I am now a proud owner of an 85 300DT. The problem is the transmission will shift in reverse and into 1st that is where the problem begins. It will not shift into 2nd gear or in any other forward gear. Any guidance is appreciated.

Have you checked the tranny fluid? (while the vehicle is running)
If so, is the fluid red or dirty brown?
Many on this board will recommend you buy some Trans-X and try it in your transmission (do a search for Trans-X on this board)
When you got the vehicle did it shift through all the gears properly?
Best of luck in your diagnosis and solution!

__________________
1985 300 D T - Rauchsilber (Smoke Sliver Metallic) with MB Tex Quartz 155 = Cream interior - 320K and counting!

1999 E300 TD - Silver - Just got her 3-13-15 !

the 2nd '83 300SD - Brown Metallic - traded away

1985 Limo Diesel aka "Stretchy" - Sliver - Blue Int - Sold but still in Athens

1983 300SD - Brown Metallic - Sold April 2008

1982 300 D T - Royal Blue with Tan interior - Sold

We had to add 3 quarts of fluid. So as of now it is red. I will try the TransX and pray for a miracle. If not it’s off to the trans shop.

It only holds 6.5 quarts. Did it shift better after you added fluid?

__________________
1984 300D Turbo Sedan (Hilda) 272,115 miles.....
Anthracite Gray/Palamino Leather, I am 3rd owner

2001 Dodge Stratus (Silver) (wifes) 55814 miles...

1982 280TE Wagon Astral Silver Metallic/
Anthracite Velour
260,512 miles (Eva)

1969 230 Sedan Olive Green/Black MBTex
4 Speed Manual
84,213 miles ????
Haus Frau


2004 Boreem Ninja Pocket Bike
Highly Modified 49cc (Ling Ling)

Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit

No it didn’t. So off to the local MB shop. He thinks it may be electrical, the trans does not slip in first or reverse. I know the trans pan has a leak. The mechanic was impressed with the car, since it has cloth seats. He said it was rare and may be a European import. I don't know he may be blowing smoke, but he is a good mechanic. A side note, I used a auto transport (car dolly). I drove about 250 miles, the car was hauled rear wheels rolling in netural. Would that have harmed the trans? Thanks for all the help.

I did that to a car once...ONCE! It was a domestic auto and it destroyed the bands in the tranny. I don't know if the MB trans would do the same but I would almost bet on it. Most owners manuals suggest removing the driveshaft if towing from the front wheels more than 50 miles.

Kevin

ugh ouch!! yes, you are supposed to roll on the front wheels!!!!

I have even read tp in this forum that it is not even advisable to coast the running car in neutral habitually, as in going down hills in neitral. Messes up the trans supposedly.

Oh well.

let us know how it goes and post pics of the car some time.

__________________
1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
********************
1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD

Ok Guys the saga continues. The MB shop said the trans has to overhauled or replaced with a used trans. This is where I need advice; A used trans with I guess 200K is $700.00 + $300.00 labor and has a 90 day warranty. A complete rebuild with all new parts and a 3 year unlimited mileage is $2000.00. He said this trans comes from Atlanta, GA. Any help would be appreicated.

I got a trans from a junk yard f/ $450.00
but it only worked for about two weeks before giving me trouble.
90 day warrantee is good though but that is going to be another $300 for the labor to take it out probably.
200K is a lot of miles.
Mine went out at 164k. That might only be a temporary solution. Not trying to sound negative but the whole fiasco caused me alot of stress and friends and relatives are not very supportive cuz they don't appreciate these cars

Ok I opted for the used transmission. It has 120K and they will put a new front seal and new gaskets installed $1000.00. He also has a super nice 83 300CDT. I am seriously considering buying it. He wants $3500.00, it has 258K miles and a 1 year old rebuilt transmission and all repir records. The body is perfect and everything works. I like the idea of a 2 door. Everyone thanks for your adivice and help.

Get the CD, you'll love it.

120K
that sounds like a good deal.
good luck.

$2000 for a rebuilt w 3 yrs warranty, installed was good. If not installed then I know you can get a rebuild for same money installed with a 1yr. warranty.

In any event, since you plan on buying the CD, you ought to be fine with the used tranny since you will be driving the two cars, i.e. less miles on each therefore expect less wear.....I know, diesels are meant to be driven....

pics??

__________________
1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
********************
1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD