190E Manual Info - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

benzito190 · #1 08-21-2004, 04:32 PM

I bought a fairly nice 1989 190E 2.6 a couple weeks ago and I reallylike the car, but not a huge fan of the auto box in there. I know there is some info on manual transmissions on the forum, but not much dealing specifically with the 190E/W201 chassis. In any case, I am serious on the idea of converting to a manual transmission. I can modify/fab stuff like crossmembers no problem, but I am unsure of my options regarding the transmission itself. Do all benz engines have to same bolt pattern for the bellhousing? In other words, can I stuff a manual from any other benz in there, or do I need a transmission specifically out of a 190E/300E? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

mbdoc · #2 08-23-2004, 08:06 AM

Putting a 5 speed manual trans into that car is a bolt-in. You will need a donor car, a 190E from 1984 thru 1993 OR a 300E 1986-87 to get a trans that will bolt-up.

Chevota · #3 08-25-2004, 05:29 PM

If it was an easy convert I'd let you have my 5spd in exchange for your auto. My car is just sitting here collecting dust because I hate 4cyls and I hate sticks. Or I could sell you my whole car for 1K. I'll probably sell it soon either way since I never drive it.
Btw, '85 190E, odo stopped ~185, it's got maybe 200K, no cats, burns oil and is hard on plugs. Paint is bad, body is very good, interior is very good, seats look like new. Drives like new, runs strong, or at least a strong as a stock '85 2.3 can run.

732002 · #4 09-02-2004, 01:33 PM

I would not spend the time and money to switch auto to
a 5spd. Sell your auto car and buy a manual car.

There is a 93 2.6 190 sportline 5spd on ebay. The bad news
is it has a salvage title.

Dave

benzito190 · #5 09-04-2004, 02:30 AM

Here's the thing, I got a really good pick on this car... thre's no way in hell I will ever find a manual car anywhere even close to as nice as mine for $1900. I really like the whole car + color scheme. Chev... I'm DAMN interested in your offer to swap. I am not super far away, San Diego is about 2.5 hours away from here and I would be happy do all the work asociated with the swap plus even a lil money to be able to do the swap. As far as I can tell, it's a pretty damn direct swap, I just need the pedal assembly, shifter assembly, transmission and driveshaft... all of which could be swapped... my trans works great, but it's an auto and I've never been a huge fan of auto transmissions. Only downside is it would likely have to happen next month as I would need to get a poaycheck in savings to have some money for clustch parts/paying you etc.

benzito190 · #6 09-10-2004, 05:23 PM

So does anybody know if could I use a trans from any manual 190e? Including 2.3 liter 4 cylinder cars?

Chamorro · #7 09-10-2004, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benzito190

So does anybody know if could I use a trans from any manual 190e? Including 2.3 liter 4 cylinder cars?

Yes, they'll bolt up to the engine. As far as durability.....don't know. I've asked around on forums and at the dealer and mechanic; none really know the internal differences between the trannies, other than possibly different gear ratios.

I'm aiming to get a 2.3 manual from '87 into my '90 2.6 (and working properly) before the end of the month.