Anyone have a W126 300SE/L five speed? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hit Man X · #1 07-31-2009, 11:37 PM

Just curious if anyone has one of these? My 722 is getting SUPER lazy in reverse to the point where I only park so I can jump in and go forward... so I have began to think how much more exciting this car would be with a five speed. No stupid 2nd gear start AND overdrive.

POS · #2 08-01-2009, 06:21 PM

A black on black one was for sale in California about six months back; I almost bought it, but it had a few issues which worried me. That was the only one I've ever seen or even heard about.

pawoSD · #3 08-01-2009, 08:04 PM

Sounds like a fairly extensive project.....I wonder if W124 5-speed equipment is all a direct swap to a W126? It would be pretty neat though. However, for a M103 and a 5-speed, I'd want it in a W124....the W126 is too big....auto's are more fun in lighter/nimble cars.

The auto is not thaaat bad, I've had no trouble taking down a wide variety of cars out there.

Today I played with a jerk in a hummer on the freeway.....I left him behind like he was standing still (he seemed to run out of speed around 85-90mph)

For not being the "most powerful" motor out there....the M103 can sure put some real movement down on the pavement!

Side note: How many miles are on the transmission/engine in that car? I'm curious how long those transmissions will hold up.....my 300E has 141k and it seems to be in good health.....

Hit Man X · #4 08-02-2009, 12:26 AM

I've seen a scant few W126 280S/E/L with the four speed around that were imported. I'd love to find one in the parts yard so I could just rob everything needed, but the odds of that are pretty damn low.

Hmmm, well I assume the 124 five speed will bolt up. If I search up the rest of the P/Ns via that free EPC I'm sure I'll find gobs more of similar parts. I don't expect it to be done for $500. Probably could easily get many pieces imported from ebay.de I'd need.

The 300SE/L is just geared wrong for normal driving. We know the 2nd gear start crap was for EPA issues like like how the C4 Vettes of the era were setup awfully too, EPA mandated only so much shifting and RPM also. Remember, this was back when highway limits were 55mph... so even at modern 60-70mph, the M103 really starts to make some noise.

Plus the torque converter stalls at a terribly low 1600rpm or so, that with 2nd gear start is just awful when loaded down and with the A/C on. I may just drop in a 2.88:1 diff and have the converter restalled along with a first gear start. Get my freeway RPM back down about 600rpm for a more comfortable cruise speed and allow the car to get out of its own way from a dead stop.

Comparing a 300E to a 300SEL isn't a good comparison, the 124 is just better all around... and less weight.

My trans has about 266k, I'd have to check the mileage (same as the body/motor). Upshifts are fine, even the 3-4 that tends to go more often than not. I also drive a lot of my city in 3rd, keeps that M103 from lugging like the Diesel cars. Just reverse is getting tired and I can probably get 2-4 more years out of it easily, just seeing my options.

Bottom end is the same as is top end, I believe the head has been off once (rebuilt before? who knows)... I do not think an M103 will make it to 260k on the stock gasket. Mine is leaking oil some up by the 1 and 2 cylinders too.

Cylinders 2/3/5 have worn exhaust guides for sure, I have oil accumulation on those plugs quick. Others remain pretty much oil free, but doesn't mean I do not have oil coming into those chambers.

This is to be my fall project... new top end on that car.

Avarec · #5 08-02-2009, 11:34 PM

i though topic was on auto 5 speed

But for sure stick from older 124 will bolt right up

I am surprised not ,many benz mans on here do manual swaps
I know a decent amont of people who drop a 5 speed from toyota inline 6 and mate that puppy to toyota/lexus v8, look up lexus sc400 swaps bellhousing needs a few grinding down done but otherwise its direcct swap, so if inline goes to v then impossible is nothing in this case

Also if you want it bad enough youll do it

pawoSD · #6 08-03-2009, 12:39 AM

My recent replacement of the valve stem seals on my motor has cured my oil consumption and plug fouling....I've driven about 650 miles since then with nay a single misfire. It runs perfect. Oil consumption is non-existent as well. My tech said that some of the guides are worn....but that it should be fine for a long time before needing any further work.....the M103 is growing on me....as my diesel sits in pieces...

I drive a lot in 3rd in the city too unless its flat and I can just glide along at 1100rpm....though, if given enough pedal it can climb some good hills even in 4th....around 1700-1800rpm. I suppose it helps to have the lighter W124 chassis.

86560SEL · #7 08-03-2009, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

I've seen a scant few W126 280S/E/L with the four speed around that were imported.

Yeah, I used to go to church with a lady that had a 280SEL with a manual shift. First time I looked in it, I had to take a doubletake, because at the time, I didnt know that manual shifts were ever in any S-Class. She also has (or had) a 2006 E-Class Mercedes. I have not seen her since 2006?

danwatt · #8 08-03-2009, 02:20 AM

It wouldnt be that hard to do. Any five speed from a m103 OR m102 would work, so take a look at some 190's. You'll have to have the driveshaft elongated and figure out how to get a clutch pedal installed. I'm sure the pedal assembly from a w123 could work. Shift linkages may have to be custom fabricated as well but that should not be too difficult.

Hit Man X · #9 08-03-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

My recent replacement of the valve stem seals on my motor has cured my oil consumption and plug fouling....I've driven about 650 miles since then with nay a single misfire. It runs perfect. Oil consumption is non-existent as well. My tech said that some of the guides are worn....but that it should be fine for a long time before needing any further work.....the M103 is growing on me....as my diesel sits in pieces...

I drive a lot in 3rd in the city too unless its flat and I can just glide along at 1100rpm....though, if given enough pedal it can climb some good hills even in 4th....around 1700-1800rpm. I suppose it helps to have the lighter W124 chassis.

Cured for now. If your head hasn't been off, get ready as it's going to happen sooner than later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86560SEL

Yeah, I used to go to church with a lady that had a 280SEL with a manual shift. First time I looked in it, I had to take a doubletake, because at the time, I didnt know that manual shifts were ever in any S-Class. She also has (or had) a 2006 E-Class Mercedes. I have not seen her since 2006?

Same here!.. on the first time I saw one. I'm going to have to scour the EPC and find out what fits exactly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by danwatt

It wouldnt be that hard to do. Any five speed from a m103 OR m102 would work, so take a look at some 190's. You'll have to have the driveshaft elongated and figure out how to get a clutch pedal installed. I'm sure the pedal assembly from a w123 could work. Shift linkages may have to be custom fabricated as well but that should not be too difficult.

Hm, an M102s would too... good to know.

I was thinking on just importing the W126 pedal assy from ebay.de

Any clue how much shorter the five speed box is over the 722.3?

pawoSD · #10 08-03-2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

Cured for now. If your head hasn't been off, get ready as it's going to happen sooner than later.

I bet the head gasket has been done before....it shows no leaks at all with 141k....now that the valve cover gasket has been replaced, the entire motor is bone dry....