[Chris Souch]

Has anybody upgraded the earlier 4 speed auto box to the later 5 speed auto box?

I have a 1990 500SL with the four speed box.

Can anyone tell me what driving the later 5 speed SL500's are like compared to the earlier 4 speed? Are they more responsive? They always pull away in first rather than second unless I give it full throttle?

Chris

 

[RKH]

There were 3 different automatic transmissions for our R129 (and there used to be manual transmission too).
The 'early' 300SL had a choice of 4-sp or 5-sp hydraulically controlled Automatic (as well as the manual transmission) while the 500SL had only the 4-sp because that 5-sp could not handle the power/torque of the big V8. Both of those Automatics starts with 2nd gear, but will downshift to first when punched.
Later (I think it started with model year 1996 ?) the electronically controlled 5-sp was introduced which starts in first gear and has winter driving mode etc. It was also 45 lbs lighter than the earlier 5-sp, and with locking torque converter, it got better MPG too.

Can your 1990 500SL be upgraded to the later 5-sp ?
While anything is possible, it will be very expensive as the Electronic Transmission Control module has to "talk" to the rest of the various controllers of the car, which your earlier SL does not have.

 

[RedLiner]

There was a similar thread to this the other week so an advanced search could be useful.
Your other alternative to an expensive modification would be to get a First Gear Start Switch.

I have both gearboxes on my 2 SL500s and each car has it's own advantages, sometimes the long pulling power changes on the four speed are just what is needed, and sometimes the quicker, on the torque changes of the five speed, can work better.

PS: Come along to the BenzWorld meet at the end of the month and I will explain personally (See 'Calling Gibraltar and Italy' topic)

 

[Hal Adams]

Has anybody upgraded the earlier 4 speed auto box to the later 5 speed auto box?


Chris

If you want to do this, you would be better buying a 2001 model - which at the prices they command these days, would still save money on the conversion.

And yes, the 5 speed is a nicer drive...7 speed better again...!