Alright, well there's been a few posts about doing a 16v 5 speed swap into a 300e, but I'm ready to do it within the month. But first, I need some definite answers from the few who have accomplished such a feat and the many who know more in general about the process than I do. I know the 16v transmission bolts to the m103, and I'm already in a larger swap project on my w111 coupe (6.3 motor) so the technical process doesn't worry me too badly. I just need some sage advice before I jump in and tear apart my baby.

1. Is the Getrag the same length as the regular 5 speed? Can I use a 5 speed 300e driveshaft or will I need a custom length?

2. Are the gear ratio's going to be an issue? Should they be matched to the engine or does it not matter too much?

3. If the driveshaft from a 5 speed 300e will work, can I just get the front
half or are they balanced as a whole?

4. Will there be any electrical compatibility issues with the stick shift? Like A/C relays, Cruise control wiring, etc.

Here's the list of needed parts I have so far

300e 5 speed:
flywheel, driveshaft, transmission mount plate, clutch line.

2.3-16
Transmission, Pilot Bearing, Throwout bearing, clutch and pressure plate, pedal cluster with clutch master, shifter assembly with boot, shift linkage rods.

What am I missing?



Thanks guys!

Scott

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Scott

1987 300e - The 200,000 mile TurboTechnics rocketship.

I suppose you know already that that tranny is a close ratio with a one to one top gear.

I cannot say for sure on the one twenty four but on the one two three there are no compatibility problems with cruiese or anything else. They did have to wire together the neutral switch wires, iirc.

I don't see any reason to change the rear end ratio unless you are doing this to achieve better fuel mileage. which it will do a little but not as much as it would if you were going to the five speed overdrive tranny.

Otherwise it should be a fairly simple swap of parts,

I just had my 82 300cd made into a stick and it was all pretty straightforward. They did have to lengthen the front part of the driveshaft and make new holes in the 240 rear tranny cross member closer together. They charged me abou t 750 labor including 175 for the ds work, which I thought was very reasonable.

Good luck.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

The shifter will look strange without the wood trim from a 5 spd car (openings for shifter are different sizes). Also the bracket off the trans for the exhaust is different. Its available from dealer or cut and weld yourself if the OP (originality police) aren't around. Basically, all the stuff you usually leave in the dirt at the salvage yard is needed.

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Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon

Cool, I'll make sure to order up an exhaust manifold bracket with the rest of the little stuff. As to the wood trim, I'll figure out a way to make it work, either with a custom boot or a new piece of wood, I imagine pretty five speed wood will be a chore to find....

I like the close ratio transmission, and the modification is for driving excitement, and perhaps a bit of autocross rather than fuel economy, so the 1:1 final gear ratio is fine with me.

I've heard that the throw on the 5 speed boxes is pretty long. Is there a short shift kit for the 16 valves available?

Thanks again guys

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Scott

1987 300e - The 200,000 mile TurboTechnics rocketship.