Gear Box advise 280sl 1971

[n/a]

Dear All
I was on the hunt for a ZF and as you all suggested and as I was aware these are like gold dust! I need any advise going or any suggestions on the nearest possible yearfor the 1971 280sl and best fit for a Five speed gear box ( minimal changes ), the car will rally and will need papers so the best next thing is what I am after all suggestions are very welcome.
Look forward to hearing from you guys

Cheers

Claire

Claire Lambert

[ja17]

Hello Claire,
The more common later Mercedes five speed manual transmission will bolt-up nicely to a W113 engine. The biggest engineering challenge will be hooking up the shift linkage since these units are three rod with a side shift cover. The original set-up is a single shift rod and top shift rod cover.  The latter unit also has a different driveshaft flange. A new driveshaft front half can easily be made or modified to work by a driveshaft shop. A shifter for the latter transmission can be used from a donor car. The W114, W115, and some W123 Mercedes used this later 5 speed as an option. Around $500.00 should get you a good used one. Keep us up to date!


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Benz Dr.]

Hi all,
I worked on a car for Tom Hamilton ( current 190SL Group Pres.) a few years back. A 1969 280SL with a 5 speed trans. Very nice car and as I was working on it I noticed the 5 speed was an aluminum box. The transmission tunnel had been opened up and small covers placed over the holes to allow for the extra room needed for this unit. The shifter looked identical to the regular 4 speed type so I just thought it was a top loader. Maybe not, but it fooled me until I got under the car.
Dan c

Daniel G Caron