Has anyone converted an Aussie w210 to manual?

[kbro3]

Hi guys,

Thinking of getting a w210, but can't stand driving an auto. From my limited online research, I know European w210 were very commonly manuals in 4 cylinder config.

I've seen a few local w202 C cars with a manual gearbox, and I'm wondering if this would match up to a w210 4 cylinder, say an E230.

Has anyone attempted this in Australia?

Interested to hear some opinions.

Cheers!

[Tony From West Oz]

Please modify your profile to include your location (City & State) so that members can advise location specific services, or even volunteer their time to assist you.

[CraigB]

Its a bit odd - says Melbourne when you click on the name but it isn't on that screen at the side?

I don't know about W210, but generally speaking i imagine the key will be finding a pedal box and if tailshaft is the same length auto to manual. With older benzes they balance the motor with the flywheel so its not just a matter of bolting on a gearbox and flywheel. I would be keeping my eye on damaged vehicle auctions for a manual 202 you referred to. If you are lucky the pedal box will fit and whole motor and trans possibly slipped in. But wheelbase no doubt different so that's where the tailshaft length comes in. Also if it is modern enough that electronics come into it eg. auto trans giving feedback to other components. No matter how straight forward it seems it usually turns out to be lots of work - not so bad if you do it yourself but if you are paying someone it no doubt will soon be overcapitalising. But if you really love the W210....

Hopefully someone will know more.

[AMG]

Look for a donor w210 from europe.
The ecu is different, you need pedal box, portions of wiring harness and other connectors, you'll need a tailshaft, possibly also differential (because the ecu knows the ratio - ask those who've tried to change ratios :D )
As well as the appropriate 716.6xx manual box, and depending on the year and engine, they have different bellhousing patterns which are not interchangeable.
Good luck with your project :occasion5:

[Ivanerrol]

Look for a donor w210 from europe.
The ecu is different, you need pedal box, portions of wiring harness and other connectors, you'll need a tailshaft, possibly also differential (because the ecu knows the ratio - ask those who've tried to change ratios :D )
As well as the appropriate 716.6xx manual box, and depending on the year and engine, they have different bellhousing patterns which are not interchangeable.
Good luck with your project :occasion5:

You would probably be looking at bringing a donor vehicle in from a RHD country.
If you have enough money anything is possible

[kbro3]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Truth be told, I was rather hoping that a w202 would be good enough as a donor (plus custom tailshaft).

It does seem like importing a European car as a donor might be the way to go, which instantly makes this a much larger project. Does anyone use any importer they can recommend before I go on my search?

Cheers

[AMG]

The conversion exercise is going to cost more than the car could ever be worth - you could easily buy a AMG e55 or e63 for the same cost as the conversion. I'm not sure you actually realize what is involved beyond just the mechanicals... Have you got a star C4 SD conect with Xentry/DAS/SCNONline CVN? you will need it to code/reprogram all the security coded electronics, ECU, ABS, Airbags, SRS, Aircon, Immobilizer, Keyless Entry and the rest and the ones which can't be (ecu) will need EIS and a green key from MB HQ in stuttgart as well. It's going to cost you huge biccies. I'm not sure you realize the extent of the changes required?

Perhaps you should sell the car buy something older or different - like a Porsche - if you're desperate for something from stuttgart with a manual box.

everything comes with a price - and speaking from experience I can say with good authority that you're better off buying another car. Something like an E320T with a manual box out of the UK - and import it privately (watch out for rust)

[kbro3]

The conversion exercise is going to cost more than the car could ever be worth - you could easily buy a AMG e55 or e63 for the same cost as the conversion. I'm not sure you actually realize what is involved beyond just the mechanicals... Have you got a star C4 SD conect with Xentry/DAS/SCNONline CVN? you will need it to code/reprogram all the security coded electronics, ECU, ABS, Airbags, SRS, Aircon, Immobilizer, Keyless Entry and the rest and the ones which can't be (ecu) will need EIS and a green key from MB HQ in stuttgart as well. It's going to cost you huge biccies. I'm not sure you realize the extent of the changes required?

Perhaps you should sell the car buy something older or different - like a Porsche - if you're desperate for something from stuttgart with a manual box.

everything comes with a price - and speaking from experience I can say with good authority that you're better off buying another car. Something like an E320T with a manual box out of the UK - and import it privately (watch out for rust)

Thanks AMG. You're right, I most likely don't realise the true extent of what would need to be done. I thought early (1996) w210s used minimal electronics on the auto box. I haven't actually bought a w210 yet, so nothing to sell :)

I might just have to buy an auto one, or perhaps get a w202/w203 in a manual, which were available here, though rare. My main reason for looking at an E class is the extra space in the back - my wife and I are expecting, so I need something that can comfortably hold a rear-facing baby capsule.

I don't think an imported w210 can be legally registered here, unless it was personally owned by me overseas for a year (correct me if I'm wrong)

Cheers.

[Tony From West Oz]

The W202 has room for a rear facing capsule in the back and the boot is HUGE.
Nimble, good fuel economy, comfortable cruiser and Cheap!

[AMG]

I don't think an imported w210 can be legally registered here, unless it was personally owned by me overseas for a year (correct me if I'm wrong)

Cheers.

w210 E320T(d) wasn't sold here.
it's 6 cyl turbodiesel (OM606) estate. Perfect for your 'expecting' family too. far more practical and if you want to go bezerk on power, it's not hard.

[CraigB]

Just reading i think you worked out its not feasible and asking if anyone knows an importer? In the past RHD cars have come in from Hong Kong and I think Japan - might be others. I don't know any importers but you could try one that imports Jap performance cars and start there. W210 might be getting a bit old to be available from these countries that turn cars over much quicker than here. Wrecker like ASV may bring unregisterable cars to part? Not sure if manuals are popular in these Asian countries though. There might be more chance of finding BMW manuals or Audi in similar size cars?

[kbro3]

Yeah I may have to abandon the manual idea, or at least put it on the backlog.

I'm still interested in a w210, so may just have to live with an auto.