I was hoping to get some input from other members on this forum who own or previously owned the E series Mercedes 300D and 300TD 1997-1999 and how long their automatic transmissions lasted before needing an overhaul or replacement. I am interested in the electronically controlled 5 speed transmission

I ask because I had no problem purchasing my 1997 E300D with 182K for $3400 but what about purchasing a similar model for $5K to $9K. With that amount of money I am hesitant spending that kind of money for a roughly 11-13 year old vehicle with over 100K miles and usually closer to 200K.

I realize that these engines will last a long long time but its the other parts on the car that I am worried about, especially the transmission. Thanks

The conventional wisdom is that 722.3 and 722.4 (mechanical/vacuum) transmissions are good for 200,000 to 300,000 miles. I don't have any information on the later 722.5 and 722.6 (are those the right numbers?) electronic transmissions except that the first year (1997) was supposedly less reliable.

Here is my experience:
1996 E300D (4-speed 722.4 mechanical transmission, last year for this tranny in the E-class).
249,000 miles at purchase (4th owner, November 2007).
Developed a front pump seal leak after I changed to Mobil-1 synthetic transmission fluid.
Had transmission overhauled ($2900).
Mechanic said "wear parts" (clutch packs, etc.) had another ~50,000 miles in them.
Hard parts were all undamaged and were reused.
Leak stopped.
Car now at 273,000 miles.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

I've seen a W210 E300TD for sale here in the UK with almost 500,000 miles on. No mention of a replacement transmission.

Mine is on 250,000 and is fine. Slightly rough changes from 1-2 but nothing I'm worried about. If the transmission dies it'll be scrapped, my next car is probably going to be a W220 320CDi.

Are the transmissions on 1997 E & D the same? I have a E320 with 103000 and I hear that the 1997 had issues with transmissions, The tranny was serviced at 60K miles but I am worried.

Vahe
240D 1977

I've never had an issue with either of my Mercedes-Benz' transmissions. Last one did 305K, and this one has 123K miles. I just make a point of servicing them. Might be the difference.

My folks bought three new MB diesel cars with auto trans. in the '60s and '70s. Nary an issue with any of them into 200K to 400K mile range.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

I sold my '98 E300 with 213K on it and never had any transmission problems, I changed the fluid every 30K and only used MB fluid.

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Muleears
'07 E320 Bluetec 133K my DD
'04 Jaguar XJ8 VDP, 34K
'10 Hyundai Accent 60K Grocery Getter
'02 VW Golf soon to be on the road again
'97 E300 Diesel Son's DD
'61 VERY tolerant wife

Hampton Roads, VA USA

Gone but not forgotten:
'67 250S 95K
'86 300SDL
'87 300D Turbo, 364K! R.I.P.
'98 E300 Turbodiesel, 213K
'02 S420, 164K
'01 Prius 138K

I have 210K miles on my E 300 D with the 5 speed automatic. The fluid was changed by the PO at 160K and is still red and smells good. The only problem I have is that when it is very cold, it does not shift into first at the first stop sign. It starts to go in second, then drops into first and accelerates as usual. After a mile of driving it shifts normally. I forget about this character flaw all summer, but am reminded again every winter.

I'll hit 300k this weekend. Still chugging along.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

I know it dosnt apply but my 87 has 303,997 miles and apparently the original untouched trans

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hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

the 722.4 is a very stout transmission.