722.5 Shift Kit 1980, new and ready to install. Fits the 722.5. Ships fast from the USA.
The 722.5 is the rarest of the hydraulic Mercedes automatics, and parts for it are hard to find. If your early-1990s five-speed Mercedes slams into second, or slurs and flares through the 2-3 and 3-4, this Superior shift correction kit (reference S68165G) is built for it. It is the gas-engine version of the kit and covers the whole 722.3, 722.4 and 722.5 family. The "1980" in the name marks the start of that family's coverage; the 722.5 itself was only built from around 1990 to 1997.
Mercedes created the 722.5 by taking the proven 722.3 four-speed and adding an overdrive clutch pack with an electrically controlled fifth gear. First through fourth are still controlled entirely by hydraulics: the governor and control pressure cable decide when to shift, and modulating pressure from the vacuum modulator decides how firmly. Because most of the internals interchange with the 722.3, the 722.5 also inherits its shift-quality wear pattern, and that is why one valve body kit serves both units.
The kit recalibrates the hydraulic side of the valve body. It softens the 1-2 and lets you choose normal, firm or firmer settings for the 2-3 and 3-4. It does not change the electrical control of the 4-5 shift, so an overdrive that never engages is a separate problem.
If the car will not take fifth at all, check the electrical side of the overdrive first; this kit will not cure that. Grinding on coast, or metal in the pan, means internal wear that a shift kit cannot fix.
A factory bulletin for the 124 chassis lists the 722.5 with the 722.3 and 722.4 when it traces early full-load upshifts and late downshifts to control pressure cable adjustment, so set the cable with the throttle at its full-load stop before blaming the valve body. Next, gauge modulating pressure at the test port next to the modulator and make sure the vacuum supply line is sound. A worn modulator or a vacuum leak changes every shift at once. If pressure and linkage check out and the shifts are still harsh low and soft high, the calibration is the problem. Readers coming from the electronic 5-speed that replaced this unit can compare its failure modes in our 722.6 overdrive guide.
The kit is listed for all gas-engine 722.3, 722.4 and 722.5 transmissions from 1980 on. The 722.5 itself was used roughly from 1990 to 1997 in rear-drive and four-wheel-drive models, including the G-Class and certain 124-chassis cars. Production numbers were small and applications varied by market. Before ordering, confirm the 722.5 code on the transmission plate, or send us your year and VIN and we will check it. Diesel models need the diesel version of this kit. Our full range of Mercedes transmission parts is on the 722 collection page.
On a high-mileage unit, pair the kit with the 722.5 overhaul kit so seals and gaskets are new while the valve body is apart. We also carry this kit family as the 722.5 shift kit listing.
| Fits | 722.5 1980 |
| Part type | Shift Kit |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | Superior |
| Reference | S68165G |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Yes. It is one gas-engine shift correction kit covering the 722.3, 722.4 and 722.5. The 722.5 shares most of its internals and its hydraulic control with the 722.3, which is why one kit covers all three.
No. Fifth gear on the 722.5 is controlled electrically. The kit corrects the hydraulic 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 shifts. A missing 4-5 shift needs an electrical diagnosis.
Read the code on the transmission identification plate and count the forward gears; the 722.5 is the five-speed. If you cannot read the plate, send us your year and VIN.
No. This is the gas-engine calibration. Diesel models need the diesel version of the shift correction kit.
Fit a new filter and pan gasket, clean the secondary valve body screens and check the vacuum modulator and its line. If the unit is tired, do the kit together with a 722.5 overhaul kit.
