Hello, I just bought an '83 300D turbo at an auction. The odometer shows 123K, but I kinda doubt that's accurate. A little background on myself first. I've been working on cars for years, done just about everything, engine swaps, trans swaps, etc. So I'm not a dummy when it comes to cars. I just want to make that clear so as to save you guys some explaining of basic automotive theory. Anyway, this is my first Benz. Most of my experience is with late model Hondas and Toyotas, and also old Chryslers. I know that German cars are a little weird compared to the cars I'm used to, so that's why I wanted to ask here before I start messing with it. I know the basics of Benzes, but not as much as some of you guys. Ok now the problem is the car will not move under its own power in any gear selector position. It has enough fluid in it and the fluid looks clean. I tried going through all the gear positions repeatedly but still no go. I can put it in any gear and rev it up pretty high but it won't move. I know the brakes aren't locked or anything because I pushed it by hand to make sure. When I put it in gear I do see the tach needle drop just a tad then come back up again. So the only thing I can think of is some junk clogging up the valve body or filter, because the inspection/registration stickers on the car are about 2 years old. So I assume it's been sitting for some time. I'm thinking about putting some type of cleaner in it to see if that fixes it. Can any of you think of anything else it could be? I would appreciate a quick response, I need to get the car off their lot by Monday. Thanks

but did you check tobe sure the linkage is attached under the car? and did you check fluid with the engine running?

again sorry to be basic but those are the only two simple things that i know of. the cleaner idea doesnt seem promising but of course it can't hurt. i would be getting out my trailer to get it home.

btw, i have worked on all types of cars too and i dont find benzes odd at all. and the automatics are very similar, in the older benzes at least (from say 60s to 80s), to the old gm hydromatics, which were a hellofa tranny in their day.


best of luck.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Well, the fact that the tach needle moves when I put it into gear would lead me to believe it's not the shifter linkage. Because for the needle to move the trans has to be engaging slightly. I don't see how else it could move. That's what makes me think there's some junk clogging up the valve body. And yes I did check the fluid with the engine running.

If you suspect the valve body...
change the trans fluid and filter.... and when putting new fluid in put enough Trans-X into it to make 20 percent of the total .
Run the engine at high idle sitting in the driveway and put the gear shift lever into each gear leaving it a minute per gear... do this for 30 minutes or until it starts working.
Drain the torque converter also.... all the info for changing this stuff out is in the archives.... also plenty of info there about the trans-x... use my name in the advaced search for the most entertaining threads... LOL