Could you install the 5-speed found in the W124s in a 560SEL? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mölyapina · #1 03-01-2013, 09:16 PM

I've really started to like the idea of a 560SEL after I saw one on Craigslist, but I'm curious if it is remotely possible to swap in a standard. Would the 5-speed offered in W124s mate up to the engine, and would it be strong enough to handle the power put out by the M117.968? Would I have trouble finding a driveshaft that I could use? What about a flywheel/clutch?

TheDon · #2 03-01-2013, 09:17 PM

if you find a 5 speed W124 I'd be rather amazed

pawoSD · #3 03-01-2013, 10:48 PM

The 5 speed in a W124 would be attached to a M103, which have drivers side starter. The V8's are on the passenger side. Likely would not fit/work.

Finding a 5 speed would be incredibly hard. Since less than 1000 manual W124's were sold in the USA.

lorainfurniture · #4 03-01-2013, 11:26 PM

I'm pretty sure there is someone selling one on this forum. Five speeds are not hard to find. They are hard to find cheap.

TheDon · #5 03-02-2013, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lorainfurniture

I'm pretty sure there is someone selling one on this forum. Five speeds are not hard to find. They are hard to find cheap.

precisely!

I remember the W126 I found in the junk yard with a manual. Sadly someone grabbed the transmission and shifter but I was able to nab the pedals.

atikovi · #6 03-03-2013, 02:46 PM

Just wondering, is the 5-speed in the W124 the same as in my W140?

gerryvz · #7 03-03-2013, 04:22 PM

I have a friend in Germany with a manual W126 300SEL, but it's the M103 motor. This combination was never offered here in the US. It gets noticeably better gas mileage than than the auto-box.

DieselPaul · #8 03-03-2013, 05:57 PM

There are V8 Iron block 4speed M117s like a 350 or 450. But the 3.8/4.2/5.6 is a different bell housing and there never were manual versions even in europe is my understanding.

I've seen manual 280SEs and 300SE/Ls in 126s but I've never seen a V8 manual sedan.

MTI · #9 03-04-2013, 11:00 AM

M102 and M103 motors have the same bell housing bolt pattern, so swaps between four and six cylinder cars is easier. Driveshaft lengths do differ.

Hit Man X · #10 03-06-2013, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerryvz

I have a friend in Germany with a manual W126 300SEL, but it's the M103 motor. This combination was never offered here in the US. It gets noticeably better gas mileage than than the auto-box.

Which is a shame, the OD and lack of moronic second gear start would be fantastic. My five speed E23 735i drives significantly different than the auto versions of the 735i...the extra gear in those really helps those pigs get moving. The US 300SEL is one of the worst cars I have ever owned for city driving.

The manual swap seems to be pretty simple all things considered for a M103 powered W126 when I looked into it some time ago.

I have seen a few manual 280SE grey market 126s in the yards.

JamesDean · #11 03-06-2013, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

Which is a shame, the OD and lack of moronic second gear start would be fantastic. My five speed E23 735i drives significantly different than the auto versions of the 735i...the extra gear in those really helps those pigs get moving. The US 300SEL is one of the worst cars I have ever owned for city driving.

The manual swap seems to be pretty simple all things considered for a M103 powered W126 when I looked into it some time ago.

I have seen a few manual 280SE grey market 126s in the yards.

Also make us all overdrive modules that we can install after the transmission. Sell them for $50 install. Because racecar.

Hit Man X · #12 03-08-2013, 02:21 PM

HA. Well most are acceptably geared... that 300SEL is just all wrong. That 3.46:1 with no overdrive is just awful. The motor can take it, that is not the issue, it just wastes accessories and wears out the valvetrain. I really believe that car with a 2.88:1 diff and first gear start would be totally different.

JamesDean · #13 03-08-2013, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

HA. Well most are acceptably geared... that 300SEL is just all wrong. That 3.46:1 with no overdrive is just awful. The motor can take it, that is not the issue, it just wastes accessories and wears out the valvetrain. I really believe that car with a 2.88:1 diff and first gear start would be totally different.

Here is what I want. 1 engine rpm = 5,000 wheel rotations!