TorqFix

Gearbox removal & installation: Mercedes-Benz W209 w, o SEQ 716.6 1.8 (271.942)

Step-by-step gearbox removal & installation for the Mercedes-Benz W209 w, o SEQ 716.6 1.8 (271.942): 46 steps.

This page covers taking the 716.6 manual gearbox out of a CLK 200 Kompressor (W209) with the 271.942 engine and without the SEQ option. The work is underneath: the complete exhaust comes out, the front exhaust bracket and air-conditioning line bracket are freed from the gearbox, and the propeller shaft is unbolted from it. The reversing light switch, clutch hydraulic line and selector cable are disconnected, the gear-shift rod is taken off after its locking pin is pulled, and with the gearbox supported the mount and gearbox-to-engine bolts are removed. The gearbox then comes out from under the vehicle. Bleeding the clutch properly and fitting new self-locking nuts on the propeller shaft are what make the refit reliable.

46 steps 1 engine code

🧭 Before you start

Remove the air filter housing and the complete exhaust, then disconnect the propeller shaft, clutch line, reversing light switch, shift rod and selector cable. Support the gearbox, remove the gearbox mount and the bolts to the engine, and lower the unit out from below. Refit in reverse, renew the self-locking nuts and bleed the clutch with a brake fluid replacement unit.

Fits: platform codes 200, KOMPRESSOR

  • Opens: brake fluid, clutch fluid
  • Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
  • Special tools named: locking pin

Don't miss

  • Renew the self-locking nuts on the propeller shaft connection.
  • Remove the locking pin before taking the gear-shift rod off the gearbox.
  • Remove the front exhaust bracket from the gearbox if one is fitted.
  • Bleed the clutch until clear, close and tighten the bleed screw, then release the pedal.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

271.942

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

  1. Renew the self-locking nuts
  2. Disconnect the battery earth cable
  3. Remove the air filter housing
  4. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap
  5. Exhaust/exhaust manifold:
271.942? Steps differ between engine variants — check this job against your exact car before you commit to it. Check my car — free →
  1. Remove the complete exhaust
  2. Remove the front exhaust bracket from the gearbox (if fitted)
  3. Disconnect the air-conditioning line bracket
  4. Disconnect the reversing light switch from the gearbox
  5. Disconnect the clutch hydraulic line
  6. Support the gearbox
  7. Propeller shaft/gearbox:
  8. Gearbox support to body:
  9. Remove the gearbox mount
  10. Disconnect the gear-shift rod from the gearbox
  11. Remove the cover
  12. Remove the selector cable from the gearbox
  13. Gearbox to engine:
  14. Remove the gearbox from under the vehicle

Installation and checks

  1. Close the bleed screw
  2. Release the clutch pedal
  3. Tighten the bleed screw(s)
  4. Lower the vehicle
  5. Switch off the brake fluid replacement unit
  6. Disconnect the brake fluid replacement unit
  7. Remove the locking pin

Other MERCEDES-BENZ procedures

Who makes these pages, and how

TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.

The figures on this page come from manufacturer workshop documentation and are shown as they are. The page is assembled automatically from that data — it is not written by an AI. The AI works in the chat, where it answers for your specific car. It writes nothing here.

Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.

Seen a figure that does not match your manual? Write to us — we correct it and note when. support@torqfix.com

The story behind TorqFix →

Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.