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SLK55 possible to have a manual transmission swap?
Hey all,
So I am selling my CLS63 soon and I am looking for a smaller car to keep me satisfied.
I really enjoy running around in my daughters beetle with the top down even though its a beetle, so my first choice is a SLK55.
BUT, I do love a manual gearbox, so does anyone know of a manual swap into a SLK55? I know that if the SLK350 can have a manual, then a SLK55 should be able to as well.
I know that the XF motorsports youtube channel did a e55 manual swap, but would it be even easier because the SLK class has the manual option (clutch pedal mount already in place, etc... ) with some OEM parts available?
Also, does anyone know the reason a manual wasn't offered?
Originally Posted by ChatWithaNinja;[url=tel:8342610
8342610[/url]]Hey all,
So I am selling my CLS63 soon and I am looking for a smaller car to keep me satisfied.
I really enjoy running around in my daughters beetle with the top down even though its a beetle, so my first choice is a SLK55.
BUT, I do love a manual gearbox, so does anyone know of a manual swap into a SLK55? I know that if the SLK350 can have a manual, then a SLK55 should be able to as well.
I know that the XF motorsports youtube channel did a e55 manual swap, but would it be even easier because the SLK class has the manual option (clutch pedal mount already in place, etc... ) with some OEM parts available?
Also, does anyone know the reason a manual wasn't offered?
I would LOVE to figure out a way to do this, if possible. Anyone?
Funny you replied today.
I just got a response to my question from XF motorsports today as well.
They have a plate that adapts a Nissan 350z transmission to either the M113 or M112 engine. The clutch and shifter system from a manual SLK350 should be super easy to mount up. I'd also grab a brake pedal from the manual SLK350 so it can all look very stock.
Their videos are pretty in depth, so take a look here at the last video in the manual swap series:
Josh Chase who owns Mercedes SwapShop in California is your guy to talk to about all of this. Both him and his shop are on Facebook. IIRC he’s put manuals in the M112K, M113 and M113k engines. He knows his stuff
I would LOVE to figure out a way to do this, if possible. Anyone?
I manual swapped mine and it's amazing. Story here. I do have some issues with NVH. With the top down, it's all good. I am looking at swapping in a CD009 using the adapter from XF. It is a tight fit. We'll see how it goes.
Its crazy you brought this thread back to life. I just started thinking about this conversion again now that I've been in a coupe manual (2013 TTRS) and want to go back to a Merc.
Any info on the swap would be helpful. Time, cost, etc...
Assuming you can source parts from a manual SLK, the whole process is pretty straightforward. I have a 2008 SLK 55 and was able to find most items from a 2005 SLK 350 in single purchase on eBay. From the SLK 350, you'll need the flywheel, clutch, transmission, rear transmission mount, drive shaft (front half), shift linkage, clutch/brake pedal assembly, and hydraulic lines. Everything basically bolts in. The NSG370 in the SLK is not the same as the one in the used in C-class Merc's or in the Crossfire. I did end up converting a brand new Crossfire transmission by swapping out reverse, the shift forks, and the output flange. The ECU went to Josh at Mercedes Swap Shop, and you need to run a wire from the clutch position switch to the ECU. I only had to fab one part for the center exhaust hanger and that was just an Al plate with 4 holes in it (see pic). Depending on how many used parts you're able to source, plan on spending $3k to $5k. If I did another one now, I'm guessing it would take about 30-40 hours.
05-24-2021, 12:28 PM
