Because I am mostly and armchair mechanic and gatherer of information on projects I have no business contemplating here we go:

Should I buy a parts car W116 with all I need to complete a auto to manual swap for $600 plus the cost of transport

OR

Should I go for the 4-speed out of a 240d for $300 that I can put my hands on now and look for the pedal assembly

OR should I hold out for the elusive 5-speed?

Just a 4 speed transmission won't do you any good. You'd still need the flywheel, hydraulic assembly and bell housing for the M110.

What engine is in the W116? Will the pedal assembly even fit?

The engine in the W116 is the M110. I was under the impression that all those pieces would match up except for the pedal assembly. Am I wrong about this?

This guy has the transmission and last I checked, he had the W116 pedal assembly as well. http://cgi.ebay.com/Mercedes-Benz-W116-280-Getriebe-Schaltgetriebe-4-Gang-/270646523486?pt=Autoteile_Zubeh%C3%B6r&hash=item3f03ca365e

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DON'T MESS WITH MY MERCEDES!


1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Highly Optioned, 350,000+ Miles

Ask Mercmad6.3 about this... The man is a walking talking encyclopedia of motor swaps and transmission interchangeability.

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1957 Ponton 220S
2001 S600 Daily Driver
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The W108 through to W123 pedal assemblies are almost all the same parts. No one has asked this question though.." what car do you want to swap the M110 into?" .

A W116 manual isn't a nice car to drive though and to my way of thinking it's too much work for little enjoyment. The original automatics are good trannys and can be shifted manually when driving hard and fast though the mountains

Oh Kay, let me start over. I have a 1977 W116 280SE (M110) with an automatic tranmission. I would like to change the trans to a manual either 4 or 5 speed.

I have immediate access to a 240D with a 4 speed for $300. I think this will work with the exception of the pedal box. Yes or no?

I know where I can pick up a W116 4 speed for $600 but I then have to scrap the rest of the car which I am not keen on and also pay for the transport of the car.

OR should I just hold out for a 5 speed because it sounds cooler to say you have a 5 speed...

BTW SD thanks for the bolo but I am not sure I want to drop five large plus shipping from the Fatherland for a tranny.

Go for the W116 ,remove the bits you need,and there are lot of them. Then do the swap. Ring your local scrap dealer and cash the remnants in.