W123 280ce 5spd short throw shifter? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mbenz280ce · #1 02-07-2017, 12:49 PM

I was wondering if anyone makes a short throw shifter for my 85 5spd. Thanks

C.Doner · #2 02-09-2017, 10:34 AM

No, but you can make the transmission perform better by having brass shifter rod bushings made. I am looking for the link. It is from a euro set. You might even find them on ebay. From what I read the performance gurus love these boxes. They can take a lot. They say it is not the transmission, but the shifter setup which makes it a slow shifting gearbox. Adding those brass bushings will tighten things up.

mbenz280ce · #3 02-09-2017, 12:56 PM

Nice, thanks for the info. I believe that is what I'm going to do.

C.Doner · #4 02-09-2017, 04:41 PM

"Bushing for the gear lever.These measure said 18,45 outer,8,3 width and 6mm inner diameter.

Bushings for the shifter arms at the box.These measure 25mm diameter at the section that goes through the arm.The flange is 30mm outer on 2mm width.
Bushing protrudes 3,5mm into the arm per se and the through hole is 9mm flat for the shifter rod.

Bushings for the arms at the bottom of the shifter per se-underneath the car.
Dimension are....
Flange dia 25mm
Where it protrudes through the arm=15mm on a 3mm width

Through hole for the shifter rod is again 9mm flat.

To make these bushings work.....
Install with high end bearing grease.

Also..you need three washers for the bushings that go into the arms.
Three with a 25mm dia and 3 with a 30mm dia-and they´re to have 9mm holes in them.Regular so called "chassis" washers of 10mm will do.
These washers go the other end of each arm-where you put the circlip to keep the shifter rod in place."

Copied from here Getrag gearbox
So there is a set in the shifter mechanism as well. Read the whole thread for full understanding. It helps to have the EPC diagram for your shifter. Plus this is for the 717.404 They should work with the 717.400 they are both getrag GL275. Be sure though and measure.

hanno · #5 02-09-2017, 07:27 PM

Read here FS Delrin Shift Bushings, and other mods - Mercedes-Benz Forum User is 190e2.3euro in case previous link is stripped when posted. Same user name on 190rev.net where additional information can be found. I had him do a W124 short shifter, included the delrin bushings. Response time seems to be rapid or eternal depending upon his other activities. Unless its a track car that gets gone through after every race, I wouldn't use brass /bronze due to its associated maintenance (clean and lube).

5thscaleracer · #6 02-09-2017, 08:12 PM

I have delrin busing kits available

Check out
Leistung********.com

Or on instagram flieben_ca

rwd4evr · #7 02-10-2017, 03:38 AM

i believe the 4 and 5 speed shifters are very similar. just putting a t-bar handle thats a good bit shorter than the stock plastic baseball bat on there makes a big difference. a ball or whatever suits you on a shortened stick has the same effect. i sure wish i had a 5 speed though. I love the drive train in the euro w126 280se im driving right now, but around town in 40 + cruise i go for 5 th gear alot. But the engine is so smooth it just wants to rev to 4500-5000 even at low throttle input. it already feels like a turbo the way it comes on at 35000 rpms. The m110 with med sized turbo in my fintail is gonna be soooo good.

P.S. where are you located?

mbenz280ce · #8 02-10-2017, 07:47 AM

I haven't been able to locate a brass bush kit and it seems this is a little bit harder to find than I originally thought. What are those delrin bushings, where can I get them if I wanted to. Just got got my exhaust finished and I can't even drive it for another couple months......Man I hate upstate NY.