280 SL auto transmission modern alternative

[Valvechatter]

I am just curious. Is there a newer auto tranny alternative that will "bolt up" to the 280SL and fit in the interior. Not planning on a change but just wondering.

Thanks,

Lin

[Shvegel]

Almost certainly not.  The automatic transmissions in our cars are not only very narrow but very short compared to modern automatics. Our transmissions are only about 18 inches long and barely clear the enclosed driveshaft tunnel on our bodies.  Most modern automatics run at least 30 inches in length.

[Benz Dr.]

I have a 230SL with a 280SL engine installed and a newer auto trans installed. Whoever installed it used the shift box from that trans and it's black plastic. It's not a 113 trans; I'm sure of that. Could be from a 115 or 114.

[Shvegel]

Dan,
Does it have tunnel mods?

[Benz Dr.]

I never really looked for them. Some stuff doesn't work but overall it's not too bad. No kick down but it shifts well.

[TheEngineer]

I have the original transmission. It took me several years and now it shifts very smooth. Not looking at the tachometer you would not know  that it has shifted . It is better than the newer transmissions  which have axial clutch  packs that wear out and have to be rebuilt.The clutches in our transmission do not seem to wear, possibly because there are these clutch bands which are so large and take the wear. The only problems I am aware of, are  with the riveted  torque converter where the rivets  may leak, but the later ones are all welded and mine has a welded one. It is a very good transmission and it adapts to your driving. You want to lay rubber? Just floor it! It will start in first  gear and make your head spin. These transmissions were used in many models and depending on the model some have different shift points. Some always start in 1st gear. The housing is always the same and that explains why our Dr. Benz has a different transmission in the red rocket. I have always wondered why Mercedes used a "Fluid Clutch" instead of a torque converter. Torque converters multiply the engine torque by about two but do not exhibit the braking effect of a fluid clutch. An old German told me, it was because they were restricted by reparation treaties after the war: no building torque converters! My notes from long ago say: 722.1/2 start in 2nd.  722.3/4 start in 1st.  722.6 five speed, starts in 1st & locks-up. 

[Benz Dr.]

I have the original transmission. It took me several years and now it shifts very smooth. Not looking at the tachometer you would not know  that it has shifted . It is better than the newer transmissions  which have axial clutch  packs that wear out and have to be rebuilt.The clutches in our transmission do not seem to wear, possibly because there are these clutch bands which are so large and take the wear. The only problems I am aware of, are  with the riveted  torque converter where the rivets  may leak, but the later ones are all welded and mine has a welded one. It is a very good transmission and it adapts to your driving. You want to lay rubber? Just floor it! It will start in first  gear and make your head spin. These transmissions were used in many models and depending on the model some have different shift points. Some always start in 1st gear. The housing is always the same and that explains why our Dr. Benz has a different transmission in the red rocket. I have always wondered why Mercedes used a "Fluid Clutch" instead of a torque converter. Torque converters multiply the engine torque by about two but do not exhibit the braking effect of a fluid clutch. An old German told me, it was because they were restricted by reparation treaties after the war: no building torque converters! My notes from long ago say: 722.1/2 start in 2nd.  722.3/4 start in 1st.  722.6 five speed, starts in 1st & locks-up.

The 230 I refer to with a newer trans is not my car. My car has a ZF 5 speed.