[Bangaway]

After driving my newly acquired 92 300D for a few months, the one thing that I really don't like is the transmission. It shifts firm and not when I would like it to. Nothing is wrong with it, it just kicks my ass.

So, I would like to put a new(different) tranny in. Would a manual 5 speed from a 1999 C230 fit? If so what modifications would be necessary? Would it just bolt on?

How about an auto tranny from a 2000 E430? Compatibility issues? Electronic?

Thanks for input.

 

[sbaert]

If you don't like the auto, you're going to hate the manual tranny. MBs manual aren't nearly as good as their good automatics, nor are they as much fun as say a Audi or BMW manual tranny.

The manual boxes in the W124 were very numb, and with a diesel the experience is even less pleasing.

As far as using a auto box from a V8 W210, the answer is no due to being fully electronic with gear selector module, etc, etc, etc.

 

[Zeitgeist]

I always hated the 722.4 transmission in my 602 sedan, but my problem was the inconsistent kickdown function. Sometimes it would automatically downshift when I floored it, and sometimes it wouldn't. I got used to just manually downshifting for nearly a year. I later swapped in a good low mileage rebuilt 722.3 and I couldn't be happier.

Both the quality of the shifts (modulator) and timing of the upshifts (bowden cable) can be adjusted. I recently rehabbed the shift characteristics of a 722.4 in a 123 chassis by replacing both those items, and then adjusting them according to specs. The results were like night and day. Well worth your time and expense.

 

[Bangaway]

If you don't like the auto, you're going to hate the manual tranny. MBs manual aren't nearly as good as their good automatics, nor are they as much fun as say a Audi or BMW manual tranny.

The manual boxes in the W124 were very numb, and with a diesel the experience is even less pleasing.

As far as using a auto box from a V8 W210, the answer is no due to being fully electronic with gear selector module, etc, etc, etc.

I was reading in the SLK forums and the guys who have the 6 speed manual say that it is the best manual transmission that they have had. Particularly the SLK350 manuals. Take a look--they love them. This would probably be my first choice.

 

[Bangaway]

How about this one: a 722.364 from a 90-96 SL500? What type of issues would I deal with when installing this one?

 

[Bangaway]

I always hated the 722.4 transmission in my 602 sedan, but my problem was the inconsistent kickdown function. Sometimes it would automatically downshift when I floored it, and sometimes it wouldn't. I got used to just manually downshifting for nearly a year. I later swapped in a good low mileage rebuilt 722.3 and I couldn't be happier.

Both the quality of the shifts (modulator) and timing of the upshifts (bowden cable) can be adjusted. I recently rehabbed the shift characteristics of a 722.4 in a 123 chassis by replacing both those items, and then adjusting them according to specs. The results were like night and day. Well worth your time and expense.

What does the 722.3 shift like? Smooth like a W210 or what? People tell me my tranny shifts to hard--it's getting embarrassing.

 

[sbaert]

I was reading in the SLK forums and the guys who have the 6 speed manual say that it is the best manual transmission that they have had. Particularly the SLK350 manuals. Take a look--they love them. This would probably be my first choice.

I had a 6-speed manual in my '05 C320 coupe which used the SLK320 M112 engine as well as a 6-speed manual '02 C230 coupe with the M111 kompressor engine.

That gearbox was way ahead of what was in the W123s and W124s, but still couldn't hold a candle against anything found in a BMW.

 

[Zeitgeist]

What does the 722.3 shift like? Smooth like a W210 or what? People tell me my tranny shifts to hard--it's getting embarrassing.

you need to check your modulator.

I've heard the 722.6 is an excellent trans, but it requires computer management.

 

[tjts1]

The reason most people don't like the MB manual transmission is because most of the bushings in the shifter linkage are old, squishy and cracked. Installing a delrin shifter bushing kit in my W201 made a huge difference. More direct, less force, less notch. When you get into a gear theres zero play in the shifter. I'm never going back to the MB slushbox.