I often wondered the same thing but the main problem is the bellhousing, is there one available? The inline fours and sixes have the same bellhousing pattern and not sure on V6s. Maybe a bellhousing can be found on a MB V8 truck, a Euro version car or a G-wagen. Flywheels can be machined using an AT ring gear, clutch assemblies are no problem and a Ford T5 with a .63 fifth gear or a Richmond 5 or six speed could be used and you choose the gear ratios. Throwout bearings are hydraulic and slide on the TO guide sleeve so no fork is needed. Don't know the dimensions of the newer MB automatics but my T5 fit into the 190 chassis with very little tweaking.

If one could locate a tranny damaged in a collision that had a good engine mounting flange it may be possible to make an aluminum adapter to a Ford or GM bellhousing and go from there back.

Too many ideas and not enough time!!

Tobias MB
4 MBs