1970 280SL With 6 Speed Manual Transmission

[Mike K]

Hi All,
A friend's looking at a W113 280SL as a project car and has enlisted my help.
It turns out this car has been fitted with a 6 speed (+ reverse) manual transmission. The original 4 speed gearbox is available and included in the sale.

My friend took the car for a drive and says it drives wonderfully.
Click on this link for video:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4xadyhpuzoo8n3h/W113%206%20SP%20XMISSION.MP4?dl=0

Irrespective, my advice to him is to stick with the original transmission...
I'll be seeing the car with him on the weekend and judge for myself.

Has anyone ever come across this before?
Any input is appreciated.

Thanks and best,
Mike


 

[PSB]

Mike,

I bought an auto box from a guy who changed his car into a 6 speed manual. It was a full MB conversion kit that came from Germany with all the necessary adaptations included ( if I remem correctly it was around 12.000 euro box and for the job). This was about a year ago. He was very very happy with the change....much smoother and great performance without the high revs which was what bothered him in the first place. He is close to 80 and said he betted on comfort and got it.
Question here is if that car had a good quality box and job done.

Btw. I did most of my schooling in, from age of 10, Durban and then university at UCT. Great country, I follow the news closely with lots of old friends down there , hope the next few days show things are pointing in the right direction...

Regards
Pedro

[Mike K]

Thanks for the feedback Pedro, much appreciated. I'm not too sure about the quality of the work done on this transmission.
While there are some great MB mechanics & workshops in SA with great specialist knowledge and experience with our cars, there are also unfortunately many backyard specialists who love to experiment with this kind of work. Until I see it and drive the car I remain sceptical.

Originality aside, my friend says he loves the way the car drives with the 6 speed transmission...

Re SA- yes big changes happening and it all seems for the better, FINALLY!

Best,
Mike

[66andBlue]

Mike,
take a look at these discussions;
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17727.0
These 6-speeds are Getrags modified in Poland.

"PagodaMafia" has commented on this gearbox:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=23594.msg184446#msg184446
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=11121.msg181565#msg181565


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMRBItafryM

[Shvegel]

If it is the Getrag from Poland it is modified from an E90 BMW 3 series.  A much better shifting box than the original 4 speed.

[Mike K]

Thanks Alfred & Shvegel for the feedback, interesting to get some background on this.
Best
Mike