What tranny does this car have?
 

I came across a 77 280SE in the junkyard with a manual transmission.
The shifter was gone, and I was in a hurry, so I didn't have time to find the number on the tranny. Is it even possible that this was a five speed? Here's the VIN: 11602410142992. Doesn't show up on the Russian site?? Can anyone help me out here. If it were a five speed, I would gladly make the hour drive to retrieve it.

Probably a G76-27A-4 or -5 depending on how many forward gears.

Just contacted Classic MB and they replied that the transmission code is 100118. Ii have no clue what this means, I was expecting a 716 number... How can I find out what part number this is?

Here's the data card
https://engineering.purdue.edu/peopl...%20Data%20Card
Never heard of transmission 00 100118

I would guess it was a 4 speed. Did MB ever put a 5 speed into a W116 chassis?

I would bet the five was available but rare. Don't know for sure though.

Mercedes would sell you a five speed but the manual trans mercs are such awful cars to drive that they ended up with large stocks of Five speeds trans. I know someone who has a w107 350SL with a five speed. the trans was cheaper to buy from mercedes than it was going to cost to rebuild his 4 speed. The biggest advantage was that the fuel mileage was improved to the point where he even beat diesels in economy trials with the local mercedes Club. So,you could have a five speed in any car you wanted you just had to order it. (option #428)

Looking at pics, I have determined that it must be a four speed, not long enough to be a fiver. Why are they so awful to drive with a fiver?

Man trans
 

I had my 4spd manual rebuilt at Mercedes Werkstatt-one of the highest quality shops in the San Francisco bay area. Total price $1400.(I removed and installed the transmission) I doubt one could buy a new trans from MB for that much.
BTW-an absolute pleasure to drive.

Our family have had mercedes cars since 1928...We have had a few manual trans cars,the baulky shift does nothing for them and the automatics work so well why bother with a manual?.
The whole desire for manual trans seems to emanate from the USA where it was better to own a 'stick shift' in the 1960's than to struggle with a 'slush box' in the light to light drag races.
Yes mercedes Were selling NEW 5 speed trans very cheap but there were no takers. I would guess that if you were to ask Tom Hanson at the classic center he could still sell you one but at a 2008 price. :)