90-93 Mercedes 300SL Gearbox Types

[SilverSpear]

Hey guys,

As I was driving the other day, came across a nice 1991 300SL with the 24V engine. These cars have always caught my attention and check them out regularly. I've also seen a lot of 300SL 12v engine cars as well as 500SL. Not really fond of a V8 or the slow I6 12v, so the I6 24v as a compromise to my needs.

I always check the fenders for previous damage and all, as well as the soft top and its always leaky pistons. I finally came across one which has a good base, nice look (minus the big foot rims/tyres) and the right price (In my part of the world). And yes, I am an SL purist, will revert all the upgraded parts to the way it should + two tone paint.

One thing puzzled me though with the 300SL-24 gearboxes, I see some with the 2-3-4-D shifter, others with the 2-3-D shifter. Yes different gearboxes (not just the shifter). Is this correct? Because if memory serves right, the 24v engine comes with the 2-3-4-D gearbox and the D is operated by the electronic board (which is installed on the inner front fender).

Can you guys please shed some light on this before I purchase this car?

Thanks
Danny

 

[rapide]

gearbox

Hi from memory 1989 - 1993 4 speed hydraulic box 1993 on 4 speed but with 5 speed electronic box option extra cost, June 1996 on 5 speed only. gear lever reads D overdrive 4 across then back to 3 2 1. as you stated 4 speed is just that 4321. I have seen an 1992 import with D32 but i think its just a 4 speed reconfiguration. 4 speed a bit jerky clutches brake bands etc 5 speed should be smooth only clutches in box electronic changes. 4 speed ordinary mineral ATF fluid , 5 speed synthetic fluid only , hope that helps Rap.

 

[rayhennig]

Hey guys,

As I was driving the other day, came across a nice 1991 300SL with the 24V engine. These cars have always caught my attention and check them out regularly. I've also seen a lot of 300SL 12v engine cars as well as 500SL. Not really fond of a V8 or the slow I6 12v, so the I6 24v as a compromise to my needs.

I always check the fenders for previous damage and all, as well as the soft top and its always leaky pistons. I finally came across one which has a good base, nice look (minus the big foot rims/tyres) and the right price (In my part of the world). And yes, I am an SL purist, will revert all the upgraded parts to the way it should + two tone paint.

One thing puzzled me though with the 300SL-24 gearboxes, I see some with the 2-3-4-D shifter, others with the 2-3-D shifter. Yes different gearboxes (not just the shifter). Is this correct? Because if memory serves right, the 24v engine comes with the 2-3-4-D gearbox and the D is operated by the electronic board (which is installed on the inner front fender).

Can you guys please shed some light on this before I purchase this car?

Thanks
Danny

I think the 300SL-24 with the M104.98x engine would have the 722.5 5-speed box. You can find out more information by Googling that.

Mine's a 300CE-24 but, to my knowledge, there are many similarities. I think that engine is brilliant with its 7000 rpm etc.

Good luck in your search.

RayH

 

[SilverSpear]

I think the 300SL-24 with the M104.98x engine would have the 722.5 5-speed box. You can find out more information by Googling that.

Mine's a 300CE-24 but, to my knowledge, there are many similarities. I think that engine is brilliant with its 7000 rpm etc.

Good luck in your search.

RayH

Yes Ray and Rapide, I also think the 24v engine of the 90-93 mercedes comes with 5 speed box. We have owned one 300E-24 and two 300CE-24 back in the past and they all came with a 5 speed box. I was surprised to see at least 3 Mercedes 300SL with the 4 speed box.

My take on this, and from experience with our last 300CE-24, my dad took her for detailing and they cleaned the engine bay with water at the car wash. The car wouldn't start and we realized that the electronic board in engine bay was shot. We had to install the board of a 4 speed box but we lost D. The car would drive only in 4.

I assume those SLs had the same problem, and the owners went the extra mile and replaced the 5 speed with a 4 speed.

Will forget about this one... 10x again