i have a 83 300SD, and i'm wonder what kind of life i can expect out of the tranny. The only reason i'm even the slightest bit worried is the car has about 155k on it, give or take a few miles(odometer broke), and i heard somewhere that the trannies almost always go before 175k! is there anything i can do for this tranny, this late in its life, assuming nothing has ever been done to it, that will help its life? Nothing has gone wrong with the car in a little while so now it's time for to start worrying about prospective problems. I think i always need to have something "broke" so i can fix it Also, when the tranny does go is the car usually worth fixing? thanks again
R

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

My 300SDL has 254K on the original tranny and has no signs of slowing down.

As long as they are maintained (fluid & filter every 30k) they will last a very long time.

If your fluid smells burnt, looks burnt or is milky color, dont change it... some may argue this but changing the fluid can actually ruin your tranny. If it looks and smells normal.. change it, and keep doing it every 30k.

Are you having any shifting problems?

I know of a place where you can get a rebuilt trans for that car for $895 with a 2 year warranty.

well thats good news, if the tranny ever does go south i'll replace it myself in my garage!. I don't remember the fluid looking bad, but there is no record saying it has ever had anything done with it. No shifting problems yet, tranny goes into gear quickly after the initial fairly slow(2 seconds). Whats your opinion on the 99 dollar tranny "complete flush" systems? thanks,
R

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

NO NO, NO. These quickie lube places are complete butchers. They will put in the wrong type of fluid, not enough, forget to tighten lines, bolts. etc etc etc. It never ends. I have heard so many horror stories.

Changing the fluid and filter is quite simple, but a little messy. If you need instructions, I will type them.

if you dont' mind taking the time to type the instructions that would be great, but if your pressed for time don't worry about it. I probably won't get around to it for a couple months, but i keep a file on my computer of how to's etc so i don't have to re-ask questions when i get around to doing it.
R

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

I typed this out a long time ago..

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First jack your car up and put jackstands under the front or pull it up on ramps, this will make your job
alot easier.

Remove the 5mm hex screw drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Grab a coffee and wait a while to get as
much fluid out as possible. Next remove the six 13mm bolts that hold the transmission fluid pan in. Be
careful, this pan still has a little fluid in it. Place it directly under the transmission to catch
dripping fluids. Now remove the transmission filter by removing the three phillips head screws. This little
filter holds alot of fluid, so be careful. Replace the filter, put on a new pan gasket and replace the pan.
Clean the 13mm bolts, there is alot of dirt and grit on them from being under your car so long.

If you wish to drain the tourqe converter, you will see a square access hole just in front of the pan, and you
can see the TQ converter through the access hole. Rotate the converter gently with a long screwdriver until you see the drain plug.
Remove the plug and let drain as long as possible. Replace drain plug.

If you don't drain the TQ converter, add 3.5qts of Mercon/Dextron ATF. If you do drain the TQ converter, add approximately 7. Be sure
to have the engine running, in park, hot, while adding the fluid and monitoring the level.

sweet! thanks! now i'm searching the archives to find out how to adjust my valves. I"m sure it's in this forum somewhere. I thinki during spring break or this 5 day weekend in march i'm gonna order a bunch of parts, and spend almost all my time fixing up my car. Know anything about rear subframe mounts? thanks again
R

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

If you want he trans. to last a long time then install some amsoil trans, oil has superior heat protection and film strenth. I have been using amsoil in all my cars, trucks,and equipment for 25 years with good results better mileage,in cold weather there is no difference than in hot weather oil stays same consistancy. So no warm ups. Just love the oil . Bill

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94 dodge cummings,86 ford 6.9,75 mbz 240d[ sold], 82 mbz 300sd,83 mbz 300sd

My 87 SDL has 275,000 and I believe it has the original transmission. It's fairly easy to service because the MB uses metal bolts compared the my suburban that uses a plastic fitting that always sticks.

I've been using a product called TransX which I believe saved my Suburban trany from slipping. I don't have years of experience with TransX, but you may want to research it.