Plans may have changed. I am seriously considering a V8 swap.

I mentioned the M113 V8 swap to a buddy of mine at work and he had just been to a local wrecking yard yesterday and took pictures of an ML55 AMG (he's a Benz nut). He swiped all the badges and the cluster and they are running a Christmas special, the complete engine from intake to oil pan for $250. I'm heading out there tomorrow to pull the spark plugs to check condition, and to roll the engine over by hand a few times. I may pick it up and tuck it away in the shop.

I have also been reading Lantanas V8 swap thread. It doesn't seem like anything is especially difficult or expensive for that matter, a local shop that I clean injectors for has the MB Star setup and the owner said he would be willing to help me out.

We also get our IAM signing bonus at work this January..... so I will certainly have the funds.

Funny, I've put just about 1000 miles on the XF since purchase, haven't had it a month yet, haven't even made my first payment, it still has the temporary registration, and I have just about convinced myself to do a V8 swap. The car is really fun to drive, and it is a shame they didn't get a V8 from the factory. It really needs that extra oomph!!

Jared