My Old Girl Might Be Getting A New Tranny, Worth It? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

250SE · #1 02-25-2003, 01:53 AM

Ok, lemme first start by saying that my current transmission is now 36 years old! It is definitely showing its age. I have to let off of the gas to let it upshift, and it makes a clunking noise when it downshifts. It really doesn't even engage first gear, making it increadible sluggish off the line.
I have asked a few knowledgable people who have worked on benz's for 30+ years and asked what they thought my best options would be. I would like to put a used 4 spd in there. My mechanic (who knows his *****) said that he can have it done for $900 installed. I don't know if this is including clutch, pedals, shifter and all other cosmetics. I doubt it. Anyways, what do you guys think as far as an automatic versus a manual? I kinda want a manual because I always thought that a manual tranny, when driven properly, can easily outlast an auto. So is it worth it on my old baby, or should I just forget about it and save my dad the dough? Let me know what you guys think, and any advice from anybody who has done a tranny swap in a '67 250SE would be helpful. Thanks guys.
-Kim

Clunker · #2 02-25-2003, 06:17 AM

Though sticks can be more fun, I would put back what was originally in it. I think it would be less expensive and you'll get 30+ more years out of it.

ctaylor738 · #3 02-25-2003, 08:03 AM

It sounds like you have a modulator or adjustment problem (shifting, 2nd gear start), and a worn rear differential mount (clunk), so don't give up on your existing trans.

As the resident nut case on 4-speed conversions, I can tell you that they really make these cars come alive. The automatics are terrible power-wasters.

Unless your mechanic is really looking for work, the $900 sounds like labor only. Used parts would be at least that amount.

I have a trans, linkage, bellhousing, and slave cylinder from a 1969 280S that would (probably) work in your car.

#4 02-25-2003, 11:17 AM

The idea of a w108 with a manual trans has always appealed to me. A few years ago, I shied away from a DB green 1969 280S 4-speed that was for sale because the front fenders had the usual rust bubbles behind the headlight clusters. Then I found out how hard it is to find these models.

Keep the auto trans and all parts removed for the manual conversion. A future owner may wish to have them.

250SE · #5 02-25-2003, 01:54 PM

I don't think that I will ever be selling this car. I'll probably be that crazy old lady driving the even older mercedes! I am not really looking to maintain and keep records. We have had it in our family for about 20 years now. I don't really have anything like that. As for what you guys said about it not being the transmission, I would be surprised if it wasn't. I will be going up to see the car tomorrow morning and will go talk to my mechanic and see exactly what he thinks. It is so funny because he has been working on this car for 20 years now, he knows just about every quirk and funky thing it does. I'll let you guys know exactly what he says. I can never get a straight answer out of my dad when he talks to people.:p
-Kim

wbain5280 · #6 02-27-2003, 02:08 PM

Perhaps a complete fluid change would be in order after running some BG trans cleaner through it. Don't forget the fluid clutch as there is a drain screw in it for that purpose. Remove the screen on the bottom of the bellhousing and rotate the engine untill it is accessable. Don;t forget a new filter as well.

Regards

250SE · #7 02-27-2003, 10:22 PM

Ok so here's the scoop on my benz. I had my mechanic drive it yesterday morning. He said that I don't need to replace the tranny. He said that it just needs to be 'serviced'. He said that he can get all the bumbs and most of the clunks out. So I guess then my dad decided to be spontaneously nice and have some other stuff done to the car. This morning she had an entire new exhaust system put on. I haven't seen/heard it yet, but my dad says that it sounds great and the guy did an awesome job. Right now the car is in the shop getting the tranny serviced, fluids changed, tune-up and some other stuff. She will probably get the new windshield installed tomorrow too with new gasket. And the real kicker: she's gonne get stripped, sanded, primed and painted! I never thought that I would actually get all this stuff done. I wonder what I did to deserve this? Oh well. Maybe taking 18 units and working 25 hours a week and riding my horse almost every day pays off! I'll post pics when I get them.
-Kim

wbain5280 · #8 02-27-2003, 10:43 PM

One more thing to do, get some front seats with head restraints. You don't want to get wiplash if someone ear ends you. Plan ahead.

Your dad is being very good to you springing for all those parts. Tell him you LOVE him. He will really appreciate it.

240 Ed · #9 03-01-2003, 11:09 PM

I have a 68 250S, and I feel confident that we both have the same transmissions in our cars.

That said, your trans will always start in second gear, this is normal. (I don't know why)
It will start in first if you put the selector in "2". It will shift to second and hold there until you move the selector up to higher gears.

I would certainly go with a trans cleaner, then a thorough drain.

I doubt the mechanic will drain the fluid coupling, but you will get most of the old fluid out.
These trans were very well made, and last a lonnnnggg time.