W202 C180 engine swap

[d_m_b]

Hi, about a month ago I purchased a 1996 C180 manual at first it seemed to be a solid car, passing it's MOT and easily coping with my initial low mileage.

However last Friday on the way to Cornwall it catastrophically overheated and now I have a cracked head. I have been presented with various options one of which being to just scrap the car. I am reluctant to do this as the body and the rest of the car are still in good condition, so another option is an engine swap.

What I would like to know is whether the 2.0L or the 2.2L would fit in the C180, and does anybody have experience of this situation.

Thanks
Doug

 

[Grahamcol]

Sorry to hear of your woes. I think you'll find that the ECU (and maybe other parts) is coded to that particular engine. However, I'm sure a like for like replacement should be made to work, maybe also the upgrade to 2 litre. There should be plenty of used engines available since these cars seem to die largely through rust. If you've got one with a good body (as I have too) then maybe best to keep it and do the swap. Others will be along to advise more fully.

 

[jaymanek]

Those are fairly easy swaps as you are sticking to a 4 cylinder, but id want a donor car as some of the wiring may be different.

 

[d_m_b]

Thank you for the swift responses guys

 

[brucemillar]

FYI: I just had to replace the engine on my wife's C240 after one of the big ends escaped out through the side of the block.

Drondfields were absolutely great. Engine sourced and checked against VIN number etc, shipped out for next day delivery. They also did me a great deal on the price and were prepared to have a haggle.

Good luck.

 

[BTB 500]

Be aware that insurance etc. will be more tricky if you put a different engine in.

A 'modified' C180 with a 220 engine will cost more to insure than a C220 - likely that many mainstream companies won't even give you a quote.

 

[Grahamcol]

Yes, the other thing is that the larger W202 4 cylinder engines still don't give that much performance in my view, certainly the C200 is still no ball of fire. Might just be better to swap like for like. If you want a lot more power look for a C280. I have a C280 V6 as well as a C200. There's quite a difference !

 

[BTB 500]

Yes, the other thing is that the larger W202 4 cylinder engines still don't give that much performance in my view, certainly the C200 is still no ball of fire.

The only W202 I've driven is the C200, and although it was a nice enough car it felt pretty slow compared to our 1.9 TDi auto Audi A4 (similar age and mileage).

 

[V12]

Personally if the car is worth it, then the C230k is the engine to go for...but as jay says, you want a donor car if you are changing. The other 3 options are all underpowered IMO

The C180/C200/C220 is almost identical externally and as long as you get one from the same year as yours then you'll be fine.

 

[d_m_b]

Cheers guys, taking costs and insurance into consideration its probably going to be a 1.8, I'll be sure to update when I get started

Doug