Auto > Manual transmission conversion HELP & ADVICE pls!!!
Hello
I owned a 280GE 5 years back, I am looking to purchase another as a project car to do the general standard facelift - But I am only interested in a Manual this time but for some reason I am only finding Automatics within my price range and since I not have the cash to splash out on a Manual diesel I wanted to know any possible details in regards to converting an Auto to Manu (If I bought one!) So any costs, instructions tips etc
Thanks in advance
There are quite a number of manuals for sale currently, mainly SWB's; what is your budget?
An automatic can be converted to a manual making sure the bell housing is the same as in a 280GE the starter motor is mounted on the right hand side, so you want similar. Aside from labour costs a second hand gear box could cost anything from £400 up to £900. There could be problems with the gearbox to transfer box propshaft. The standard length may be fine or else you will have to change the propshaft.
There is additional work involved in changing the foot pedals and pedal box - do not know what a new one costs but a second hand could be even harder to find. If, as you mention your budget is limited then you could be better off searching for a manual rather than consider conversion.
Don't forget the flywheel has to be changed for clutch housing.
Check out the link below, it shows of some manuals currently on the market.
you won't get 30mpg in a G-wagen, 30ish in the original w124, 25mpg if you are lucky
you won't get 30mpg in a G-wagen, 30ish in the original w124, 25mpg if you are lucky
Aye....downhill with the wind behind you 
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Thanks for the reply Pistonhead
Budget approx £8k or so total but the less I can spend (£4k ish) the better to spend the rest on additionals etc even if its a non runner with a great shell and I would like to upgrade the engine also to a better diesel MPG wise (Like a straight 6 Mercedes E class engine as I have seen some people have converted to achieving approx 30mog)...I am after a LWB diesel manual 5 door and not in any rush to get the car on the road at present as this is a project for my spare time. But yes I think you are correct in the amount of work detailing the conversion.
There was a nice lwb 5 door in white diesel on ebay for £3500 but has just ended which was perfect but well too far (Walton/Cumbria) - would of been perfect prices wise etc....