column shift manual trans... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

davestlouis · #1 02-08-2006, 11:08 PM

Is there any reason I should avoid a 1968 230 sedan with a column-mounted manual shifter? Is the shift pattern the same as the pattern on the floor shift? I haven't driven a car set up with a column manual shifter since I drove a Chevy pickup for a summer job I had in 1982.

wbain5280 · #2 02-08-2006, 11:46 PM

It's a smooth shifter. Reverse is towards you against a spring resistance and up. The pattern is the same. Be aware, you may need to replace a few bushings due to age and wear.

Mark DiSilvestro · #3 02-09-2006, 08:24 AM

If the bushings are good, these columnshifters should be much more smooth and precise than what you experienced with that Chevy truck. And they're so retro. Amaze your friends, who will probably assume its an automatic, until you start working that lever.
Even when the manual-shift is on the column, these cars are much more lively and fun. I once test drove a '69 280S with the 4-speed columnshift and it was much more responsive than my smaller '72 automatic 250. That 250 has since been retired in favor of 'Miss Daisy', my '60 Fintail with a 4-speed on the column.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Tristar1959 · #4 02-09-2006, 12:13 PM

My 70 W114/M114 250/8 (originally delivered in Japan) had column four-speed, which was very smooth. Wife did get tired of long throw up to third (rarely needed to use first), and I converted to floor shift. Was able to use steering column surround (to get rid of shift stub) and floor shift mechanism from '71 W114 220D, making small adapter plate to mount shift cover and ordering the SA shift rods for a 250/8 with M114. I'm sure you could cut/weld to make the right lengths, as desired, as do folks doing the auto-manual conversions - 230's might be fine, anyway. You can size them by putting the centering/aligning pin in floor shift levers, centering the tranny levers, and seeing if the adjustable clevis ends can be made to fit, with adequate thread; if not, add or subtract rod in the middle, as needed.
Only other oddity was that you have to flip the reverse lever on the tranny, since the throw is opposite direction, on the Hh.
If you get it and is sloppy, I'll take a look at what I pulled from the 250, but suspect the new bushings can be found very reasonably. If sloppy, also likely the shift rod end and tranny lever grommets need replacement - as well as the steering column base lever fulcrum bushings.
BTW, how goes the red coupe query?

davestlouis · #5 02-09-2006, 08:52 PM

I haven't bought it yet, but it's a really basic 230 W114 sedan, no A/C, no radio, just a blanking plate with a "230" emblem in its place, no wood on the dash or door panels. I have to see how much $$$ I have this weekend and see if the deal on the 280C flies or not.