stickygreen

This is not a "for sale" post...

Putting up our high-mile '97 e320 for sale because I hardly drive it anymore...main reason is I've grown tired of the automatic transmission (though it still works just fine). We have owned this car since new, and would really like to keep it if there was any reasonably "practical" way to swap in a manual transmission. Has anyone tried and/or been successful at doing this?

It's my understanding that a m104-based w210 e280 was available in Germany with a 5-speed manual, but I've never seen one and don't imagine they're too common.

Would a 5-speed manual transmission from either a US model 300sl, 300e, or 190e 2.6 work with my engine?

I know that even if it were possible, the swap wouldn't be an easy task. But would really like to know if it were possible, using mostly factory Mercedes parts.

If not, gonna leave it up for sale locally and likely replace it with a 540i-6spd...

ohlord

Good friend has the 5 speed from a 16v 2.3 behind a c36 amg m104 in one of his 190's. Find a wrecked 190 5 speed all the parts and pedal and hangers. Design and hand build an ecu or go with the easier to tune version injection.
Although I suspect with an automatic geared rear gear ratio the car would be a dog in your application. Sell it and get a c36 or C43 a few nice ones up by me for 6k.

stickygreen

Thanks! The price on my w210 just went up...

The only part of attempting a swap that scares me is overcoming the ECU...but for the time being, I'm gonna keep an eye out for a 2.3-16 parts car.