Has anyone swapped a transmission
 

I was thinking about how much more fun to drive this car (1980 450sl) would be with a 4 or 5 speed standard transmission and a better rear running gear.

Is there anyone here who has swapped out the automatic for a standard?

Is it even possible?

Is there a kit?

Didn't the 1975 have a little better performing rear end?

I haven't seen a kit, and I'm sure it could be possible, but the time and effort it would take, it would probably be a hassle. Odds are you'd have to cut a new hole for the stick to come up through the tranny tunnel, as well then install the clutch assembly with the pedals. I've seen it done in american cars, but then it may require tuning for the proper gears matching the engine. It would be cool to do, but I do not know how easy or practical it is.

I think member alabbasi had most of the parts for sale at one time.

I have a friend with a 5.0 and 4 speed manual SL.
Yes this puts the fun into an SL
All factory parts available to do the swap.
Just buy this car from him.

In addition to the difficulty mentioned by Novaguy engines 117.982 to 117.985 have different assembly bolt location for trans than 117.986 onwards and only 3-speed auto boxes are available for those engines as there is no manual box for the 450 SL/C as Mercedes has no homologated manual box for the 450 engine. The 4 & 5 speed are not interchangeable with 3-speed auto in the 450 engines due to different bolt location holes on the intermediate plate. But given unlimited resources anything is possible.:)

4 speeds were available on the early 350SL. 5 speeds were an available option for the AMG 500SL's. The pedal cluster was used right up to the end for the 1989 300SL.