shifting of a manual 1966 230 sl

[Rodolfo]

I have a 230sl from 1966 with manual gearbox.

Not so unusual for old gearboxes, I have small problems getting it in first gear. I put it first in second now and engage first from there.Old trick.

There will be nothing wrong with gears or synchro mesh, I guess. Probably it is because of old linkages.

Anyone has the same problem? Probably it can be fixed with new joints or linkages? Will it be worth doing or is the problem always there with these manual boxes?

best regards, Rudy

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi, Rudy,

You probably just need to change the gear linkage bushings.

See Technical Manual for details.

Will you be coming to Willingen?

Naj

[ja17]

Yes, check the shifter bushings first.

Also, does your speedometer needle bounce up and down during acceleration or de-celleration?  If so could be a loose slotted flange nut on the output flange of the transmission. When these come loose the gear cluster loosens up and shifting problems occur. Symptoms for this are an erratic speedometer under acceleration/de-celleration.

[georgem]

The clutch could also be another option. If the disengage isn`t complete, then the input shaft could still be spinning. Going into 2nd before first relies on the synchro slowing the shaft down and meshing without a clash, same same when going from 2nd to first

[Neil Thompson]

I'd agree with George, if it was linkage related the problem would be present without the engine running perhaps

Neil

[Rodolfo]

Good tips, thank you all. I will have a look at it when I am back.
"Unfortunatly" I am on vacation in Provence, France. Friday I am back home and will examine about the clutch or linkages.

Rudy

[Rodolfo]

Had a short look today:
I lifted the rubber on the stick. It didn't look so bad for the bushes, but I could shift the whole mechanism left to right for about 8 mm. Should it not be fixed to the bottom of the car? Or is it floating?
Tomorrow I will lift the carpet, but then I have to remove seats first. Will examine further.

Rudy

[Rodolfo]

Today I started the installing of the kit for the manual shifting, according to the technical description (see also drawing there) on this site. All went well. There is a big advance in the shiting.

But I also saw that part 302,306,308 (see drawing) should  be replaced (some play).
And the plate number 256 under the shifter is missing.

Anyone konws the MB parts numbers for those items? I have a 1966, 230 SL
 
Rudy