PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Where Do I Sign Up To Join The 5 Speed Club?

Squiggle Dog · #1 08-06-2010, 11:34 PM

I went to Pull-A-Part to look for a piece of diesel injector line to make a pump timing tool. I didn't find any, but I did find some other stuff there.

There were a few Euro-spec Mercedes in the yard. The first car I saw was a Euro W116. I took the manual window regulators and velour door cards to install in my 300SD. It had the same saffron interior color as my car but the window cranks were missing. Someone also took the wooden switchless console piece, but at least I have one already. I got a wooden SLS switch housing. Why, I don't know. Maybe I can be creative and put something else in it. I took the velour headrests. The front seats were structurally good but the fabric was shredded. Someone had already taken the rear seat. I took the rubber trunk triangle holders so I can install my trunk triangle. The car had headlight wipers, but I didn't get them because it would have taken too long to remove the wiring harness. I might go back for them later, though.

There was a 450SLC there as well, but I didn't see anything I needed on it. The next car I saw was a W123 240D. It had a saffron interior like my 300SD and it had the matching window cranks, so I got those also to go with the W116 regulators. After that there was a W126 560SEL. I didn't see anything I needed on that one.

After that I saw a Euro W123. It had vacuum-adjust Euro lights, a black cloth interior, rear headrests, and a manual sunroof. I removed the entire sunroof assembly to convert my 300SD's power sunroof to manual. I looked down at the shifter and noticed it was a manual. Then--I couldn't believe it--it was a 5 speed! Yes, a 5 speed--Getrag 717.400. I pulled the transmission, shift linkage, and pedal assembly. I also removed the VIN and options plates.

What a haul! At first I thought I was going to sell the 5 speed transmission, but now I am thinking it would go well in my 1980 W116 300SD behind my 5 cylinder turbo diesel. That's a gear for every cylinder! It's going to have manual windows, sunroof, and heat, so a manual transmission wouldn't be out of line. I have my doubts that the pedal assembly will work and I still need a 617 flywheel, but I am seriously considering doing the swap. The automatic transmission leaks, takes at least 5 minutes before the car will move, and it shifts too late, so it may be on its way out anyway.

So, I take it a Getrag 717.400 5 speed is fairly uncommon?