996Yayo

will the 6-speed manual transmission of the R170 SLK work in the W208 CLK55 AMG?

Chappy

It would likely have a problem handling the torque.

996Yayo

i had a feeling that the torque of the CLK55 would be a bit of a problem. what about a clutch and flywheel upgrade as well? would that do the trick, or is it not that simple?

Chappy

I've never done a manual conversion. But, RennTech charges about $20,000 to put one in if you like. My guess, based on the cost, is that it is complicated.

996Yayo

does renntech fabricate its own manual transmission? or do they take an existing MB 6-speed and strengthen the parts?

Chappy

Well, for the W124 500E, they were reportedly using modified Getrag units. I don't know what they currently use. You may find more information here....

http://www.renntechmercedes.com/parts/engine.html

Contact info is in the link as well.

Good luck!

996Yayo

thanks for the link and the info Chappy.

i'm looking to get a new car soon, and the W208 CLK55 is one of my options. with the intro of the W209, the prices on the W208 have dropped right into my range. of course if it's going to cost $20k more to make it a manual, i may as well go with an 01-02 M3 or a 99-00 Carrera.

Kar don

id forget about a manual conversion unless money is no object. The MB auto trans is one of the best.

996Yayo

money isn't too much of an object. but $20k on top of the used car's price of $35-40k is definitely an object.

i don't doubt that MB makes great auto trannies. both my parents drive a C320 and ML320, and my friend/neighbor has a C32 that i get to drive more often than he should let me. so i have a pretty good feel for the transmissions. and as long as you're in a relaxed driving mode, the tranny is as smooth as butter. but when i get on it in any of the three cars i mentioned, the tranny feels sluggish and indecisive (as if it doesn't know what to do next). and the so-so throttle response doesn't help the experience any. when i rode (not drove) in an M3 SMG, shifting felt much quicker and precise. i know its not the same experience when you're not behind the wheel, but transmissions tend to mess with the inertia of the entire car during shifts, so you can feel it anywhere in the car. so are MB auto trannies good? yes, under the right driving conditions. are they sporty? ehh...

regardless of which is better, MB's stick-matic (or whatever they call it) or BMW's SMG, i'd like my new car to have a stick if possible.

allenjdmb

their manuals are some of the worst. Horrible feel, lousy synchros, and in general, poorly selected ratios mostly designed for economy. If you've just got to have a stick, then it doesn't need to be a Benz.Especially when the BMW manual is SO good. Ecch...

rguy

You might try going the other way. The '05 C320 Sports are much fresher looking, pretty much come with the C32 body kit, and a brand new 6spd manual that is geared for performance driving rather than the old version's economy gearing. You could then have it supercharged by a company and basically have a 6sp C32. Plus you would be buying a brand new car, rather than one with miles on it, so there is some extra driving to be had there. Anyway the '05 is roughly the same price as the w208 CLK55 and has a bunch of surprising new for '05 upgrades like cross-drilled front brake rotors, retuned suspension, updated interior..... Take a look and give it some thought, although I can seriously understand your appreciation for the w208 body. I think it is one of mercedes' best in history and I own one, so of course I am not biased. But, honestly I am trying to be neutral here. Good luck.

996Yayo

yeah, i have a thing for the w208 body style...much sportier looking than the w209 IMHO. of course an '02 C32 was also something i was considering. they seem to be in the same price range as the w208 CLK55 right now.

though i had no idea that MB was coming out w/ a performance 6MT for the new C320. unfortunately buying it new would probably eliminate my chances of S/Cing. for the same price i can have a used CLK55 or C32 (S/C is obviously included in that price). another reason i'm steering away from the C320 is b/c my dad has one and i want something different.