Here's a pipe dream: 5spd 500SL >>>

[Eli (NJ)]

Has anyone installed a 5 spd from the 300SL, with proper modifications of course, into a 500SL. I seem to rememer an old article on a RennTech SL like this. Anyone had this dream at least.

I can't help but wonder about this kind of smooth power and control, not to mention eliminating that damned 2nd gear start BS.

Just wondering. Eli.

[tecqboy]

I have a 300SL with the 5 speed auto. Just like a 500SL, it doesn't start in 1st gear either. And the 1st gear start kit from Bergwerks won't work with it. When you force a 1st gear start, ( shift down to 2 then back to 4 or D) under lite throttle, it holds 1st too long and shifts "hard" to 2nd. Under nearly full throttle, the shift is better, but by then you're going 50mph. I have to believe that the engineers put the 1st gear on the 3 liter ( say low torque ) engine simply for those few emergencies when you really have to get a very heavy automobile moving quickly. The way it's set up, it doesn't improve fuel economy or drive ability. But it sure is an intersting idea. Tod

[Gilly]

I think he's referring to a 5 spd manual, which you could get on the first few years of the 129 6 cyl. He wants to install one into his 8 holer.

Gilly

[slsmag]

Originally posted by tecqboy
I have a 300SL with the 5 speed auto... When you force a 1st gear start, ( shift down to 2 then back to 4 or D) under lite throttle, it holds 1st too long and shifts "hard" to 2nd.

Hi Tod -

Try this procedure instead of the one you described... I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the versatility of the auto transmission:

(this may not work on post '93 MY)

From a standing start (stopped!), put the shifter in to '2'.
The car should take off in first gear (at any throttle)

When you reach the point that YOU want to up-shift, move the selector up to '3' and immediately back down in to '2'.

You should now be in second.

Then shift up to '3', '4/D' as desired.

If you move the slector back down to '2', the tranny will stay in 2nd until your speed drops below something like 15 mph... and then it will drop back in to 1st gear (possibly with a bit of a 'clunk').

Try it. If it works for you, get accustomed to just 'bumping' the selector from '2' to '3' and back to '2' from a standing start.

Once you get used to it, it's a blast.
(Porsche 928 owners should be quite familiar with this procedure - later 928s used the Mercedes 4spd Automatic Tranny)

- michael
'98 SL500

[Eli (NJ)]

Yes, I meant 5 spd stick shift. I'm still curious if anyone has taken this adventure.

Eli.