C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Very Hypothetical Question

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Old Dec 5, 2006 | 02:16 PM
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Very Hypothetical Question

So let’s say you’re addicted to a manual transmission, want a Mercedes 4-Door Sedan – and you don’t like the looks of the E-Class or CLS. So that leaves you with the S-Class, and the C-Class… So, you get a 2005 C55 for $40K – but of course, AMG’s only come in AUTO – so as you may already figure out:

1. Would it be possible to put the C350’s 6-speed gearbox into the C55?
2. How much would that operation cost (parts wise / labor wise) (estimate)?

I guess if Question 1 is a no, this voids the whole concept; however if it’s yes and the answer to Question 2 is “reasonable” (for an operation as complex as this), then I guess it’s possible to have a C55 stick-shift at Audi’s RS4 pricing….

Anyway, just an idea, not looking to do it but just thinking about it.


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Old Dec 5, 2006 | 03:12 PM
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is SOLD
its not even worth it. even if you were successful in swapping the tranny how about the ecu? the ecu and auto tranny work with each other. so keeping it the way it is is the most efficient way of using the whole car.
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Old Dec 5, 2006 | 03:23 PM
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Just get a manual 350 and take it to kleemann

-j0hn
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Old Dec 5, 2006 | 04:27 PM
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Okay, so obviously it seems to be quite difficult/expensive -- most people wouldn't bother. And it's true, you can take your C350 to Kleemann and give it 'AMG power'... so perhaps the C55 was a bad example, since the C350 has a V6 and the C55 sports a V8 you probably couldn't even use that transmission... But perhaps the C32/C320 conversion would be better/more manageable. In that case they both have V6 engines, and to my knowledge the major/only difference is the C32 is supercharged; right? Does this mean you can turn your C320 Sport into a C32 if you supercharge the engine?

I'm assuming that's the closest you'll get to a stick-shift AMG.


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Old Dec 5, 2006 | 05:04 PM
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a quarter mile at a time
you can get an S-Class in manual?!?!?

what's wrong with a Kleemann C350? It's got the full AMG body kit, AMG 4-Piston brakes (C32 brakes), AMG Sway bars, and is pretty low to the ground stock (think the springs are different than the C55). I think it would be your easiest way to get a super fast 4-door Benz.

Although the C320 and C32 have similar V6 engines, you can't just slap on a supercharger to the normal 3.2L and have it be the same.
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Old Dec 5, 2006 | 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by e1000
you can get an S-Class in manual?!?!?

what's wrong with a Kleemann C350? It's got the full AMG body kit, AMG 4-Piston brakes (C32 brakes), AMG Sway bars, and is pretty low to the ground stock (think the springs are different than the C55). I think it would be your easiest way to get a super fast 4-door Benz.

Although the C320 and C32 have similar V6 engines, you can't just slap on a supercharger to the normal 3.2L and have it be the same.
No S-class ever came with a manual tranny.

I believe the C320 and C32 have different engines do they not? Same block, but different internals, and of course, that superchager.
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Old Dec 5, 2006 | 05:37 PM
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No, of course you can't get an S-Class in manual, I was just eluding the E & CLS sedans since they were close to the price of the C55; the S-Class pricing was so far off that it couldn't even be suggested ("just get an S55"),... anyway.

Anyway, so they are major differences to the C32 and C320, I didn't know that. I thought they shared a similar engine, but the AMG was supercharged; does anybody else know the differences? And can Kleeman give the C320 C32-power? I checked their website and I didn't find pricing.

e1000 - There's nothing wrong with a Kleeman C350, but I guess the challenge is more being more Mercedes OEM in the process. I'm sure Kleeman and others can give the C320/C350 a lot of power.


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Old Dec 5, 2006 | 06:19 PM
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04 C32
Originally Posted by tee_tz
No, of course you can't get an S-Class in manual, I was just eluding the E & CLS sedans since they were close to the price of the C55; the S-Class pricing was so far off that it couldn't even be suggested ("just get an S55"),... anyway.

Anyway, so they are major differences to the C32 and C320, I didn't know that. I thought they shared a similar engine, but the AMG was supercharged; does anybody else know the differences? And can Kleeman give the C320 C32-power? I checked their website and I didn't find pricing.

e1000 - There's nothing wrong with a Kleeman C350, but I guess the challenge is more being more Mercedes OEM in the process. I'm sure Kleeman and others can give the C320/C350 a lot of power.


Tee_Tz.
The C320 and C32 engines share NOTHING except exhaust manifolds. This has been discussed many times on this forum. Search for it
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