transmission (manual) question
 

Dear All,

this is another one of my "would it fit" questions.
I found a grey market donor car that was imported from Europe. It is a ~1984 280S (that's right, 280S, with a carburetor). What's more important is that it has a four speed manual tranny with pedal, drive shaft and everything installed.

Here comes the question: would this tranny fit a V8 engine (i.e., the bell of it) without too many modifications (e.g., a 1983 380SEC)? Would it fit a 1985 300SD or maybe a 1983 380SL?

I don't think Mercedes ever offered the 380 engine with a manual trans, so you are really in the weeds on that one. It's hugely unlikely that the pieces off the 280 would fit.

The diesel has a better chance but still very long odds. You would need to find out if there is an engine plate to mate the bellhousing to the engine and sleuth around for common part numbers for the clutch and flywheel.

There is at least one post on converting a diesel to a 5-speed and that might help you.