1984 300D Turbo Diesel from europe - "Manual Automatic Transmission"??
 

I purchased a 1984 mercedes Benz 300D Turbo Diesel recently. The VIN number can't be found by Insurance companies so I assume this is because it's from Europe; not sure though. Point: When I bought it, I noticed that to get it to shift, I had to let all the way off the gas and then press it down again or it would over-rev quite a bit before finally shifting. I was told that this was because it was a "'Manual Automatic Transmission' and this was because it was designed to have the pedal on the floor to get up to speed on the autobahn." Does anyone know of such a thing? I have never heard of it before, but had one MB mechanic confirm it, so I almost belive it...it just seems very strange.

That feature/behavior is sometimes known as stuck kickdown switch or out of adjustment Bowden cable.

Sixto
87 300D

Did you happen to buy this rare manual automatic equipped car off ebay?

If you post the VIN, we can tell you exactly where the car came from. It sounds like you are in need of some transmission adjustments.

no...I bought it from a lady who lived in my hometown, but she no longer lives around here.

And I'm not at home right now, but will post it tonight after work.

Sorry, couldn't resist the pun :) sounds like ebay terminology.

VW had something similar in the 70s - clutchless manual shift. You still had to move the shift lever, but with no clutch. It was a matter of letting up on the gas just prior to shifting.

Oh GOD please dont bring up that POS.

That feature is known as common "Lying Seller" option, its becoming more and more common these days as their value goes up. That MB mechanic that "confirmed" it thought you were BSing with him.

VIN Number is
 

Vin w1231301a076205

VIN WDB1231301A076205
Model 300 D
Chassis 1231301A076205
Engine 617912 12 157743 (NON-Turbo)
Transmission 722405 02 063600
Order 0 3 240 01989
Approx. year 1983
Lights HELLA
Cab 15342
Dealer Ravensburg branch (240)
Interior leather light brown (254)
Paint
737 classic white (T) (с 01.01.1975 по 31.12.1985)
Options
410 electric sliding roof (с 01.03.1965 по 29.02.1988)

420 automatic transmission, floor shift (с 01.01.1963)

430 headrests in the rear (с 01.01.1977)

440 tempomat (cruise control) (с 01.09.1975)

466 central locking system (с 01.04.1970 по 31.10.1993)

504 outside rear view mirror, right, electrically adjustable (с 01.11.1978 по 29.02.1986)
outside rear view mirror, right, electrically adjustable (l.h.d.)
taxi version, f.r.g, and outside rear view mirror on the right

535 interference suppression without radio set and automatic antenna (с 01.04.1962 по 31.07.1997)

570 folding armrest front w202/210 stowage box front with armrest (с 01.04.1970)
front folding armrest w202 - housing at front with armrest

588 automatic climate control and electric window lifters (front and rear doors) (с 01.01.1977)

640 aluminium disc wheels with radial-ply tires (с 01.10.1969 по 31.12.1989)

And BTW thats not a Turbo.

Yup, that's a euro spec, non-turbo 300D with a automatic transmission. If it's not shifting normally (like any other automatic transmission), it's in need of adjusting or service. Do you know a good independent benz shop in your area who can take a look?

your description of your transmissions behavior sounds more like a flare to me. Certainly proper adjustment of the bowden cable is your first priority, but you might search the following terms, 'flare' and 'superior shift kit'