This Frankenstein Manual-Swapped V8 Mercedes GLK Hosts Parts From 6 Different Mercedes

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Sometimes we come across some cars that are an alluring risk; you know it will be trouble but you also know you just have to have it. This recent listing on Cars & Bids for a, let’s call it, a unique Mercedes, certainly fits that bill.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Is A Hot Compact SUV With A Fascinating Engine

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On the outside, this 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK looks fairly normal. The compact crossover was introduced in 2008 as an entry level model for people wanting something a bit bigger than a C-Class, but not a wagon, nor something as big as an ML. It was on sale for six years before it was replaced by the GLC.

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If you wanted performance but you wanted a GLK, you had to look elsewhere; Mercedes never made a high powered AMG version of the GLK. The owner of this particular GLK, however, took things into their own hands. If Mercedes won’t AMG you GLK, you’ve just got to do it yourself.

They started by removing the GLK’s standard 3.5-liter V6 and replacing it with a 5.5-liter V8 from a 2010 E550. Stock, the V8 engine made 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The automatic transmission was removed as well, in favor of a six-speed manual lifted from an ’08 C300.

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The mods didn’t stop there, which may or may not be a good thing. There’s no catalytic converter or exhaust resonator, so it is properly loud. The front brakes are Brembos from a W221 S-Class. The ECU from the E550 is also fitted to this beast. There’s also other, random mods that could have honestly been left off. The heated front seats are from a W-212 E-Class while the 17-inch wheels come from a CLA for some reason. The instrument cluster is also from a 2013 GLK, cause why not.

It’s not without flaws either. The description says the check engine light is on which is honestly customary for a Mercedes, but perhaps a bit troubling for one so cobbled together. There’s a hole in the wood trim on the dash, dents on the hood and oil stains on the headliner, among other things. There’s also just over 102,000 miles on it.

If you’re feeling brave driving around with all these different German luxury car parts in one vehicle, bidding currently sits at $6,600 with six days left on the auction.