Gradywb

Does anyone know if a 5spd transmission from an 84 190E 2.3L will fit in my 86 300E 3.0L 5spd?
The stock 5spd in my 300E still works but is getting close to the point of needing a rebuild and I found another 5spd from an 84 190E with a 2.3L for only $450 in really decent shape. Would this swap over? I've heard the 2.3 is the same block as the 3.0 just with a different bore and stroke. Not sure if this is actually true, but it's what I heard
Just trying to lower my repair expenses. I will be doing all the work myself so that will be saving me the most money. If it won't work and I'll have to have it rebuilt at a shop it's gonna cost me a bundle I'm sure.

Anyway, if anybody has any information on this I would be extremely happy and gratefull!
Thanks ahead of time

Shoomakan

Yes, they are compatible.

450$? Wow. I paid 150$ for mine.

190E 16V

The 190E 2.3 is a 4 cylinder engine!

The 2.6 litre engine in a 190 is a 6 cylinder engine enlarged to a 3.0 litre in the W124.

That being said, the tranny might well be compatible, but you should have your dealer, or a knowledgeable person, check parts numbers.

Shoomakan just did his manual tranny swap, so he may well be correct!

bsmuwk

I have that gearbox in my coupe.

Shoomakan

The only issue I have with it is that the gearshift is not slick at all, and feels very loose. Now, the bushings MAY be worn, but I doubt it'll be near anything close to my M30's Getrag transmission feel.

What's your opinion on the tranny, bsmuk? Same complaints I have?

Shoomakan

Oh, and a little off topic, but in my opinion the SLICKEST most awesome shift feel belongs to the Honda S2000's transmission.

Gradywb

Thanks Shoomakan. Was yours the same tranny? Nice deal too!
@ 190E 16V Thanks, I've been looking at so much information that I can't keep things straight in my head anymore
I will definitely get the numbers and get Mercedes a call.

Gradywb

Oh almost forgot bsmuwk. So you're saying it's a direct swap or did you have to get an adapter plate or anything different?

Shoomakan

It's a direct swap, Gradywb.

bsmuwk

Oh yeah, Merc gearboxes are awful. It'll never come to the feel of any BMW or even Honda gearbox.

i have brass shifter bushings in my shifter and have lengthened the arms by an inch (30mm maybe?). it's improved teh shift feel a lot, but you'll never get rid of that inherent sloppyness.
it's like running your hand over silk.

Shoomakan

I wonder if the dogleg is any better...

I'm thinking of replacing the bushings and getting it a universal short shifter kit. That should improve things.

ds190

I was curious about the 5 speed in my 190D. It's a 717.410.

The 190E manual is 717.412, and the 2.3-16 manual is 717.410.

I'm amused that it appears the 5 speed dog leg 5th gear manual in my diesel was also used in the 16 valve! Vehicles on opposite ends of the spectrum

Do I have bad info?

Gradywb

I love this forum so much. Everyone is so helpful. A few hundred thousand heads are way better than one!
Thanks again guys

Shoomakan

If they are the same, DS, I'm not surprised. You'd need a strong manual tranny to handle the torque the diesel generates.

The dogleg is more powerful than the normal 5 speed. Speaking of which, anyone know how much power it'll handle? I do aim to modify the car, and soon. I'd like to know if it is a bottle neck.

the_widebody

getrag dog box will handel 400 bhp almost indefinatly, if the oil is good

the shifter mechanisms are the same for all the 190 124 manual trannies, and it is the linkages not the box that makes the change crap.

Shoomakan

By some miracle of economics, is there a shift linkage kit or anything of the sort that we can buy?

A short shifter kit will make it a bit better, but not much.

190E 16V

Shoom,
I had the Getrag on my 16valve Cossie.
Not as slick as some, but I loved it!

Dogleg means less chance of mid-shifting into first, as well

If you buy one, make sure the synchros are in good shape. My mechanic buddy was telling me that it is very common to have 2nd to 3rd synchro worn/damaged from aggressive driving.

IIRC, someone was saying this gearbox was used in the old M3 as well. Is that right?

Shoomakan

Yes, that's right. Different bell housing, though. Also apparently used in the older M635CSi, as well as some old American cars.

It's a good tranny.

ds190

Are both the 1 over 2, 3 over 4, 5 over R shift pattern and the R-1, 2-3, 4-5 pattern termed "dog leg"?

Or just the R-1 is a dog leg, and 5-R not?

Shoomakan

The dogleg is the one with reverse on top of first gear, and 2nd where 3rd would be, etc...

The entire point of the dogleg is to remove the need to use the entire left side of the gate. :P