Hello, I want to buy this manual 1965 220 that shifts on the column and then drop my manual transmission from my 1967 230s that shifts between the seats into that 220 and convert the shifting from steering column to between the seats.

My question is is there any major obstacle other cutting a hole in the metal between the seats, adding the clutch pedal and using the 230's linkage in the 220?

Is it just a matter of those retrofits or is there something fundamentally different about the transmission on a manual that shifts on the steering column that would make the job impossible?

I have already switched the 230 from an automatic to a manual and that was fairly straight forward.

I suppose I could even use the 230s steering column since it would have no gaping hole in it.

I am buying the 220 because the body is good. My 230 is rusting out.

Thank you much for the help!

Eddie

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1965 220SEb Manual

I think the 220 and the 230 have the same platform, so I think it will just be a matter of swapping parts around. If you just need to swap the trans, you'd better swap the top covers to keep the column shift, that will be less work. If you prefer the floor shift, then you swap the rest over.

So unfortunately I have no useful information for you. But I was puzzled about one detail in your question. You mentioned "adding the clutch pedal". Does that mean a column shift manual tranny car does not have a clutch pedal? If so, how does one disengage the transmission? Sorry to sidetrack your thread slightly.

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1968 220D, w115, /8, OM615, Automatic transmission.
My 1987 300TD wagon was sold and my 2003 W210 E320 wagon was totaled (sheds tear).

GGR, I am not sure what you mean by swapping the top covers.

I do prefer the floor shift and I have heard that the column shift is not as robust in design and so wears out sooner. The reverse has a problem in this 220 (hard to engage) on the column so I figure it is better just to go to the floor shift.

But I think I hear you saying that in the linkage there is a point where it can go either column or floor shift. At that point which I expect might be close to the transmission I would just apply the 230s linkage, cut out the center metal hump hole between the seats and either remove the column linkage or just leave it in place. The same manual transmission is in the column shift and the floor shift only the linkage is different.

Shortsguy, I was wrong. The 220 does have a clutch pedal, but as I was looking up column shifts I read about a clutch design that was in some cars where you changed gears just by slowing down and then shifting on the column, no pedal.

Eddie

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1965 220SEb Manual

The transmissions are the same both for column and floor shift. Only the top cover of the transmission is different to allow whether for column or floor shift. Swapping them allows you to use the same transmission for both applications.

I recently had the same problem on a w110 where reverse was hard to engage, then wasn't engaging at all. In the end I also lost 1st and second gear. The problem wasn't the trans but a worn bushing in the shifting system leading to a rod disconnecting itself. I'm pretty sure this is your problem on the 220. It can be fixed much faster than a trans swap by just replacing the bushings. They may wear faster than on a floor shift but replacing them is certainly much less work than a complete swap.

Thank you, That is what I needed to know. I was hoping it was just the bushings. I suppose I will get the car and see how I like that column shifting and go from there.

The 220 engine has less horse power too so I will decide whether to put in my 230s engine which is in great shape.

Eddie

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1965 220SEb Manual

The transmission that shifts itself is the Hydrak, also known as the automatic clutch.

Very complicated to set-up and, in my opinion, something to avoid.

I know you are not working on one, but sometimes when people get into their transmissions from this era they are temped to put one in.

Back in the early '70s, I learned to drive a stick on a '61 Ponton 180 with a column-shift. And 10 years ago, I was driving a '60 Fintail 220S with one.
If well maintained or properly repaired, I think those Mercedes manual column-shifts are at least as good , and sometimes better than some floor-shifts, including some older Mercedes floor-shifts.
Besides, it's retro-cool now. Amaze your friends, some who may be young enough that they never even heard of a stick-on-the column!

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW