There's some kind of vacuum device labeled ATM on the drivers side fender, fairly far forward, on my 85 300TDT. Several vacuum hoses are connected to it with L-shaped rubber hoses. It looks like a disk with a cylinder connected to it. Not the blue flying saucer -- the device I'm talking about is all black and is closer to the headlights. There's an electrical connection to it as well. Any idea what this does, and where I could find a replacement? I just have a hunch that it affects the shifting, and I might want to replace it.

While I'm at it, any advice on replacing an ALDA? Mine has the the black plastic cap removed, and I just wonder if the PO messed with it, or what. Any tutorials about how to replace? Thanks -- my searches haven't turned up good answers here.

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1995 E320 (2009 - current)
1985 300TD Turbo black (2007-current)
1983 300TD Turbo red (2008-2009)
1972 280SE (2004-2007)
1977 300CD (2003-2004)
1976 240D (1999-2003)

Here is your vacuum diagram:



I presume that you are referring to item 84, the vacuum converter. This device exists solely to regulate the EGR...........it's definitely not required and not worth replacing. All vacuum lines to and from this device can be eliminated.