107 5-Speeds (& 113 Resource)

[ctaylor738]

I am an honorary member of a local group of 113 enthusiasts and last Sunday I attended their Fall gathering. I met Gernold Nisius, who runs SLTech in Arundel, ME (www.sltechw113.com). Gernold knows everything about 113's and just about everything about other Mercedes.

So I asked him about 5-speeds in 107's, and here is what I found out after Gernold did some research:

"... the older 107 280 SL had a G 76/27-5 Gearbox with a 0.875 fifth Gear and was only available until the end of 1975, according to my Library. The Getrag 5-speed was used from September 1981 until the end of Production, the Factory Code name is GL 275 C/717.042 and the fifth was a 0.813 Ratio."

Five speeds were apparently not available in the 107 from 1976 to 1981.

Pictures of the Getrag (later) below. There is a picture of the earlier model in this thread: 5-Speed News and Picture

[1984 280SL]

Hi Chuck,
I 'd have to agree with the statement of no 5 speeds in the 1980 era. My 1980 is 4 speed - quite long throw compared to my 1984 5 speed BTW- and the 1980 manual on my car does not list a 5 speed, only 4 speed.

[rdgarzon]

I have a 84 with a 5 spd, one owner Florida car, imported from Germany with the German manuals. I understand they are quite rare in the US. E mail rdgarzon@live.com for pics.

[deanyel]

I had a chance to drive 4 speed and 5 speed 107s back to back a few years ago and was surprised to find that I much preferred the 4 speed. The 4 speed seemed geared just right while first gear on the 5 speed was so low it was virtually unusuable. It was as if they added a gear not for the highway but for pulling your boat out of the water at the marina. They may not have all felt like that as Europe had many different optional rear axle ratios over the years.

[POS]

I had a 1984 280E with a 5-speed, and the extra gear was best for high running on the highway.

[WINTS]

My 81 280SL still has the four speed. It must be one of the last. That gearbox shift certainly does take some practice!

First comes and goes before you blink, and the throw from 2nd to 3rd cannot be rushed. I find when reversing first thing, it's much easier to select first, then go to reverse. That up and over to the left to engage isn't easy either!

Still, a great driving car. Wouldn't swap mine for anything!

[RickM]

Chuck, Thanks for the link. I just purchased a '71 280 SL and any connection is a good connection.

[nobby]

Thanks, Chuck.
I have nothing to compare to but can say that my '83 shifts great.........third gear being, by far, the best gear.