MacPhisto

I have a 1990 300SL with a 5 speed manual. A fun and unusual car. Any other manual trans SL owners here?

blueSL

Goodness, I think you're a very rare breed! An SL with a third pedal. I've always wondered, how do you do hill starts without cooking the clutch when there's no handbrake?? You can't live in San Francisco....

MacPhisto

I never used a handbrake when starting out on a hill - I just do some quick footwork. But, I don't live in SF.

I don't think there are a lot of manual 300SLs in the US. I got a significant discount on the car when it was new - the dealer couldn't get rid of it!

I'm glad I did, though. Its been a great car!

scorchi0

i don't understand why people can't do a hill start with a foot brake. Just put on the brake let the clutch out to the friction point while giving a little accelerator, then pull the release handle. Its no different to a hand brake start!!

Trent

leloz

I would love to get my hands on a 5spd manual 300SL. There is so much potential for the 24V engine with a manual transmission. That is a rare breed! I have seen the manual bring more money than the automatic now, how ironic.

bludhound

hi mephisto,
i just bought a 1990 300sl manual transmission
unfortunately my vehicle came with NO history!
can you please help me fill in the spaces.
my current dilemma is non-op high beams
have you had such a problem? do you know of a fix?
bulb and #15 & #16 fuses okay
my mechanic is hesitant to approach the stalk switch
because of the air bag, is there maybe a service direct
on this matter? michael

leloz

I know exactly what you are talking about. I went through the same thing with a 1991 300 SL I bought a while back. The whole 'turn signal' unit went bad and the MB dealership had to replace it. It is the control arm piece that has the multiple functions to it. It was quite pricey but the dealership gave me a discount because the problem was common in the early SL's. The next thing that went bad was the Speedometer and then the Convertible top button (among other electrical items $$). I think I just had a bad lemon experience with these cars which led me to sell mine for a considerable loss.

bludhound

hi,
i am not a fan of automotive dealerships except when their
paying (warranty) and even then they rarely solve the problem!
since my problem is localized to the high beams only, i hoped
that a seperate fix might be available simply to satisfy
motor v michael

David G.

I Have only seen 1 other. I have a 1990 300sl 5 speed manual trans. I am the second owner. It was ordered from Beverly Hills Ltd. I just love it.

scottejupiter

Wish my 500sl was a five speed. I think it would be fun having the additional control. I don't think they made the v8 in a 5 speed.

hotw

I had one a few years ago!



But he died in a crash...

TheBLKSheep

i have a 91 5 speed blk/blk its quite the gem. Great car to drive