I have a 1981 Mercedes Benz 300D that has a bad transmission. I just found a 1985 300D for a fare price, but before I decide to buy it, I would like to know if the parts from the 81 can be used as spare parts for the 1985.

Thanks in advance for the input.

They are both W123's so I think just about everything from the 81 will work on the 85.

Where are you located I am looking for an engine... the 81 and 85 differ slightly, most parts will be interchangeable. Certianly the transmission and any interior pieces.

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AFAIK, the tranny from the 85 is not the same as the 82-84. It may be interchangeable, but I don't believe it is the same.

Craig is right - there are some significant differences with the 85 as compared with the 82-83-94 722.315 trannys. AND the 81, I believe had a 4 bolt 722.1xx tranny- very different animal since the engine was non-turbo. I am not saying it cannot be done, but its not going to be like swapping parts from an 82 into an 83. Do some research before you leap. Search the archives- the answer is here someplace.

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)