5-speed model # ?

[Douglas]

Can someone please confirm the model number for a late 1970 280 SL ZF 5-speed? Is it a G76/27A or S5-20?

Thank you all.



Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[waqas]

The S5-20 is certainly ZF.  I think the G76/27A is a Getrag model number, but I'm not sure.

WAQAS in Austin, Texas

[Douglas]

Okay, now I'm confused. Are you saying one is a subset of the other? The getriebe (aka transmission) model number is what I'm looking for.

Sorry to sound befuddled here. Thanks.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[Chad]

Douglas I recently obtained one and it is S5-20.  I believe that you will confirm with others who have the 5sp that S5-20 is the top loader. This ZF which is sitting around in my garage because I feel reluctant to start using it until all other systems are sorted first like the engine/ suspension and the 4speed native to the car.  Seems safer to have all systems in good repair before installing a ZF.

Will try to take a picture of it to identify for you. It's sitting in an old canoe alongside a rather tattered hardtop with sunroof (which was a subject of a couple posts last year and I've never gotten around to taking the good advice the forum gave me about it's repair) also not the one native to my tired car).

There was also the w114 tranny 5sp that was a side loader.  This was a MBZ unit and not the ZF tranny.  In any case, if you have found S5-20 tranny it is the ZF.  Please someone else confirm for him (and me too!).

1967 230SL

[George Des]

The ZF for the 113's is the S5-20. This same basic model box with a different top cover, shifter control mechanism and bell housing is used on some older Maserati's as well. Getriebe is the German word for transmission. I believe what one of the other posters was referring to is a Getrag box. I believe one of the members has been able to install a Getrag 5 speed box in a 113. Hope this helps

George Des
1967 230Sl w/ZF 5 Speed

[waqas]

Sorry for the confusion... I actually did mean the Getrag brand (not the "transmission" brand!  :oops: )  I looked through some old literature, and it appears that even the Getrag is incorrect. Mercedes used their own 5sp transmission as the successor to the ZF.

As Chad has mentioned, Mercedes came out with their own 5sp transmission in the late 60's/ early 70's and these mostly went into 114's, and later on, in the 123's. There were also a few 280se 111 coupes fitted with 5sp transmissions for European delivery (mostly the Mercedes side-loader).

Back to your question, the S5-20 is certainly the ZF 5sp. However, I'm unsure whether the G76 is the Mercedes' own brand, or made by Getrag (which, incidentally, were commonly found in BMW's).

WAQAS in Austin, Texas

[Douglas]

Thank you, everyone. I'm no longer befuddled. For now, at least. :-)

Douglas Kim
New York
USA