Hey, I'm new to the site and I'm considering the 300 and the 350. Does anyone know if it is possible to have the six-speed manual transmission installed in the 350 after purchase? I wouldn't trust myself to do it, but could I order all the necessary OEM parts and have it installed? Or are there structural differences that would make it impossible -or just too expensive?

 

I'm sure that would be ridiculously expensive. Have patience and try to find one at a dealer.

 

oo this is interesting. +1 it's gonna be expensive. Why is it do you guys think they don't have a manual for the 350? My guess is that the mbz thinks the 7g auto is superior and that manual cars don't sell as easily as auto ones. Thats just what I think. But a manual 350 would be hell of a fun car :p

 

They don't? I know the c300 is available in a manual, thought the 350 would be the same.

 

Manual only comes in C300 models. Same with 4matic in the US.

 

maybe they think the 350 engine is better "paired" with the 3.5 engine. But it is probably because with a 'weaker' 3.0 engine, it would be more fun to rev up the car with a manual, which isnt necessary with 268 hp

 

Guys, you need to think about this as a business case from the manufacturer's perspective. Each drivetrain combo (engine+trans) creates a new task for the development engineers, new ECU for powertrain electrical engineers, new exhaust calibration, fuel economy must be managed and tested separately, powertrain complexity in the assembly plant, additional impact testing for FMVSS compliance, etc...and all for what? The 6 speed C300 runs about 5% in North America and probably has a higher days-on-lot prior to sale. They likely believe the C350 would be even a lower take rate, even higher days-on-lot, and given the higher cost (think cost to build, not price to sell) of a manual trans versus the revenue of the automatic trans, selling all automatics is the most profitable path and quickest inventory turn. The 6 speed C300 creates the fewest manuals they likely feel they need to address market needs, and its a very low number. No product planner could present a credible case for improved profitability by adding a 6 speed C350. Its a business...its not about what they think is more fun.

 

Benz USA made some marketing decisions - guess you had better live with it. The clunky manual is not a good match with the 350

 

Maybe I see things from a different generation standpoint but, when they use an electronic controlled transmission even in F1, and they give a 7-speed in a car that goes 155 mph restricted and 178 mph without restrictions with paddles at the steering wheel, what would I need a manual 6-speed tranny for.

The days of four on the floor (and one in the trunk) are gone... and thank goodness for that. Now the true password is electronics, this is the thing to learn and enjoy.

Cheers, JV

 

It's not what is faster or better...sure the new automated manuals can be faster...who cares...these days you buy a manual for the joy of driving.

Maybe I am from too far back...my first drive was a "three on the tree"....now that was fun....

 

Oh God! - I remember my mother's Chrysler Valiant 3 on the tree - that was not fun!

 

Why change the 7G? It's one of the best auto transmissions in the world and these are the words of several car magazines. The ease and performance is unseen at that level of comfort!
I do prefer manual cars but I wouldn't mind a 7G. I have a 5G even the SL65 BS has a 5G iirc.
Delimiting a auto car isn't that hard either... Or you just go to 6th via manual mode and it's not limited either iirc.

 

I think Sportstick is right, but I guess I was thinking that MB might eventually offer a stick transmission for the 350, since BMW offers one for the 335i - and I think of the two as comparable. A cost benefit analysis probably told MB that it wouldn't be worth going after those sales, though, which is too bad. I just think manuals are a lot more fun to drive, and it'd be nice to have a little more power under the hood. Oh well. The 300 is still a great car, and I can't wait to pull the trigger. Now I just have to decide if the 2010 changes are worth the premium over the upcoming '09 model discounts...

 

No offense but it seems you are in the wrong forum. Who would be that silly to installed a manual trans to an automatic one. MB owners just dont do that I would suggest to get a 98 Honda Accord with automatic trans and do it but not with a MB. I bet you cannot even afford a used c 300

:w ord:

 

We almost got through this discussion without name calling or insults...how unfortunate.

 

It's actually not all that unfeasible to think of swapping a C300's manual trans into a C350 as much of the hardware/software could potentially be interchanged. You should probably stay in whatever forum you have been crawling around in or put a little more thought and class into your posts.

 

Geez Buddy. Where did you come from? I raised a hypothetical because there are people on this site who know a lot more about the c (and cars in general) than I do. I was wondering if there was a way to get around the fact that MB is reluctant to compete with BMW and Infiniti on horsepower. MB has obviously identified their priorities, and in my opinion, they are focused on offering a unique product. These priorities are the reasons I think MB stands above the rest, but why not try to have it both ways?? Who wouldn't want a few more horses under the hood? However, if it's going to cost $20k to add a manual transmission to a $40k car, that would be too expensive. What would be the point?

 

Ted17....never a problem to ask a question when you don't know the answer...I would not bother to directly engage anyone who resorts to name calling and hurling insults...hope the other posts were helpful and enjoy the day!

 

...seriously? I love it when people say "I bet you can't even afford" ... those are usually the ones struggling to make the payments on a baby benz.

 

That's good advice. Thanks!

 

And have you noticed it is almost always a newbie that ruins threads.

 

+1 I agree. I would have considered a C350 MT. One of the reasons I bought my C300 is because of the 6S MT.

 

It's unfortunate that MB doesn't give us the choice of a manual transmission. I would love to have a 6spd in my SL. I had a BMW 503i with a manual and loved it. We understand that from a sales and manufacturing standpoint it doesn't make since but it would be nice. Keep hope alive!