5 Speed ZF transmission

[George Des]

Anyone got a source for parts on the 5 Speed ZFs. Looks like the pinch joint where the speedometer cable goes into the transmission on mine was overtighten in the past and has cracked. This is allowing transmission fluid to leak past the small seal in that area. If I can find a replacement rear cover plate (I know--good luck!), I'd prefer fixng it that way, otherwise I'll try one of these aluminum casting repair specialists. I recall Dr Benz mentioning a source in Germany.

George Des

[113gray]

George- As a 5 spd owner, I too am interested in your problem; My info is that Gernold Niesus in Maine (207/985-3001 www.sltechw113.com) has experience w/ these trannys. He has a good reputation but I have not used him. Also, someone mentioned Alex Dearborn at www.dearbornauto.com as someone who might have contacts for what you need. Hope this helps. Keep us informed as to what happens since those of us with this tranny will need the info sooner or later. Good luck.   -JP-  230SL (It.) 5 spd ZF

[George Des]

Thanks.
I'll give Gernold a call and perhaps stop by Dearborns' when I'm up in Boston. Met Alex years ago when my old boss at Ft Devens used to take his 190Sl and 300Sl to him for all his work on them.

George

[Benz Dr.]

Only place I know of is a guy in Germany. He bought up all the remaining stock many years ago and has price lists and some inventory. I'll try and find it. Mike Eagon ( 5 speed owner) has some info on this and is where I got my contact from, so did Fank Mallory ( dealy departed )

  I've thought about a ZF 5 speed registry. Anyone interested? Only about 850 cars were made so it wouldn't be a big list.

Daniel G Caron

[George Des]

Dan,

I had my ZF rebuilt about 20 years ago when I was stationed in Germany. It was leaking from the front main seal. The Benz dealership sent it out to the ZF factory down around Mannheim and I was told at that time that I had a rare commodity. The car was originally purchased by a doctor in Rovigo, Italy and his kids sold it in 1976 when he passed away. I landed it about three months afterwards for a song.

Never had any problems with it since the leaky seal was repaired. As I said I think the rear cover plate cracked around the point of entry for the speedometer cable because it was overtightened. have you seen this on any other MB trannies ? I'm hoping that I might be able to find a replacement but if I can't I'll look to see if one of the aluminum casting repair specialists can stitch it back with a heliarc or tig.

Do appreciate any help you can give me though with the names in Germany. I will alos try with ZF on the slim chance this was a common item om others of their line.

George Des

[Benz Dr.]

The rear cover is a ZF part. In fact everything is ZF parts. The input and out put shafts look the same but they're different inside the case.

Taking this trans apart and getting it back together was a real challenge. Last time I heard of someone getting one rebuilt it cost them a small fortune.
 
Used ones sell for about $5,000.00 USD if you can find one. I use AMSOIL 100% synthectic ATF - it only holds about 1 liter so having the best oil you can get is VERY important. If it runs even a bit low it will start to shift hard and you must go slowly while shifting until the trans warms up. It has all steel syncros with a brass one on reverse while benz units have only brass ones. No reverse syncro either - that's fairly unique.

I've seen a few of these castings break but I think you should be able to fix yours. ZF used a low pressure sand casting for the aluminum parts due to how few were made. Top cover, bell housing and rear cover. The real problem is that the small seal inside the rear cover is leaking which may be worse due to this broken part.

Daniel G Caron

[113gray]

Dan, I agree that a 5 speed ZF registry is a good thought. If one gets started, I'sign up.    -JP-

[Cees Klumper]

Here is a link to the database section where a table can be added for this registry:

http://www.sl113.org/data/

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Benz Dr.]

Ok. I'd be willing to do something on that. I think there's at least several cars around these sites that have 5 speeds. Let me look into an idea I have and see what I can come up with.

Daniel G Caron