5 speed transmissions throught the model years remained unchanged, only the upper shifting mechanism has been changed. this is why the shifting pattern was different. All 1985-1993 260E, 300E and 300D transmissions are exactly same, I'm talking european models here, don't know if they went different to the US market.

My original transmission had the reverse next to 2nd pattern, swapped the shifter mechanism (diy job) with a sportline mechanism and now I have a dog-leg pattern just like in 16V models. Only if I had the closer ratio gears.

My next project: 6speed manual swap to my blueprinted and stroked 3.2L M103

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2001 E200 Kompressor Avantgarde
1987 300E 5-speed
1976 450SLC
1975 280S (sold)
1973 230.6 (sold)

You learn something new every day. I did not know that it was only the shifter that was different.

Also I had forgotten that I read a few years ago that the trans in diesels and gas engines of the same series are the same. That still probably means a different driveshaft length determined by chassis and trans combination.

Have a great day,

What ever happened with the 6speed swap? And the 3.2?