300SD Transmission Dead... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JamesDean · #1 08-17-2009, 04:41 PM

Hey everyone,

Well... It looks like the transmission in my one SD has kicked the bucket. The only thing that will make it go is around 5000rpm. First gear is nearly useless..second gear is helpful but once you get into third gear it decides to go back to second sometimes...

The local trans shop where I got my 190E trans resealed wants $3000 to rebuild the SD's trans. They said something about rare..or somthing I didnt talk to them on the phone..

Does any one know like a place where I could buy a rebuild or "in good condition" used transmission?

I have another SD that my dad wants to take its transmission from..however I still have to fix the main pulley so its driveable..

I'll check with Silver Star and Potomac German...but if any one has any ideas or maybe even one they want to sell...

Thanks

Kris

oldsinner111 · #2 08-17-2009, 04:45 PM

Are you sure filter is not dirty?Do you know about the B2 fix?There are other threads about a K1 spring.Make sure transcooler in radiator has not rotted(PINK FLUID).
Dieselgiant has info on B2 kit.

JamesDean · #3 08-17-2009, 04:47 PM

I've not looked into the filter or trans cooler at all...the fluid did look pinkish...I did the K1 kit..I've read some minor stuff on the B2 but not entirely all that sound on it.. I'll do more reading I'm just prepping for the "worst case scenario"

daw_two · #4 08-17-2009, 05:05 PM

I've got a 1982 300SD parts car with 162Kish miles on it. Email sent.

pawoSD · #5 08-17-2009, 05:21 PM

That local shop is a scammer. My local shop will rebuild a SD trans for $1500 max, and as low as $900 (depends what it needs internally). When mine failed recently I swapped in a used one....but if I had the $$$ I'd have had mine rebuilt.

SD's are not rare at all.

I'd at least remove and inspect the B2 piston and make sure its not broken/the issue.

Brian Carlton · #6 08-17-2009, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I'd at least remove and inspect the B2 piston and make sure its not broken/the issue.

Yep.........when they won't move in first or second, that's the first place to look.

kingdoc1 · #7 08-17-2009, 05:26 PM

Does the car function in reverse normally? If so, I would suspect the B2 piston.

Graplr · #8 08-17-2009, 06:36 PM

You can gamble with a used one. When my tranny went bad I bought one from a parts car (supposeddly 70k miles according to odometer

) from a bone yard for about 300 and another 150 to have it shipped across country. I've put 20k on it (knock on wood) and it has been fine.

Too bad it wasn't a 116 SD as I have a good working tranny in my garage for that car.

Or you can try and look into it yourself following the advice of others that have already posted and look into it yourself.

marybeth · #9 08-17-2009, 06:53 PM

http://martinito-motors.com/

They are a boneyard that specialize in German cars. I have gotten three trannies off them for 3 different MBs (total cost delivered $1K+/-). Never a issue.

Hit Man X · #10 08-17-2009, 07:16 PM

The factory 722.3 PDF is readily available online, just go thru it yourself. It's a real simple trans.

You can make most of the special tools or just get a trans shop to break down the main drums. Not a big deal.

Pete Burton · #11 08-17-2009, 07:36 PM

Boy, I must say, all very good advice here. Since you're here, I suspect you're inclined to save some money and do work yourself. Unless you plan on keeping it for long time (like me) I'd try1) Fluid and filter, 2) B2 fix, 3) swap out used. First time back here in quite a while. Enjoy the summer!

JamesDean · #12 08-18-2009, 12:22 AM

hey guys,

Thanks for all the advice. I am investigating the B2 right now. I've been unable to remove the cover for it at all. I've tried numerous ways to get it off. Some of the write ups I've read say to press in on the cover and remove the snap-ring but I cant get the cover to budge at all. Is this indicative of a failed B2..the cover being pressed outwards?

I, too, suspect the B2 because whats going on with the car matches all of the symptoms. All gears except 1-3 are fine, according to my reading 1-3 is directly related to the B2.

In the morning I am going to try the my local shops and see if they can remove the B2 cover. Its on there and it means to be on there.

Meanwhile, my other broken SD (Green) is all ready to have the remnants of the main pulley bolts removed from the balancer with any luck, it should be operational by the end of tomorrow. (Provided I can get sufficient allen key bolts)

My goal is to get one of these cars operational by the end of the week. I thought I could get the Gold car (trans issue)..I planned on confirming the B2 failure today and having one ordered with express shipping by the end of the week. Looks like Green will be the first done.

Also, I agree that the local trans shop scammy at that price. They resealed my 190E's transmission for $600 (me having brought it to them..it was out due to an engine swap)....$3k is outrageous. $1.5k will fetch a rebuilt from several online MB places. I do hope its just the B2..but typically it will be the most expensive thing to replace that is whats needed..

If you guys have any further advice/suggestions I welcome it..Thanks

Kris

DrewGerhan · #13 08-18-2009, 12:29 AM

if you're in cleveland, the pull-a-part of w130th had a w126 in there last time i was there. i wanna say the miles were around 110k. be worth a shot for whatever they charge for a trans there.

rcounts · #14 08-18-2009, 02:51 PM

Would the tranny from an 85 SD work? I have one I'd love to sell - CHEAP. Though the shipping might be a bit of dough...

pawoSD · #15 08-18-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcounts

Would the tranny from an 85 SD work? I have one I'd love to sell - CHEAP. Though the shipping might be a bit of dough...

Indeed it would. Even a 300D trans will work, with a bit of extra changes.

I put an '85 300D trans into my SD a few weeks ago....works great! Rear housing swap is required for the electronic speedometer....otherwise its a direct swap.

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