I am seriously thinking about it, but can't seem to gain all the info in 1 place.
Maybe you guys can help:
1. What models and years, manual transmission was available on W124s in US?
2. Was MT available on M104 engine?
3. Is MT for M104 any different from other engines?
4. Where in US can I get my hands on reasonably priced MT?
5. Has anyone done the conversion?
6. Are there any good DIY articles to start with?
7. Is the conversion more or less bolt-on?
Five speed sticks were offered in the 1986 300E and the 1988 300E and 260E. There was only a few hundred of each. All were 103 motors. It was never offered with a 104 motor in a 124 body but was in the 1990 to 1993 300SL. This had a dogleg shift pattern and was an entirely different transmission - the same as in a Porsche 928. The more practical alternative would be to find a stick shift car and restore it.
Eric, of the research that I've found the transmission of choice is out of a 190E 16V. It's designed to handle amount of hp you'll be getting out of your engine. The guys on 190revolution.net have done a handful of conversions. Don't know too much about the transmission out of the SL's, but I was thinking of using that one myself at one point.
But the other thing to consider, and this is what was explained to me, the automatic transmission will be ideal for the TT conversion. The turbo's will be spooled and ready to go all the time. Once you engage the clutch to change gears on the MT, the turbo's have to spool up again. I don't know the exact logistics behind it, but that's what someone explained to me.
A buddy of mine used the MT out of a 4 cylinder 190 (I'm sure that a I6 would work also). We went to our local pull-a-part salvage yard and pulled the transmission and pedal assembly and away we went. The transmission is hydraulic and is feed from the brake reservoir (all MB brake reservior have a tab that can be cut to attach tubing to the transmission). He did have to re-size the drive shaft (I don't remember if it had to be lengthened or shortened).
Last edited by luxuryedition : 07-25-2007 at 05:20 AM.
Vehicle: 95 C280 Silver Metallic(champagne), 89 300E Onyx Mettallic<< All Options both w/car phones
Location: NYC, NY
Posts: 241
most likely it may have been lengthened since the 190 series is smaller than the 300E's yeah I am contemplating getting a manual for the 89' I am restoring but I want to make it a DOHC. Can that be done? Meaning can I grab a M104 Cylinder head and place it onto the M103 and change the timing belt or is it too easy to be true. I believe the cylinder head I would be looking into would be the 3.0 300CE M104. Anyone Help please
I am seriously thinking about it, but can't seem to gain all the info in 1 place.
Maybe you guys can help:
1. What models and years, manual transmission was available on W124s in US?
2. Was MT available on M104 engine?
3. Is MT for M104 any different from other engines?
4. Where in US can I get my hands on reasonably priced MT?
5. Has anyone done the conversion?
6. Are there any good DIY articles to start with?
7. Is the conversion more or less bolt-on?
Basically any info would be very helpfull.
Thanks in advance!
Most likely to find, but not so easy would be a five speed 300SL M104 from around 1991.
m103 5 spd manual long input shaft( the box wont stand up on end as the shaft sticks out beyond the edge of the bell housing. i belive this is the same box as the 190e 2.6. the so called single mass flywheel cars
m104 was then offed with box as above
m104 then became avalible with the twin mass flywheel. much weaker box, crappy ratios. box will not stand up cause imput shaft is shorter than edge of bellhousing. different shift pattern, different gear leaver assembly and different gear change rods. ie totaly different box but it was smoooooth, ie just like an auto!
the best, strongerst box is the 190 cozzy box, will definatly fit both engines but needs correct flywheel, and yes both flywheels will fit both engines ( amg used 104 crank to make 103 3.2 capacity)
all will fit.
i converted my 300ce amg 3.2 turbo technics from auto to twin mass (before it was turboed), and broke the box with 245 bhp. and have gone thro all the options.
as side note, the 124 manual cars over hear have pedal boxes from the factory with 201 part numbers!! the early 103 single mass flywheel cars have 201 part numbers on the gear selecters as well.
best mod would be a mustang box though, we have them over hear in the sierra cosworths and they easly take 400 horses. merc ones dont(unless they are 190e 2.5 cossy boxes, then they do, but even over hear, they are like chickens teeth.
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