Convert Auto to Manual
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Convert Auto to Manual
Hello everyone -
This is a genuine question - what costs can I expect if I'm looking to convert a w203 from auto to manual transmission? Even if it can be done? Most likely looking at a pre facelift C200 kompressor - or even a C320 (pre facelift again)..
Reason I ask is in Australia only the C200/C200k/C180/C180k came with manuals - very, very rare - and usually command a $10,000 extra on the used car market (yeah. crazy.)
Please no 'in the thousands' or 'you're an idiot' replies
Cheers!
Daniel
This is a genuine question - what costs can I expect if I'm looking to convert a w203 from auto to manual transmission? Even if it can be done? Most likely looking at a pre facelift C200 kompressor - or even a C320 (pre facelift again)..
Reason I ask is in Australia only the C200/C200k/C180/C180k came with manuals - very, very rare - and usually command a $10,000 extra on the used car market (yeah. crazy.)
Please no 'in the thousands' or 'you're an idiot' replies
Cheers!
Daniel
#2
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I can only comment on what I know and that is you will need STAR (DAS/SDS) to be able to change the coding. But other than that I am guessing one major thing is the transmission the shifter (dont really know the proper name) and I guess other minor stuff. I would love to convert my car to manual
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03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
probably used tranny, and drilling for the master and slave cyclinders for the clutch. Its kinda not worth it unless your gonna diy or your getting a huge discount on labor.
#4
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Excuse my lack of knowledge on this topic but all in all wouldn't it be just swapping out the transmission and adding a clutch pedal (little more than that but in a nutshell) and then programming it?
What else would need to be done?
What else would need to be done?
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03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
i dunno if the manuals for mercedes have tcu's. You would think they wouldn't since your doing the shifting not a tq converter. On regular cars, the manuals do not have tcu's.
The tranny should link up long as its for the same engine, then probably shift linkage.
The tranny should link up long as its for the same engine, then probably shift linkage.
Last edited by TemjinX2; 06-06-2010 at 07:24 PM.
#6
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Mike you genius, how would you do the clutch pedal? (not mocking you or questioning you a legit question)
Turbo project might turn to a Manual project if Mike gives me the right answers.
Edit:
By the way a buddy said you went to his exhaust shop. Do they do good work?
Turbo project might turn to a Manual project if Mike gives me the right answers.
Edit:
By the way a buddy said you went to his exhaust shop. Do they do good work?
Last edited by W203E35; 06-06-2010 at 07:48 PM.
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2005 Mercedes C230 Sport Sedan (W203)
If anyone wants to trade their auto for my manual I'd be down (for a similar spec'd car)... I mean entire car swap not swapping the transmissions.
I love my manual but when I sell the car I think it will be harder to sell than an auto would be.
I love my manual but when I sell the car I think it will be harder to sell than an auto would be.
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Damn! Wish we were closer.
#11
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His mama. Traded y0 mama in because she was squeaking.
They do not.
There's a very good chancde that if that model car came with either a manual or a slushbox, then the provision(s) for the clutch pedal are already there.
Uhhhhh..... Have you driven a stickshift lately?
Uhhhhh..... Have you driven a stickshift lately?
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2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
Having just been underneath the dash of my C230 Coupe, I think you would have some work in fitting in the clutch mechanisms. Likely, the brake pedal assembly is different from a clutch to an auto car. My car is an auto and the brake assembly and firewall mounting seemed to leave little room for a clutch pedal.
I'd love to convert my car as well, however, having seen the pedal box area, I quickly dismissed this.
Ed
I'd love to convert my car as well, however, having seen the pedal box area, I quickly dismissed this.
Ed
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Contacted BenzModz about this, this is what they had to say:
Cheers
I think the shopping list is like this.
- New transmission
- Gear selector
- Wood surround
- coding of engine controller
- coding of cluster
I would think around 3K-5K depending on the problems. Then you also have to sell the old parts. You are in Melbourne. Thats no problem. Just look at freight costs in addition to the parts costs.
You need to work off chassis number. It is very hard to work off blank page.
- New transmission
- Gear selector
- Wood surround
- coding of engine controller
- coding of cluster
I would think around 3K-5K depending on the problems. Then you also have to sell the old parts. You are in Melbourne. Thats no problem. Just look at freight costs in addition to the parts costs.
You need to work off chassis number. It is very hard to work off blank page.
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06 C230 6 Speed FTW
I would not put that much effort to change it out. It's a C-Class, if you had a junked out manual next to you I would still say not worth it. Same goes for a motor swap.
I have a manual, it's ok.
Hunt for that rare car or look for something other than Mercedes.
I have a manual, it's ok.
Hunt for that rare car or look for something other than Mercedes.
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03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
Like the others have said, you have to see if the holes are pre drilled or not. I know one the older japanese cars they were, but now there not now since there not many manuals sold in the US.
If its not predrilled, it'll be annoying to drill into the firewall. You need to compare with manual car , see if everything is located in the same spot. Some times certain things are located differently between the auto and manuals version..like abs controller and such.
In the end, you better off just buying a used manual miata, or 240sx then doing this. A manual swap, would barely be faster then the auto and slower then just trading in your car and putting 2k on top for a c55.
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2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
It is definitely possible to change to a manual transmission, but it will be neither cheap nor easy. But I would never try to dissuade this swap, since I am a manual transmission enthusiast.
Remember that in addition to the obvious parts, like the transmission and the shifter, you will have to swap the following:
pedal cluster
master cylinder and slave cylinder
hydraulic lines
under-dash sound insulation
electrical hookups for brake switch and clutch switch
Many of the above parts are specific to right hand drive cars, so the supply may be limited.
Other parts not previously mentioned (not RHD specific), are things like:
drive shaft
clutch and related parts
flywheel
rear differential (gear ratio may be different)
The key to success may be a wrecked W203 with MT as a donor car.
Good luck on your endeavor.
Remember that in addition to the obvious parts, like the transmission and the shifter, you will have to swap the following:
pedal cluster
master cylinder and slave cylinder
hydraulic lines
under-dash sound insulation
electrical hookups for brake switch and clutch switch
Many of the above parts are specific to right hand drive cars, so the supply may be limited.
Other parts not previously mentioned (not RHD specific), are things like:
drive shaft
clutch and related parts
flywheel
rear differential (gear ratio may be different)
The key to success may be a wrecked W203 with MT as a donor car.
Good luck on your endeavor.