W124 300E 6 Speed 716.638 Manual Transmission Swap
 

I figured I would start this thread to propose my project, collect information, and share my progress.

I have an '86 300E "AMG" sedan with an automatic transmission. Automatics are fine, but I genuinely prefer manuals whenever I have an option, plus I like things that are uncommon. My '63 220SE is a 4 speed column shifted manual and I love it. My goal is to 5 speed swap my '77 280SE, and swap this '86 300E with a 6 speed manual so I can have 4-5-6 across my fleet. This might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think it suits my driving style and taste perfectly.

Last night, a friend dropped off a nice 716.638 6 speed manual from a W203 at my house. My understanding is that this transmission will bolt right up to the M103, but I still need to obtain the following:

M103 single mass flywheel
M103 or Sprinter clutch for single mass flywheels
W126 or W124 V8 model speedometer so I can connect the cluster to the new transmission electronically
Lengthened driveshaft
Pedal box for W124 or W201
Clutch hydraulics
Shift linkage

From reading other threads, here or elsewhere, I understand that there may be an issue with clearance - there is a "rib" on the top of the tunnel that can come in contact with the bellhousing, as well as the transmission mount that may need to be spaced down or relocated. I do not have a shift linkage yet, but from a 6MT 300TD build video that I saw, I may have to shorten the stock one, or adapt another one from a BMW to get it to line up with the stock opening in the tunnel.

If you have any thoughts or experience with this swap, please let me know. I am open to your ideas, and I am also looking for parts if you have them. Thanks in advance!

swap
 

Thats the wrong transmission, the bell housing wont fit the m103, that trans is for the M272.

I have never seen a 86 300e AMG ??? . it would be easier to buy a stick shift car , trying to swap this always goes bad . The stick shift trans is really pricey to fix if you can find the parts . On the other hand , the auto is relatively inexpensive .