decision to use the PCS controller instead of OFgear. The PCS controller has a harness that plugs into the transmission and uses a factory TCM for the shift logic which I hope to be more polished than the OF setup.

Ideally you want a 722.6 transmission post 2002 which received all the upgrades and swap bell housings from the earlier unit in the parts car. As far as overall length it is also possible to use the stock driveshaft but people have said you want to install the driveshaft as you install the transmission because the 722.6 unit is about a 1/2” longer. As far as the shifter use a R129 shifter from a 96-02 car and it will have the same mounting configuration.

Do you have a link for the PCS controller?

 

[Alphasud40]

Here you go. I ordered mine from this company.

PCS – Sound German Automotive

 

[DLL]

Here you go. I ordered mine from this company.

PCS – Sound German Automotive

Awesome, thanks.
As fate would have it, last week the Transmission in my E420 developed serious issues, so looking into all of this more seriously now.