280SE 4.5 transmission upgrade.

[f00g00]

Hi,
I have a 1972 Mercedes 280SE 4.5. The transmission is fine but what I really would like is one with an extra gear or two. Is there an adaptable mercedes transmission from a later model that will work or is it possible to modify mine? An overdrive would be the best upgrade I can think of. Is there a transmission from any car that can be adapted?
Thank you for any help on this.
John.

 

[Andy]

Hi John,

This was the biggest bug bear with mercs. That fact that the engine revs so high at any reasonalble speed. I am affraid that there is no modification that I know of or ever heard of.

It took em till 84 to change the ratio's in the auto box. And another 5yrs or so before they offered a 5sp version as a extra. Then in 97, it became standard on all auto boxes. So as you can see, they wern't in a rush to change them. While we were all burning more fuel than we would of liked.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[csilk]

Have you looked into changing the differential ratio. I know the one used on the 109 series 300SEL 6.3 is longer legged and should bolt up to the same carrier. Check out some spec sheets to see if the diff casing from the later 116 series 450 SE/SEL was better and double check this will bolt on.