Mercedes SLC - Mercedes Manual Gearbox

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Fri 27 Jan 2023 22:33
Mercedes SLC - Mercedes Manual Gearbox - Nico Farigo

Evening guys,

Just a quick question if I may and apologies if its a silly one.

I have recently purchased a manual 2016 Mercedes SLC it has a 6 speed gearbox but it is fairly difficult to shift the gearstick in reverse, I wondered if this is normal for a manual Mercedes? Or am I incredibly weak? Ha ha.

Don't get me wrong it is very do-able but it feels difficult compared to any car I have ever driven. Currently have a bad shoulder and putting the car in reverse is definitely aggravates it.
Reverse is left and up from gear one but the gearstick has no lever.

Thank you for reading all advice greatly welcomed :)

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 27 Jan 2023 23:26
Mercedes SLC - Mercedes Manual Gearbox - elekie&a/c doctor
Mercedes manual gearboxes were never a popular option, now you know why . Hate to say it , but they’re all like that .
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 28 Jan 2023 00:13
Mercedes SLC - Mercedes Manual Gearbox - Nico Farigo
I do if they’re all like this! Just seems such a silly design for it to be that difficult to engage
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 27 Jan 2023 23:27
Mercedes SLC - Mercedes Manual Gearbox - Rerepo

Is it easier with the engine off than with the engine running? If so then that would indicate the clutch not fully releasing (clutch drag). Another thing to check would be the gear change linkage. I think this model uses cables - check/adjust.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 28 Jan 2023 00:16
Mercedes SLC - Mercedes Manual Gearbox - Nico Farigo
Thanks for your response.
I will try putting it in reverse with the engine off tomorrow and see if it is any easier.
Would it be worth speaking to my local garage about the gear linkage and an possible issue?
This has come up when I have Google searches but then other things I have read are like the comment above that they are very difficult to put into reverse.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 28 Jan 2023 07:38
Mercedes SLC - Mercedes Manual Gearbox - badbusdriver

First, I think I'd be asking on a Mercedes forum to get a broader picture of the problem and possible cure.

Re the gear linkage adjustment, ideally I'd be looking for an independent Merc specialist, even if that meant driving further afield.

Also can't help wondering why you went for a manual when you have a bad shoulder?. Auto SLC's outnumber manual versions something like seven to one and will have a manual control option via paddles behind steering wheel.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 28 Jan 2023 10:05
Mercedes SLC - Mercedes Manual Gearbox - lucklesspedestrian

Yes, seems just to be a thing with Merc manual gearboxes. Our old CLK sounds similar, not a fault as such, just takes more effort than most cars. At least yours being a 2016 won't have the foot operated parking brake/pull release combo as well. Still love the car though, 17 years old and needed two orange bulbs to pass the MOT on Thursday!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 29 Jan 2023 00:50
Mercedes SLC - Mercedes Manual Gearbox - Nico Farigo
Cheers for your response. I will look to sell out a merc specialist that sounds like a good thing to do. My shoulder isn’t terribly bad or limiting generally but the gear shift to reverse is definitely aggregating it which another manual or general day to day activities do not
Reply | Report as offensive | Link