300d Manual transmission swap FYI
 

Just a quick FYI regarding the transmission cross-member for anybody doing a manual transmission swap on their w123 300d. As most of you know when you do this swap you have to either modify the cross member or find the correct one in a junkyard(either a Euro 300d, Or 240d auto mount) Since I didnt want to do some hack modification to the existing mount, and I couldn't find a automatic 240d in any local junk yard, I decided to see if I could get the correct cross member from the dealer. I am pleased to say that Not only was I able to get the correct part, but it also was not that terribly expensive and worth it in my opinion to do the swap correctly. I have posted a few pictures but in case they dont show up The part # is 123 242 07 01 and the cost was right around $60.
You can also see in the picture the comparison between the 300d auto mount and the 300d Manual mount. Anyway, Hope this helps someone make there swap go a little bit easier. Now to deal with the shifter rods...



http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...3-dscf1728.jpg

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...0-dscf1736.jpg

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1-dscf1737.jpg

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...2-dscf1738.jpg

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...4-dscf1725.jpg

That's a great price. The best I was getting was $82 from S. Atlanta MB. The FW new is $528 but there was a $100 coupon. I have a handful of parts for my current 5 speed which I need to get correct.

Did it mount right up, no issues, ... the "real" correct one ? If so, would you mind sharing the name of the MB dealership? Thanks in advance.

Transmission cross-member
 

I just put it in tonight and it mounted right up with no issues. I'll try to get some pictures if its not raining tomorrow. It looks like the current wholesale price is now more like $70:
http://www.partswebsite.com/benzpartswholesale/oemparts/mercedes-benz-137/123%20242%2007%2001.html

Thank you Sir !

You're very welcome

On mine I used the old crossmember (from the 300 D Automatic) and it did not look nice. Then I found the correct one on a 240D and it does look and fit so much better. You can't always find a 240D auto in the Pick and Pull,but there are still plenty of 240D autos that will eventually get there.

How did you manage to get the 300d auto cross member to work??

My friend Dan did that job and I don't remember just what he did to it. Cut a part of it off and drilled a new hole as I remember it. And we didn't like it and we were very happy to find the correct piece.

more pictures
 

Here are some more pictures of the cross member actually installed in the car. Hopefully you can see that even though I only have 2 of the 4 bolts installed, all the holes do line up. Also, the transmission mount from a W124 chassis (part# 124-240-06-18) seems to work very well with this set up as the mount sits nicely in the groove of the cross member.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...6-dscf1753.jpg

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...7-dscf1758.jpg

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...8-dscf1759.jpg

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...9-dscf1756.jpg

Not to hijack this thread, but reading it got me interested in doing a manual swap on my 300D again. Can anyone post a complete list of things needed (outside of the obvious manual tranny and three pedal set up) needed to correctly do this swap? Approximate cost would be nice too (yeah I know I don't want much do I?)

I would appreciate it.

Glenn

Glenn... I think if you check the archives you will find pretty much what you are needing... this is a popular dream and several have done it well...
except for that nagging vibration some have encountered...

ASSUMING your car is already manual (4 speed) -

5 speed shifter
Shift Rods
Front Section of DS (unique)
Trans Cross Member

That's the meat and 'taters ...:D