Clutch kit

[mauro12]

Hello guys, I wanted to ask you if there is any difference in the clutch of a 250sl with zf 5 speed gearbox,  ( which is the correct disc)?compared to other gearboxes. Why all websites don’t sell a complete clutch kit for our cars but only singles pieces? And above all, is very difficult to find a pressure plate .

[Benz Dr.]

That should be all 280SL clutch and pressure plate parts. Look at your throw out bearing because it might be the earlier 230SL type. This is the exact same set up I have in my own car.

[mauro12]

It means that the pressure plate for 280sl fits also 230 and 250?
Any difference in the clutch disc for manual or automatic between 230 250 and 280?

[stickandrudderman]

Any difference in the clutch disc for manual or automatic between 230 250 and 280?

I think you'll find quite a lot of difference between the clutch plates of an automatic and a manual!

[sandcrab59]

that is correct. The clutch plates are different.
Tom

[mauro12]

Could you indicate for me a complete clutch kit for a 250sl with 5speed zf ? Generally is it necessary to replace the pressure plate and release bearing or only the clutch disc ?

[Aaron h]

Mauro, an actual "clutch kit" was never offered by/from Mercedes Proper.  Everything was always ordered piece by piece.  Granted, some aftermarket manufacturers and retailers do offer a kit.  However, everything you need is still available from Mercedes and aftermarket companies combined.  I guess it comes down to asking yourself if you want to pay Mercedes prices or not. 

Given that the transmission has to be removed to replace the clutch, you definitely want to renew everything that you can while the transmission is out.  This would include the clutch friction disc, pressure plate, release bearing, clutch release fork and retaining springs, ball pivoting pin for release fork, pilot bearing for input shaft, and sometimes even the bearing housing that the release bearing slides on has to be replaced, as well.  If the transmission is leaking this would also be a good time to reseal the transmission since it'll be out of the car and easily accessible. 

The clutch parts used for the ZF 5 speed shouldn't be special or unique in any way.  The ZF 5 speed and regular 4 speed manual transmissions are supposed to use the same clutch parts.  (at least that is the indication the book and EPC gives) Do take Benz. Dr.'s advice into consideration regarding the release bearing.   You (or the person doing the work) will have to determine which type of release bearing your transmission currently has.  It's not something you can determine until after the transmission has been removed from the car. 

And don't forget about your flywheel friction surface.  Remove the flywheel and either have it resurfaced or buy a new one of it's damaged or worn past the maximum wear limit.  Still available from Mercedes, part number 108-030-06-05.  Currently lists for 712 Euros. 

Currently, Mercedes has quit selling the pressure plate, and they have no plans to offer them again, so we're at the mercy of aftermarket sources.  Oddly, Mercedes still offers the clutch disc.  Anyway, there is a kit available here in the U.S. made by Sachs.  https://www.rockauto.com/en/emailpagetofriend.php?nurl=%2Fen%2Fcatalog%2Fmercedes-benz%2C1967%2C250sl%2C2.5l%2Bl6%2C1434935%2Ctransmission-manual%2Cclutch%2Bkit%2C1993.  It nay cost a little more to ship it to Italy, but at least a kit is available.  Alternatively, here is another clutch kit available in England.  Though, use caution.  I have no idea who makes the kit or if this place is reliable or not.  https://www.theslshop.com/parts-shop/mercedes-benz-w113-sl-pagoda-parts/drive-train/clutch/mercedes-benz-clutch-kit-0152503101.html  And here is a place that sells just the pressure plate.  ALVADI  https://alvadi.ee/en/spare-parts/mercedes-benz/pagoda-w113-1963/clutch-pressure-plate/21652-mercedes-benz-pagode-w113-250-sl-113-043-110kw-petrol-1966-1968

Bear in mind that the release bearing included in the above kits may or may not be the one your car has.  If the one in the kit isn't the one you require then you can buy that separately. 

[mauro12]

Thank for this information. Actually my clutch is working fine so far, I recently replaced the slave cylinder . My concern was because I’m going to reseal the gearbox and sooner or later the clutch has to be replaced.

[mbzse]

.../... any difference in the clutch of a 250sl with zf 5 speed gearbox.../...

Some info on clutch parts here:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=26132.msg217370#msg217370
In the Book of tables (1969) and the BBB there are drawings of the clutch types.
250SL attached.
Clutch design is not altered if a ZF five-speed gearbox is installed. However, the bellhousing is different compared to 4-speed.

[mauro12]

Guys, I haven’t replaced my clutch yet , I only did slave and master cylinder but I’m planning to replace the whole thing . My concern in about the pressure plate . 230 and 250 owners are unluckier than 280 because the pressure plate is NLA. What do you do about that ? Do you replace the discs and bearing without touching the pressure plate ?
Do they wear out ? Some website they still sell in exchange for the old pressure plate but I think this items are refurbished and not new.
Is it worth to replace or is better to leave and replace only the disc , t/o bearing and pilot bearing ?
Thank you

[WRe]

Hi,
here you can find a pressure plate for your car: https://www.daparto.de/Kupplungsdruckplatte/Mercedes-Benz-SL-Pagode-W113/2-1211-1065?kbaTypeId=897.
...WRe

[mauro12]

This is the pressure plate for the 280sl. I don't think it will fit the 230 and 250.

[Chris Long]

I just ordered a pressure plate for my 280SL from Mercedes dealer and there was no issues obtaining... 

[mauro12]

280 sl owners are luckier because the pressure plate mounted in this car is different than the type in 230 and 250 sl which is NLA.
Is quite cheap the 280sl pressure plate too.
When parts go out of production , this is the result unfortunately.

[Chris Long]

Available but expensive

https://www.authenticclassics.com/Mercedes-Clutch-Pressure-Plate-for-230SL-250SL-p/auth-006542.htm

[mauro12]

This price in insane . In Europe you will find even for 180€ but always in exchange for your old part . It means is always a rebuild part and not new . That’s a big problem for 230-250sl owners. I think the best option is to save the old pressure plate ( if it’s in good condition ) and replace only disc and release bearing .