Bell housing/transmission differences?

[awolff280sl]

I am looking to eventually redo or replace the 4-speed transmission in my '69 280sl. I may be able to get a used transmission out of a 230sl or 250sl to work on with the intention of ultimately swapping it in for what's there now. I have heard that there may be a diffence in the bell housing across the model years. Is this true? Are there any diffences in 4-speed transmissions &/or bell housings across the model years? Thanks.

[ja17]

Hello Andy,

There are some differences depending on the model year. They are not insurmountable. Even the clutch assembly changed near the end of production. Most differences are merely bolt up items. The basic gear boxes themselves are identical on the outside. All items like the bell housing, front cover, rear cover, and top cover will unbolt and interchange. Even sedan gear boxes will interchange simply by unbolting items off  your original gear box. Internal gearing of the sedans is different at least first gear as I recal, but it will work in a pinch or you can switch the gears also to make it as original.

[Benz Dr.]

The gear boxes are different on 230 and 280 SL's. So are the bell housings although you can switch some parts if you know how to do it. Top and rear covers are basically the same.

[awolff280sl]

Dan, Are 250 and 280 gearboxes the same?

[Benz Dr.]

I don't think so.