old timer question about a new car, converting to manuel
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Phx
C230
old timer question about a new car, converting to manuel
Preface-I've never owned a car newer than 1985.
Can the w203/c230 be converted to a 6 speed?
Back in the day, we would yank the auto and pop in a 5spd. but from the looks of whats under the hood of my car... it might not be so simple.
++++The context is this will eventually be a track car after retirement from commercial service.++++++
from what i understand this car has a DSG which is almost better than a manuel?
At least thats what this guy says so...
Can the w203/c230 be converted to a 6 speed?
Back in the day, we would yank the auto and pop in a 5spd. but from the looks of whats under the hood of my car... it might not be so simple.
++++The context is this will eventually be a track car after retirement from commercial service.++++++
from what i understand this car has a DSG which is almost better than a manuel?
At least thats what this guy says so...
Last edited by Sekkyoshi; Mar 8, 2016 at 08:27 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
To me, everything short of rowing my own gears with three pedals on the floor is a lesser experience. That's why we have this smilie here: 
But the problem with your question is that more is required of cars these days that previously - the ECU, pedals, interior trim, and I'm sure that there is much more internally that would need to be fixed to get it to work. It would be cheaper to sell your slushbox and get a manny-equipped Benz. Question, though - have you driven a W203 with a manny? If not, drive one first - it's not a BMW. By the way, the manny is much improved on the post-facelift versions than the early W203s, but still not butter smooth. More like Jaegermeister smooth.
EDIT: 10,000th post. Woooo!!
But the problem with your question is that more is required of cars these days that previously - the ECU, pedals, interior trim, and I'm sure that there is much more internally that would need to be fixed to get it to work. It would be cheaper to sell your slushbox and get a manny-equipped Benz. Question, though - have you driven a W203 with a manny? If not, drive one first - it's not a BMW. By the way, the manny is much improved on the post-facelift versions than the early W203s, but still not butter smooth. More like Jaegermeister smooth.
EDIT: 10,000th post. Woooo!!
Last edited by tommy; Mar 9, 2016 at 09:57 AM. Reason: self indulgence
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Phx
C230
Thanks for the response. Yes finding a manual was an option. But even that is kind of pending my experience with this type of transmission. I'm getting older so I'm kind of thinking maybe I don't want to shift anymore. And I've had quite a bit of fun with this transmission already.
Answer, not yet havent seen a manuel anywhere yet. That may also be a determining Factor on my final transmission choice, availibility.....
Answer, not yet havent seen a manuel anywhere yet. That may also be a determining Factor on my final transmission choice, availibility.....
To me, everything short of rowing my own gears with three pedals on the floor is a lesser experience. That's why we have this smilie here:
But the problem with your question is that more is required of cars these days that previously - the ECU, pedals, interior trim, and I'm sure that there is much more internally that would need to be fixed to get it to work. It would be cheaper to sell your slushbox and get a manny-equipped Benz. Question, though - have you driven a W203 with a manny? If not, drive one first - it's not a BMW. By the way, the manny is much improved on the post-facelift versions than the early W203s, but still not butter smooth. More like Jaegermeister smooth.
EDIT: 10,000th post. Woooo!!
But the problem with your question is that more is required of cars these days that previously - the ECU, pedals, interior trim, and I'm sure that there is much more internally that would need to be fixed to get it to work. It would be cheaper to sell your slushbox and get a manny-equipped Benz. Question, though - have you driven a W203 with a manny? If not, drive one first - it's not a BMW. By the way, the manny is much improved on the post-facelift versions than the early W203s, but still not butter smooth. More like Jaegermeister smooth.
EDIT: 10,000th post. Woooo!!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Yes, a manny Benz, especially towards the end of the run of the generation, is pretty much a needle in the haystack. Now, 3 series cars in a manny are a dime a dozen, and have a much better driving experience to boot.
