The Manual Transmission G Wagon
At Expedition Motor Company, the transmission follows the engine: every OM605a and OM606a turbodiesel build is paired with a fully rebuilt Mercedes 717 five-speed manual, and every LS3 V8 build with a six-speed automatic. While most of the automotive world has shifted almost entirely to automatic transmissions, we proudly continue to offer a manual transmission G Wagon option for those who prefer the control and engagement.
In an era where manuals are becoming increasingly rare, we remain committed to preserving this mechanical connection for those who seek it.
Why the G Wagon Manual Transmission Remains Special
As the Mercedes G Class evolved from a rugged utility vehicle into a global icon, automatic transmissions gradually became the standard. Smooth, effortless driving is appealing, and for many drivers, it is the ideal choice.
But for some, there is still something irreplaceable about a G Wagon manual transmission. It is about involvement, rhythm, and the tangible feedback that comes from selecting the gears yourself. Whether you prefer the mechanical engagement of a manual or the convenience and ease of an automatic, every EMC SWB Wolf is crafted to deliver an analog and commanding driving experience.
Manual Transmission Engine Pairing
Every client's vision shapes our custom G Wagon build process, and the transmission is decided by the engine the client selects. We offer three drivetrain directions:
- OM605a Turbodiesel: a refined, period-correct Mercedes engine, paired exclusively with a fully rebuilt Mercedes 717 five-speed manual
- OM606a Turbodiesel: the strongest Mercedes turbodiesel we offer, also paired exclusively with the 717 five-speed manual
- LS3 V8: a modern 6.2L gasoline engine, paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic developed for the platform
We have spent years developing and engineering each drivetrain configuration in-house to ensure every combination feels balanced, responsive, and authentic.
Reviving the G Wagon Manual Transmission
For those who choose the manual, the path runs through the Mercedes diesel family. Both the OM605a and OM606a are mated to a fully rebuilt Mercedes 717 five-speed, and the pairing keeps the drivetrain entirely within the marque the truck served with.
During the specification process, the transmission decision and the engine decision are one and the same. Clients drawn to the manual choose between our two turbodiesels, and this is how Mercedes-Benz intended the 250GD convertible G Wagon to be driven. Clients drawn to effortless V8 power choose the LS3, and our automatic has been carefully developed and engineered to preserve the mechanical character of the original Wolf, so clients can confidently spec it without sacrificing the analog feel and engagement that define every EMC Wolf.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Craftsmanship and Choice
In an era where manual transmissions are becoming increasingly rare, Expedition Motor Company is proud to keep the option alive. Every 250GD Wolf we build is engineered as one complete drivetrain system, so the manual turbodiesels and the automatic LS3 V8 each deliver a driving experience suited to modern roads.
For those who value the distinct character of a G Wagon manual transmission, it remains a choice worth preserving and one we are happy to offer. To view EMC's manual transmission G Wagon builds, head to our convertible G Wagon builds page. Head to our Wolf Builder to build your own G Wagon.
