1952_220A_Cab

I just got this new job taking care of this guys auto collection on the weekends. He has a 1952 220A Cabriolet that was restored about 5 years ago. This car apparently has a 4 speed column shift transmission. It took me about 10 minutes to figure out how to put in in reverse but I finannly figured that out. The problem I am having now is figuring out where 3rd and fourth gear are! I can't really find any good articles on these cars and the owners manual is in german! Any help would be appreciated.

I also noticed a lever/pushrod type object down next to the clutch pedal. It's not a brights switch, it's about 1.5" in diameter and sticks out of the floorboard about 4 inches or so. It's either hydraulically actuated or spring actuated, I'm not sure. Again, any help would be appreciated.

Jer

What pages from the manual are you trying to read? Scan the ones that are giving you the most trouble and I will translate for you. I speak (some) German. Most of my family is German.

BoSoxFan

Many years ago, I had a 1960 190SL. For whatever it's worth, it had a floor-mounted shift which followed the standard H pattern. Since yours and mine are only eight years apart, I would think that the column mount would be similar. Those older Benz's had a reserve gas tank. On the 190SL, there was a lever under the dashboard which you turned to switch to the reserve tank. Could that be what your switch is?

1952_220A_Cab

As far as the german manual, I didn't bother looking through the manual too thoroughly because I couldn't read it and it wasn't what I would call a picture book. The next time I stop in the garage I'll take some pictures of the manual if I can find what I think is the transmission section.

For the comments about the switch on the floor... I know what you are talking about by the gas tank switch, this vehicle also has that switch which is located just under the steering column. The switch that I speak of is more like the end of a pogo stick, protruding from the floorboard just above and to the left (I think) of the clutch pedal.

Thanks for the help.

To be continued...

230TErry

Try this palm of your hand on the shift pushing towards dashboard... push up for first, down for second, put your hand on the shift with your palm facing towrds you pull the lever up towrds you ( not as far as for reverse) then up for third and down for fourth... reverse as you have found is pull all the way tords you and up.......

While driving it is sometimes easier to double de-clutch.... that is push in the clutch, shift to neutral then clutch again for next gear....

230TErry

The switch on the floor is for full beam on the headlights.......

Brunelleschi

column shift manuals are so much fun..my very first ride was a pickup with the "three on the tree". God I miss that truck

Kelleighann

On my 1965 diesel, the floor button goes into a plastic reservoir that holds liquid and has another hose coming out of it to spray the windshield. The reservoir container wasn't there when I bought it, but the original owner's manual was, and in English! Yay! :-)

cearlp

The switch on the floor is a plunger that lubricates front wheel joints.
There is a small reservoir on the front of the firewall.