Is the 5-speed used in campers/vans like a W123 4-speed with an extra-low first?
 

I'm wondering if using it in my '84 with a potential 2:47 differential would mollify it in the city.

I'd say first would be useless in a car. I had one in a 21' Class A motorhome and rarely used first. Only used it on very steep hills when starting out.

Darn. Do you know where I could find information on the transmission ratios in the M-B campers? Is there a camper enthusiast site somewhere that I am unaware of?

Hmm... would the DEEP 5 speed be a bonus if you have a 2.47 or taller rear ratio?

That's exactly what I was wondering. If I went with the 2.47 (or even the 2.24), would installing a camper tranny give me, for all practical purposes, a 5-speed?

I doubt it. Even if a 2.47:1 is double as high as a van (and I don't think it quite is), you'd still be looking at too low a gear. I think you'd be shifting before 10mph.

yes, but keep in mind the manual clutch needs a tall rear, using a granny 1st gives your clutch a break, and leaves the 1:1 top gear to work on the 224!

most motorhomes have 4.1 or 556 or shorter even rear... think why 50ish is their top speed... it's not all about wind resistance! those big number rear gears limit via max RPM.

That' no biggie -- I shift before 10 MPH anyway. This would be there to ease slow starts/creeping in traffic jams or driving in Boston with a 2.24.

I think fitting under a sedan floor may be an issue.

Oh.

What information would I need to figure that out? The external dimensions of the camper tranny?

I agree. I've never had one in my hand but I've had one in my sight and I think it is larger than the 123 4 spd which I have had in my hand.

ive seen pics of them. i suggest searching for an image.

any idea on the trans number?

I doubt if you would be happy with it in any way. First, if it has a "super low", it is probably a sliding gear transmission and not the wonderful little "constant mesh" box you have in these cars. With that sliding gear in super low, the engine can so quickly reach high rpms, then you have all that inertia in the transmission and you have to delay shifting a second or two (ya really) before you can get the next gear. Like Kerry says, it's great for climbing into some mountain side camp ground, you'll not get in without it, but it would be a real pisaroo on the road in a 240D.