ISO W201 Manual Swap Parts
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 38
Likes: 4
From: IL
1989 190E 2.6
ISO W201 Manual Swap Parts
Hey guys! I'm in the market for parts to manual swap my '89 2.6 190E. I hope to swap a 717.435 5spd (original 5spd in the 2.6) into my car but I'm having trouble finding all parts necessary in one place. I'd rather not pay a bunch of different shipping costs so I thought I would see if anyone here had any spare parts for sale that I could grab 
A dude near me is selling a full 717.435 trans with clutch and flywheel, along with the required driveshaft. I'm also going to buy a new slave cylinder rather than a used one since they're cheap.
So far, it looks like I'll need:
Pedal cluster
Shifter assembly
Shifter linkages
Any other small parts I'm forgetting.
Let me know if you're willing to part with anything!
Unrelated: also looking to source an M104.981 but I'm not as hopeful about that one.
A dude near me is selling a full 717.435 trans with clutch and flywheel, along with the required driveshaft. I'm also going to buy a new slave cylinder rather than a used one since they're cheap.
So far, it looks like I'll need:
Pedal cluster
Shifter assembly
Shifter linkages
Any other small parts I'm forgetting.
Let me know if you're willing to part with anything!
Unrelated: also looking to source an M104.981 but I'm not as hopeful about that one.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 195
From: SF Bay Area, CA
190E 2.6L 1989, 190E 2.6L 1988, BMW 535dXdrive 2014, BMW 428i 2015
Having rebuilt my original clutch, shifter box, partial rebuilt of transmission, etc about 2-3 years ago I can give you the following advice. BTW it now drives like the day a drove it off the show room April/1989, now at 210K miles.
You only do this job once in 37 years (:-)), and it is al lot of work so do a complete job:
(1) Replace both slave and master cylinders with new ones (ATE makes them, the dealership sells the ones with the star on it but I suspect the online stores will be fine)
(2) Inspect the flywheel to make sure it does not need re-surfacing. Mine was fine after 210K miles
(3) replace the pressure plate
(4) use new input and output shaft seals
(5) make sure the reverse gear spindle stop gear is intact if not ask me how I fixed mine. Otherwise you will hear a clunk sound when put in reverse gear)
(6) replace the pilot bearing with a new one
(7) I would replace the clutch plate as well, they are not that expensive
(8) rebuild the shifter, mercedes used to have all the parts needed. It makes a huge difference
(9) Use new bushings on the shifter lever at least on the transmission side but may as well at the shifter side. Do not use Lemforter
(10) replace the transmission mount (a bad mount causes all kinds of sounds in the drivetrain)
All this will set you back another $500 but well worth it as you will not be going in there again.
If you can source all the parts and you are just down t just the pedal cluster, let me know. I have a spare one but I have two 5-speed 2.6's now and was keeping it but I can part with it if that is the only part you are left with.
Good luck with the search!
You only do this job once in 37 years (:-)), and it is al lot of work so do a complete job:
(1) Replace both slave and master cylinders with new ones (ATE makes them, the dealership sells the ones with the star on it but I suspect the online stores will be fine)
(2) Inspect the flywheel to make sure it does not need re-surfacing. Mine was fine after 210K miles
(3) replace the pressure plate
(4) use new input and output shaft seals
(5) make sure the reverse gear spindle stop gear is intact if not ask me how I fixed mine. Otherwise you will hear a clunk sound when put in reverse gear)
(6) replace the pilot bearing with a new one
(7) I would replace the clutch plate as well, they are not that expensive
(8) rebuild the shifter, mercedes used to have all the parts needed. It makes a huge difference
(9) Use new bushings on the shifter lever at least on the transmission side but may as well at the shifter side. Do not use Lemforter
(10) replace the transmission mount (a bad mount causes all kinds of sounds in the drivetrain)
All this will set you back another $500 but well worth it as you will not be going in there again.
If you can source all the parts and you are just down t just the pedal cluster, let me know. I have a spare one but I have two 5-speed 2.6's now and was keeping it but I can part with it if that is the only part you are left with.
Good luck with the search!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 195
From: SF Bay Area, CA
190E 2.6L 1989, 190E 2.6L 1988, BMW 535dXdrive 2014, BMW 428i 2015
I forgot to mention the engine rear seal. Again, once in a lifetime replacement and hard to get to but it is right there when the transmission is removed.
It is a bit expensive but Mercedes dealerships have them.
Good luck with the search for parts!
It is a bit expensive but Mercedes dealerships have them.
Good luck with the search for parts!
