Specifically for a 1994 C280. Is there any U.S. model that came with a 5-speed which could be a donor? Like the 80's 190 series or 90's 300SL?

5-speed manual? I think it was a rare option. It might have been an option in the C36. You should be able to use any MB MT since the W201 and W124. Even the 6-speed from a W203 and C-coupe. The question is what pedal set is the closest fit.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Pedal set I could source from Europe if needed. The 6-speed from a V6 W203 or 4 cylinder C-coupe would bolt up to the straight 6 C280? Those should be fairly easy to find. 5-speed from a W124 would be hard to come by, W201 maybe a little easier but not much.

I’ve read of 6-speed conversions of M104s without fabrication but I’m not an expert.

I don’t know Blago but he says it’ll work - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w124-e-ce-d-td-class/1481405-any-m104-autos-5-6-speed.html#/topics/1481405?page=1

Google says there’s such a conversion in this thread - http://forums.190rev.net/showthread.php?35638-Project-Indecision-Now-finally-with-V12-T56-and-a-Turbo

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

The most direct route would be a manual trans from an early SLK as these had the 4 cylinder version of a M104 / 6. Given the SLK is based on the W202, the pedal is likely the same. The 90 300SL is an uncommon car, it used the same manual trans as a W201 inline 2.6 6. From other postings I've read, these trans were on the weak side for these motors.

Dig around car-part.com

I'm digging around Copart and IAAI for wrecked examples. I'd kind of prefer a 5-speed for originality but the 6-speed 2001+ W203 and 2002+ C coupes will be easier to find.

car-part.com shows a 7/99 build C230 5-speed in Pueblo, CO.

How far are you from Potomac German Auto in Frederick?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Not far at all, but if the SLK transmission is the same, they would be much more widely available.

MTs are easy to find. What’s the right pedal set and sfift lever to get, though? Time to hit EPC.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

The 7-99 C230 is going to be an auto trans unless it is a German import.

The later SLK got a different motor than the leaned to the right inline M104 and 4 cyl. I "think" the bell housing is the same but the trans would be leaned over if you mix / match. ( like a mid / late 80's Camaro )

It's been done before

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The C230 W202 absolutely was available in the US with a five-speed manual transmission, although I can't find specifics on exactly which years.

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Robert Fini

'12 ML350 BlueTec, 87k
'06 E320CDI, 270k
'05 T1N Sprinter 2500/Pleasure-Way Plateau TS, 69k
'97 C36AMG, 313k (son's)
'94 E320T, 249k
'93 190E Sportline LE, 168k (daughter's)
'84 190E-2.3/5spd (Stage Rally Racer)
'66 230 W110 Sedan (Barn Find, Vintage Racer build in progress)

Nope not in Murica. All W202s sold here were automatic. A few first gen SLKs showed up with manuals and then the W203 was available with a manual in every body style and engine... at least for the first few years. Unfortunately those didn't sell very well.

Many MB inline engines share the same bell housing. That includes M102, M103, M104, OM601, OM602, OM603, OM606 and M111.

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No 94 - 00 W202 was manual in USA, however, car-part.com ( a salvage yard search ) shows a Mexico 97 - 00 C230 with a 717.460 . This is the 99 -00 SLK20 trans. ( dual mass flywheel )

I'm pretty sure the .460 is same basic trans as Chrysler , Jeep but with a different case and name.

There is a salvage sale near me running a 2001 SLK manual. I understand that's the first year for a 6-speed. Any idea if the trans would bolt in and if any other parts would swap over?