I just bought a new K2 clutch drum for my 1996 SL600 722.6 transmission. It has the new style needle bearing and teflon washer. I didn't realize when I bought this that it would also be required to change the output shaft, clutches and piston to the tune of an additional $700.00. So now I'm stuck with this new $400.00 K2 clutch drum and still need to purchase the piston and clutches and a new output shaft.

It appears Sonnax may have come to my rescue with a bushing that can be installed that will actually reduce the shaft diameter. I'd like to know if anyone has used this and what are the results. Is this recommended. I've attached a link to the information on it, as well as the instructions.

http://www.sonnax.com/announcements/68410-05.pdf

http://www.sonnax.com/instructions/68410-05-IN.pdf

__________________
To see my 129 parts for sale visit:
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John Roncallo

I have not used this. I was very excited about it when I first saw it. The problem that you are going to have is that you probably will require the k1 clutch and carrier assembly also. Even on newer transmissions as they have updated pieces it requires basically half the hard parts to be changed out.
The adapter from sonnax just helps with not having to repl. the other half.
I have changed tunes recently as the price of remanned units and used ones have come down considerably. I would go spend 12-1500 for a newer used unit and go through it with seals and clutches if necessary. I have even picked them up for 700-900 dollars used. Basically all you need is a large nag unit. Then the differences are just in the number of clutches and programming.
There are so many parts that get updated from the early units that you have it is hard to keep one.
Hope I have answered your questions. I see no problem with the sonnax adapter, its just you may have to spend a lot more money to get it to work.
With a newer unit, if it was mine, I would simply swap the front cover so it bolts up and go.
One more thing. Check out silver star mercedes on their ebay site. They have used trans parts.

Thanks for the tip Silverstar has lots of good parts. I wish I would have known about them before I bought the K2 drum. I just sent them an email to see if they would install the Sonnax bearing or exchange the shaft.

Thank You

__________________
To see my 129 parts for sale visit:
http://stores.ebay.com/The-Mercedes-SL-Store
John Roncallo