Auto to Manual trans. conversion?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 142
Likes: 2
From: Mid atlantic
6.9
Auto to Manual trans. conversion?
Hello! New member here, didn't find anything in the archives, so...
I'm interested in converting from automatic to 5 spd. manual trans in 1987 300E. I want to purchase complete donor car (beater/wreck/flood/etc) so that I have all the bits and pieces available. Anyone done this here? I don't want to reinvent the wheel, just get benefit of someone's experience(s). Also, any leads as to source? Mid atlantic states would be preferred.
Thanks.
I'm interested in converting from automatic to 5 spd. manual trans in 1987 300E. I want to purchase complete donor car (beater/wreck/flood/etc) so that I have all the bits and pieces available. Anyone done this here? I don't want to reinvent the wheel, just get benefit of someone's experience(s). Also, any leads as to source? Mid atlantic states would be preferred.
Thanks.
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
From: Montreal, Canada
260E , 1989 (for now)
I have never done it on a Mercedes but if it is remotely similar to a similar job I did many years ago on a Corvette, you're buying yourself quite a contract.
Here some of the elements that will have to be investigated/done;
Bell housing, drive shaft lenght, yokes, differential (wrong ratio), speedometer, speedometer cable (?) Throttle linkage, radiator, (no transmission cooler on a manual), electrical (safety/neutral switch, back-up light switch), shifter linkage, vacuum system (transmission modulator), brake pedal, install clutch pedal and brackets, possible modification to firewall, maybe a different console, and maybe more.
Good luck
JackD
Here some of the elements that will have to be investigated/done;
Bell housing, drive shaft lenght, yokes, differential (wrong ratio), speedometer, speedometer cable (?) Throttle linkage, radiator, (no transmission cooler on a manual), electrical (safety/neutral switch, back-up light switch), shifter linkage, vacuum system (transmission modulator), brake pedal, install clutch pedal and brackets, possible modification to firewall, maybe a different console, and maybe more.
Good luck
JackD
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 142
Likes: 2
From: Mid atlantic
6.9
Jack, thanks for the info. You have probably listed only some of the parts needed for conversion. I am searching for a donor vehicle for just this reason. No way do I want to spend additional hours tracking down obscure part numbers and then spending $$$ for the multitude of little bits and pieces required. Any leads on a 5 spd 300E/260E/300D/300TE ? Thanks.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: BGH
300E
your best bet woudl to probably go and buy a mercedes that comes in a manual transmission. I havnt seen any of the 300E;s around in a 5spd but if u take a look on ebay u can spot some 190's in manual. id depends on if u really want to put the time and effor tinto it because it will surly take longer than it is worth.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 252
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Yes, yes, this seems very interesting...
My auto tranny is going, and I'm considering just changing it to a manual if thats possible...
Even if its under $2000, its worth it for me...
Whats the estimated cost of this? I'll ask my mechanic too, but hes gonna be confused
...
My auto tranny is going, and I'm considering just changing it to a manual if thats possible...
Even if its under $2000, its worth it for me...
Whats the estimated cost of this? I'll ask my mechanic too, but hes gonna be confused
...
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Bristol, UK
MB E280
Why change to manual?
I feel that there is some american touch in this subject, transform you car to manual... Why do you want to change to it to manual?
Is it cooler to have an merc in the US with a manual gerbox?
It don't fit in this kind of car.
Well have fun.
Daniel
Is it cooler to have an merc in the US with a manual gerbox?
It don't fit in this kind of car.
Well have fun.
Daniel
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 142
Likes: 2
From: Mid atlantic
6.9
Eric, most folks prefer an automatic. I prefer a manual. "Cool" doesn't enter into it for me. I have a 5 spd. diesel and don't mind shifting at all. My commute is all highway. If stop and go city traffic, then the auto box would be the way to go. I drove a 280SE (W116) with manual and it was a blast. I'm still looking for a donor (W124) car. Anyone in mdi-Atlantic USA have a source? There is a $50 finders fee if your information results in purchase. Thanks, Hanno
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 252
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Yea, I'm a 17 yr old kit who drove a stick b4 and loved it and would love havin my car stick. It would be cool for me, not sure i won't to do it to "look cool" cause that just doesn't matter. If I want to look cool I will work on the exterior 
!
It sounds like this is near impossible, so I'll give it up and continue to use my manual gear selector while Im drivin sporty. (When being pushed theres some tranny issues with my 89, although it drives fine whenits not pushed)
If anyone has done this b4, let me know, but it sounds as if not...
!It sounds like this is near impossible, so I'll give it up and continue to use my manual gear selector while Im drivin sporty. (When being pushed theres some tranny issues with my 89, although it drives fine whenits not pushed)
If anyone has done this b4, let me know, but it sounds as if not...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 142
Likes: 2
From: Mid atlantic
6.9
5 spd found, automatic trans for sale
I now have the 5 spd. manual (and lots of conversion parts) sitting in the shop. I'm going to sell the automatic trans (MB factory replacement w/ 50K miles). Its in great condition and still in the car to allow test drives. See classified forum for additional information. Thanks, Hanno
