It might be an interesting project. I really doubt the value would be increased to the general public, it would have a very small market (even smaller than a correct 240D). Personally, I never really use the 240D for highway trips and I still wouldn't if it was geared a tad higher, it's really just an "around town" type of car.

Oh believe me there is a strong market for the 5 speeds...

My 240Ds are primarily used for local driving, though my automatic version does seem to run quite happily (and noisily) at 70, possibly because that's the speed where the diesel generates it's maximum 67 horsepower.


Since the Euro W123s were never officially imported to the US, there seems to be very little technical information availble on the 5-speed option for those cars. It would be interesting to know if something other than a 3.69 rear-end ratio came in the Euro 5-speed 240D.
My only reference givin a ratio difference for Euro models, lists a 3.69 ratio for 4-speed W114 230-6 sedans, but 3.92 for the optional 5-speed. Obviously the factory wanted to compensate by adding back some performance in exchange for the additional gear.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Nope. AFAIK all 240D, no matter their origin, were 3.69.

Even with the Euro 5-speed option?

Happy Motoring, Mark

All usually means all of them.

I wouldn't have asked but "AFAIK all" does leave some room for doubt.

Happy Motoring, Mark

With fuel prices as high as they are, I would buy a 240D with a 5 speed :rolleyes: . As far as taking the time and money to convert it I would rather convert my 300SD to a 5 speed.