I bought a 1987 300sdl back in February. Put about 3000 miles on it and now it will not shift out of 2nd. Reverse works fine, but going forward is now done only in 2nd. Will not shift into 3rd or 4th. Checked kick down switch as was suggested and checked cable going from throttle rack to transmission-no binding. Changed filter. There was a slight burnt smell, not over powering, but noticeable. Fluid was a little darker than new fluid. By the way when it quit shifting, it was immediate. Like, I stopped at a red light and all was good, when I took off again it would not shift. So, i have what is a new car to me but that I cannot drive. I really like this car. And, aside from the transmission, it is in good condition. This is where I need opinions. I can get a local shop to rebuild it for about $2300. They offer a 15 month, 75,000 mile warranty(not a typo). I can go to Aamco, and they claim to have a Mercedes expert, who can rebuild it for between $2000 to $2500, after they do the $49.95 diagnostics. Aamco has 36 month, 36000 mile warranty. On the internet I can get Sun Valley to ship a rebuilt for $1250 and about 250 freight. 2 year warranty and they pay shipping to return mine. Or Eurotransmission has one for 1250 and about 95 shipping, but I pay freight to return mine. They did not say how long their warranty is. Has anyone got a trans from these companies and if so were you pleased? Secondly how hard is it to pull trans and replace. I am a moderate do it yourselfer.

Just had a rebuilt from Sun Valley installed in my '93 400E about 2 weeks ago. I have since put on only about 400 miles so I really can't give you any feedback other than it shifts nicely.

I got it for same deal they quoted you ($1250 plus shipping. They paid for return shipping. Also torque convertor was included in price).

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Frank
84 500SEL EURO 101K ( JUST LIKE MY 1ST WIFE. GLAD TO GET RID OF HER! )
85 300D 310K (sold)
90 350SDL 184K sold
83 300D 118K (sold)
88 300E 153k (sold)
93 400E 105K (sold)

I have heard good things about Sun Valley, eventualy when I do mine I will probably purchase a rebuild from them.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

If it's stuck in second it's not the kickdown switch.

Other options include Adsit (www.adsitco.com, you are encouraged to do a site search on Adsit) and Peter Schmid Transmissions (www.peterschmid.com, excellent reputation).

Sixto

Maybe the vacuum line to the transmission modulator come off? How high have you rev'ed it without a shift to third?

Sixto

Are you going to install it yourself? That should affect your decision.

Sounds like Sun Valley has a pretty good reputation/price. Before you take it out though, drop the pan and remove the K1 spool valve from the valve body. Very sudden loss of 2-3 shift is not symptomatic of typical friction plate wear, so I'd suspect a valve problem. Cleanliness working on the valve body cannot be overemphasized.

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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.

Yes, it sounds like a valve body problem to me too. On old transmissions, the buildup of varnish on the moving pistons (due to lack of maintenance - i.e. ignoring the fluid change interval) causes them to get stuck in place. I had a truck that had shifting problems because of this and I was able to get it going again by dropping the valve body and cleaning out the areas where parts move. This can be a little involved and I recommend you do this only if you have a manual to show the internal parts. Sometimes there are ball bearing valves that need to go back exactly where they came from.

I'm less familiar with the MB transmissions, but you may be able to determine the most likely problem area (K1 valve has been mentioned) and disassemble it for cleaning.

Then replace your filter and use Mobile 1 synthetic ATF.

This is certainly worth a shot compared to giving up completely and doing a transmission R&R right away.

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

If it comes down to it and you really have to repalce the transmission, don't overlook ordering a rebuild from the dealer. The warranty and network of dealers if you breakdown somewhere out of town is worth something. And you just might be surprised at the price. May want to call two or three dealers to get an idea what is really the MB list price.

Does it shift from first to second or does it start in second?

Sixto

spomething else to try: unplug the connector on the back of the transmission for the kickdown switch. I have heard of the switch shorting out and the transmission thinks you have it floored al the time.

75K mile warranty locally is nice for sure. I'm just not too keen on out of town builds in the event something does happen... you have to waste another half day pulling it or shelling out. Not cool. So you're paying ~$600 more for a pretty stout warranty, that's good piece of mind.

Lubeguard has the only stuff I'd consider to pour into the unit. They have a pretty damned good flush I'd try prior to shelling out the cash. Go per the directions and see what happens. www.transmissionpartsusa.com or www.bulkpart.com should carry the stuff.

I too would check the dealer on a reman unit, it may suprise you.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

If any of you have had the "experience" of seeing the rebuild area of Sun Valley, you'd run away, not walk.

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)

Ok, ok, please elaborate.

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Frank
84 500SEL EURO 101K ( JUST LIKE MY 1ST WIFE. GLAD TO GET RID OF HER! )
85 300D 310K (sold)
90 350SDL 184K sold
83 300D 118K (sold)
88 300E 153k (sold)
93 400E 105K (sold)

300 sd, 1983

I am in need of a transmission... and i have been debating and debating...
I think I am just going to do it myself... i have never rebuilt a trans before but what the heck...I figure with all the available info... books videos,
and this forum... and digital cameras I should be all right...

I have been studying the rebuild manual for about a month now...

i am also still mulling it over....