I have a 1981 300D with a vaccum operated transmission that is shot. I've called on several junkyards for a new transmission and they keep trying to sell me a mechanically operated transmission, which I guess will work with some linkage modifications. However, I'd like to just buy a vaccum tranny and call it a day. My question is, what year did Mercedes start putting in vaccum operated transmissions?

I'm starting to think that the original owner of the car put the vaccum operated tranny in the car.

Thanks for the help.

If it's similair to mine, you transmission shifts with both vacuum to the modulator & a throttle actuated cable to control pressure. You need to find the model number of your unit found on the side just above the pan to confirm you getting the right one. Paul.

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1984 300CD red/blk 290,000 partial resto
1980 240D 4 sp Brn/palomino gone
1997 Mazda Miata STO edition wife's baby
1988 Lincoln Mark VII LSC next resto
1986 Subaru GL wagon daily
1993 Isuzu pickup field beater
2008 Honda Civic EX-L 5sp wife's new car
1978 Honda XL350
1974 Honda XL70 my Calif. ride in HS

Well, I know in '77 they had the manual linkage setup. And I know in 1980 it is shifted with vacuum. So, somewhere in between the two. Certainly before 1981.

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

Are you sure it the trans is shot and it's not a vacuum problem. There are a few adjustements that can be made, i.e. trans modulator, and bowden cable, or you may have a vac leak causing shifting problems. You may also be able to replace the B2 piston or K1 spring. All of these options are cheaper than another trans.

What the trans. doing, or not doing?

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My 81 300CD has no bowden cable and is controlled thru vacuum only. My car is a California vehicle if that makes a difference.

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81 300CD (sold) 1972 280 SEL 4.5 (sold) 1966 250 S 4 spd (sold) 1974 450 SL (sold) 86 BMW 325ES (sold), 1973 280C (sold) 1988 300 SE.

I think the change happened about 1979-1980 ... but you know they go by serial numbers and not years when they make changes like that.... so you must do some serious number checking... and it would be much better to stay with the same year/kind as you have... but do check it out first for adjustment/change filters and fluid, etc..
Find Steve Brotherton's article on adjusting the shifting variables...

definitely dont junk the transmission until youve really confirmed its not the vacuum system. i was able to bring mine back from the dead with help here on the forum.

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car

Try www.mercedesdismantlers.com The website has great tranny info and a number to call too. Recently checking the prices of tranny's I'm glad I have a Benz. I priced one for a Ford Taurus in it was $2500.

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1984 280SEL, 62,000 miles
Euro model in the USA
1983 300D (Totaled out 10/2004)
New Factory Mint Green paint
Palomino int
1982 240D (Steak dinner for two)