Yes Roncallo, I'd like the 5 spd. as well, We've discussed this at length at 500Ecstasy.com. Right now I'm looking at an ad for a "mint cond." "low mileage" 97 E420 (Auto&TruckBuysSouth-Recycler.com) for $5500 obo which means I can get the whole car for what Seattle Man wants for just the trans swap---no thanks. Here's some of what I said on this topic at the other site: Imagine, a next gen. E-class with headlights that actually kinda light the way (what a concept!), a double control arm front suspension instead of the cheap strut set-up (which looks way too much like the Ford "Fox" platform design--am I the only one who noticed this?), distributorless ignition (finally! MB catches up with the 89 SC T-bird!). [yeah, I've added a bit more this time]. For $5500 I could do a STS turbo and be so fast I wouldn't need to swap the trans. or the gears! Installing that turbo would be easier than installing that trans.!

I know a lot of people prefer the W-124---Me too! But ...

Maybe this swap makes sense for a $20,000 500E/E500, but not for a $5,000 400E/E420. I'll just keep my 2.24 gears. I'm already running 14s. That's good enough to hold my own against the wannabes in the trucks and SUVs (which tend to be what I have the most trouble with out there. The guys in the truly fast cars generally behave themselves). And from a roll I do way more than simply hold my own.

What I proposed then (and now) is that someone who has done this swap post a "How to" thread so we can do the swap ourselves. It's definitely a difficult job but not worth $5500. Regards, Eric

400Eric, I think that you are kind of missing something here. The only cost that would be saved by doing the install yourself would be the physical installation of the system. It will still cost around 3500-4000 in materials. You are correct though that the actual physical job is not difficult. And if anyone would like to do it themselves and by a tcu, I will be happy to sell all the needed items from PCS.
The tune may or may not be adapted. But it would be nearly impossible for me to help from a distance. It is not really a question of making it work as much as getting the shifts to an acceptable point.
If you do not care if it shifts like a brick I can help you from a distance.

My main point is that it is simply not a cost effective mod for the reasons I already stated. $5500 could be used more effectively. The amount of bang is not worth the bucks. Not even at $3500. It's OK though, it seems that a lot of MB guys like to spend money. You'll have plenty of takers. I don't mean to sound harsh, just trying to state clearly another viewpoint. I myself am thinking long and hard about a 97 C36 with one of those five speeds already factory installed. Regards, Eric