So I tried changing the air filter on my 92 300D, and while taking the air filter cover off I managed to accidentally pull a vacuum line (the one going directly over the airbox - I'm sure anyone with a w124 300D and an air filter knows what I'm talking about) I actually pulled a couple of them, and then put them back together(nothing was leaking so I figured I was ok).

However, when I drove the car the next day I noticed that I was shifting a little harder - my mind immediately went to those lines. I opened the hood and sure enough one of the hoses was a little loose. So I pushed it back on there - still a hard shift. I opened the hood and really looked at everything. Those hose was still a little loose so I made sure I got it on there and secured everything w/ a zip tie(the whole bunch of lines running over the airbox, not the vac line itself - not too tight but secure). No improvement. I can also hear a slight "clunking" occasionally while shifting which is scary - I can only assume that this is from messing with the lines as she was shifting fine yesterday. When I first got the car there was some serious shifting issues due to a vacuum leak so I can only put 2 and 2 together.

So I think I'm going to replace a line. Specifically the one that was a little loose. The line is old and slightly cracked, I don't think the fit is great - I'm hoping thats my problem. I'd love to just swap it out. I'll replace any others that look bad. I went to my favorite online parts store and they didn't seem to have any lines. I did a google search and am not finding anything. Any suggestions for good places to buy some line? What exactly I should be searching for? (1/8 inch?) Is this an autozone type trip? (that would be great)

Sorry I am pretty inept when it comes to this sort of thing but I can't afford to take the car to the shop especially when I think its something so simple to fix.

So my next question is - can I simply replace the hose and move on or do I need to bleed the vacuum system or anything like that? (remember this is presumably for the transmission) I really don't know much about the system, I'm guessing its possible that air could get caught in it somehow (well, from me introducing air to it obviously) and it might need the be bled. Any advice would be great.

You don't bleed vacuum lines. Go to a mercedes dealer and buy some of the hard plastic line, or maybe a VW dealer (not sure but VW probably uses the same diameter vacuum line)

I don't think auto parts stores will carry metric vac lines.

A crack in the vac lien that you mentioned could easily cause your tranny problems.

good luck

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Closing the store
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ok great, this is exactly what i needed to hear. thanks

First thing to do is to check your VIN number here:

http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng

Then take the information for your chassis (this is my cars info)
Model E300D Chassis 1241311C150641 Engine 606910 12 010275 Transmission 722435 03 547792and go here:
http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb0.asp?TP=1

Look for the chassis that matches your first six numbers and start clicking links. Most of my engine vacuum elements were found in the INTAKE/MANIFOLD (125 VACUUM SYSTEM) and AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION links.

I think your car might be a 124.128 but either way that site should give your the actual part numbers you need for the hose, line or pipe that is specific to the function.

Hope this helps and Good Luck!

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1991 300SL 71K miles young

thank you, I will put my VIN in when I get home from work. The stealership is a good 30 miles out. Awesome.