Originally Posted by dpatterson

Allenj,

The 900 series number refers to which particular spec your engine is - euro, US etc. Regretably my MB manuals are packed away at present and I cant check them but someone else here will be able to quote chapter and verse. From memory the differences are in compression. Do a search on MB numbering systems both here and on the web in general. There are several sites devoted to decoding all the various MB numbers on chassis, datacard, engine etc. If not I'm sure one of the regulars here will pony up with a detailed description.

Welcome to the small fraternity of manual V8 350SL owners. In four years I've only ever seen two others here in Australia and heard of a manual 350SLC. You really do have a rare car, although no one has ever pinned down the precise numbers built as apparently MBs summary records do not segregate autos from manuals (which is weird given its all made explicit in the chassis number) but the guestimate I've seen before is probably circa 1000 - 2000 manual 350SLs built between 1971 and 1980 with no idea on the split between left hand or right hand drive. So you have actually stumbled onto a winner.

Great fun to drive I'm sure you agree (I enjoy driving my auto 350SL as well but the manual beats it pants down) and enough performance to keep up with pretty much most things on the road to day. Damn shame about not having a 5th gear though - as all other manual owners have already stated on this post. Would make it a fantastic highway machine with another cog to choose from.

The downside is when you go to do a clutch replacement. MB parts managers will just look at you funny - as if you had asked for something off a Honda. But with some further enquiring you can convince them there once was a manual version and there are one or two clutch kits in stock (ex Germany) with a mind blowing price tag. I had to remachine the hydraulics, the pressure plate and the friction plate with a clutch remanufacturer to get mine back on the road. MB didnt even have a listing for the slave cylinder, the clutch kit was circa $2000 and 6+ weeks delivery and they couldnt confirm it was the correct one until it landed. This from a dealer who normally gives me brilliant service, despite the age of the vehicles. Vastly cheaper going down the remanufacturer path but still more costly than your average clutch job.

All part of the fun.

Regretably however my fully restored manual is about to go up for sale as the house extensions are sucking all available cash up at an alarming rate. It will be interesting to see if there is any appreciation in the Australian market for the rarity of this car.