300sd transmission swap / compatability ??
 

Hi, I have a 1980 300sd (w116) that I just pulled the transmission out of, and as I was informed from this forum, the front pump was sheared, so now I need a replacement. After hunting high and low , I got a lead about a 722 trans from a w123 body style 1985 300d , would this work ? and if not, are there any other options for alternate transmissions that would suffice or improve the drive-ability ??? thanks !

>>Bump<<.

I hate to see these questions unanswered.

Couple questions OP mplsbenzo:

Please tell us where you are geographically. You can update your profile/signature.
It helps a lot. Someone may be closer to you that can help.

Having no specific experience with a 1980 300SD I would ask if that
car has the bowden cable on the valve cover for the trans, if so
then the replacement you mentioned may be a fit.

A common question with many answers on this forum. Unfortunately the quick and easy fix is probably to fix what you have or replace it with the same type of gearbox.

In the 116 you'll probably have a 722.1

The 85 will probably have a 722.3

To read more see these threads

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/285097-just-dreaming-300d-automatic-gearbox-replacements.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/299398-transmission-swap-1982-turbo-300d.html

And then search for some more you'll find loads of them. In google for example =>

722.X swap site:peachparts.com
722.1 swap site:peachparts.com

etc etc etc

I just replaced the transmission in my 1980 300SD. To my knowledge (and I am no expert), only a transmission from a 1978-1980 300SD is compatible. However, parts from another W116 chassis transmission (such as the front pump) will most likely fit. I think the transmissions in the other W116 models are geared differently and that other chassis such as the W123 have a completely different type of transmission (they use different linkages and means of shifting).