convert an 83 300sd to manual? i am thinking about buying a body that is in good condition (mines rusty) and when i do i would like to convert to a manual tranny. anyone ever done this?
if i do do this it will be awhile but ide like too know if its possible.
any info would be apprecited.

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have no worries.....President Obama swears "If you like your gun, you can keep it

It certainly could be done without too much trouble with the drivetrain if you're willing to have a driveshaft built, etc.

The problem in the case of the 126 body will be clutch and shift linkage. There are VERY FEW 126 cars in the US from which to salvage these parts. It's possible that the pedals, shifter, etc would interchange from a 123 car, but I sure wouldn't enter the project while counting on that.

I typically say that I would not enter into a project like this without the donor car setting next to the recipient. In the case of this project that will most likely be impossible.

If you are determined, you need to PM leathermang. He has a source in Eastern Europe for salvage parts and may be able to point you toward a source. The 126's with manual trans are not uncommon in Europe, it's just that none were ever imported to the US except as grey market.

Good luck,

if you want a W126 manual, buy mine!

I just bought a 1980 280SE euro with a 4sp stick shift. Its a gasser, but if you really wanted you could always swap a diesel in...

The body is pretty nice, a couple of rust spots, good paint, euro lights and climate control, AC, 2 tone cloth seats, manual windows...

If you are interested send me an email.

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Sean Roland

2004 Saab 9-5 AERO 138k (for sale)
2000 VW Jetta GLS TDI 215k (sold)
1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 - 132k (sold)
1999 Saab 9-3se -- 84k (sold)
1986 MB 190e 2.3 16v -- 221K (sold)
1985 MB 190e 2.3 16v euro -- 145k (junked)
1992 Saab 9000t 5sp. -- 142k (sold)
1994 Subaru Legacy -- 264K (sold)
1998 Audi A4 1.8TQ -- 102k (sold)
1983 MB 240D stick -- 160k (sold)
1988 Saab 900SPG -- 156K (sold)
1983 MB 300D -- 270K project or parts (sold)
1986 MB 280SE Euro stick -- 150K (sold)

LOL what are the chances. I bet there are less than 100 operating W126 manual transmission cars in the USA.

Mine is NOT a W116.

I think 1980 was the first year in europe, so it just go imported....

Its a neat car, almost completely manual.
Manual: dual Climate control, windows, transmission, seats, locks ,mirrors, catless exhuast...

It does have the automatic sunroof, i would perfer the manual for that....

Right now the car is kinda rough, the Issues:
RF ball joint or wheel bearing
Window regulators fixed/replaced
Sunroof slow
Partial seat reupholstery needed
AC belt
Diagnosis of rough idle (anyone know about this on an M110 engine????).

But once it is done it will look great. Already has the euro lights, and Ill get the clear turning lenses which will match the silver paint. Ill post picts if anyone wants to see.

If anyone is interested in the car, Im looking to get $1200 for it as is, or more once Im done with all the work.

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Sean Roland

2004 Saab 9-5 AERO 138k (for sale)
2000 VW Jetta GLS TDI 215k (sold)
1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 - 132k (sold)
1999 Saab 9-3se -- 84k (sold)
1986 MB 190e 2.3 16v -- 221K (sold)
1985 MB 190e 2.3 16v euro -- 145k (junked)
1992 Saab 9000t 5sp. -- 142k (sold)
1994 Subaru Legacy -- 264K (sold)
1998 Audi A4 1.8TQ -- 102k (sold)
1983 MB 240D stick -- 160k (sold)
1988 Saab 900SPG -- 156K (sold)
1983 MB 300D -- 270K project or parts (sold)
1986 MB 280SE Euro stick -- 150K (sold)

It is quite common for new series MB's to be on the market in Europe before the US. Sometimes it is only by a few months in the case of the 203, or sometimes longer. Being a Euro car, it's quite possible that his '80 is a 126 car.

In fact, I just got down my book "Mercedes Benz Production Models Book 1946-1980. They show the Model 280SE/SEL 1979-1985. They indicate 812 SE's produced in 1979 and 22,482 SE's produced in 1980 (page180.)

They also show 116 chassis 300SD to be built from 1977 (51 Units) through 1980 (9,419 Units.) THis was on page 170. The 300SD was developed for the US market only. I did not look up information on the gas engine 116's.

Have a great day,