Driveline

[Terry9000]

Hello, can someone please help me? my W124 automatic transmission stopped working, and I swapped in a manual 6 speed transmission instead number 716.603.
My original flex disc has a bigger bolt circle and my new manual transmission needs the correct flex disc.
This transmission was never allowed to be in this country (USA) and I was hoping someone might be willing to share the part number for the correct flex disc or driveline.
Hoping to drive my car again someday. Regards, Terry

 

[carat 3.6]

If this is a saloon or wagon and not a coupe, the easiest way is to use the front section of driveshaft from the w203. Or I think you can swap the 3 bolt coupling from the old auto box onto your 6 speed.

I would say go with the w203 drive shaft as the original w124 part is the wrong length.

 

[Terry9000]

Thanks for responding. I need a smaller bolt circle than the original. Does the W203 have a smaller bolt circle than a W124?

 

[carat 3.6]

It depends on which model w124 you have, the more powerful 6 cylinders have a larger bolt circle than the smaller engines. There is also two sizes of slip joints on the driveshaft, but I'm assuming your playing with a 6cyl 320 car here?

That .603 gearbox is used on the w203 220cdi here, so it's easiest to take the drive shaft from the same car you got the gearbox from. But if your saying your area didnt get that gearbox in any models, you might be better to swap the rear flange over from the auto and get a shop to lengthen the w124 driveshaft. We have plenty of manual cars to take parts from over here so a 6speed swap is easier to find parts for.

 

[Terry9000]

I'm not sure what you mean by a 320 car. I have a W124 with the 603 diesel VIN WDB1241331A348811.
Would you happen to know if the rear flange has a crush washer (never find one over here), or can I just take the nut off and slide the manual flange off and slide the auto flange on.
If so would you know what to torque the nut to?

 

[carat 3.6]

I was guessing you had a 6cyl petrol engined car (320) going by the size of the drive flange, it determines what size of joints are fitted.

I've no idea of the torque figure for that nut, but I've swapped a few of them without issue. Just tighten it up to what feels a sensible amount, I've got 500hp running through a swapped setup like that and it has never caused an issue.

 

[Terry9000]

OK, gotcha, I tried the output flange from auto to manual but the shaft coming out of the transmissions are 2mm OD different from each other.
I just ordered a flex disc (hoping it's the right size) don't know where I'll find something that will bolt up to it.