1985 500 SEC Tranny

[BenzFreak]

Ok I'm still dealing with the same issue as a year ago. I need a used tranny for my SEC. I've had a hard time locating one. I was told that a 380 or 560
SE/SEL/SEC would fit my car. Is this correct? I was also told that the part#s
must also match. What is the part# for my tranny. I located 380 and 560
trannys at Potomac German Auto but I want to make sure its ok to put either
of these in my car. Also would I have to convert the torque convertor as well or would my current one be ok. My current tranny refuses to shift out of low gear. It goes into reverse, neutral and low only. No warning or symptoms it just showed up as I pulled off the highway and turned the motor off one day. Someone please help me put this issue to an end. I will probably be selling this car once I get the tranny in.

[pmckechnie]

BenzFreak,

I KNOW the trans from an 89 420 will fit in an 84 500SEL. The 84 and 85 are the same engins so the 420 should fit your car.
Also I feel sure you can put in any 380 500 or 560 from any SEL or SEC. I'm not sure about the SLs. On the 420 and 560 there will be a cutout on the bell housing for a crankshaft sensor but it will not cause a problem on the 500 engine which doesn't need it. Also you will need to transfer the neutral safty switch from your trans as the plug may be different. This is not a big deal if done while both trans are out.
For anyone else reading this, the older trans (84 and 85) will NOT fit 86 and later cars as the older trans doesn't have the cutout for the crankshaft sensor.

[DGCA]

The 500 t0 560 tranny will drop right in, also the early M119 tranny will as well. My recommendation is to go with the M119 tranny as it is a much stronger unit. You will need to swap out the tail shaft from your old tranny onto the new one though.

Hope this helps some.

David Cole
'85 500SEC w/ 160k miles
'87 560SEC AMG Widebody w/ 42k miles