300D Automatic Transmissions
 

Hello! Most cars in my area are 300D's, all with automatic transmissions (not many Euro models in my area.) To tell you the truth, I like autto trannys much better than manuals. Myabe that makes me less of a man, but I don't know;) Anyhow, are these transmissions generally reliable if taken care of throughout there life? Most cars I see that I am interested in buying have about 180k miles on them. Can I expect to get to 300K on original automatic transmission if maintained properly? I know the engines (as well as most of the car) are bullet proof, but I am still a bit in the dark on the trannys. Most of the opinions I have from people are that they are good (thanks from alt.autos.mercedes), but I want to know what all of you guys on the forums think? Thanks.


-Kyle Pavao
Hopefully an 80's diesel Mercedes (probably 300D or 240D) from my sales manager friend at the MB dealer down the road from me.

They are good transmissions. Make sure you get documentation showing where the fluid was changed regularly. Some folks recommend changing it more often than every 30k miles. Usually, when there are problems they are vacuum related or the bowden cable is inoperative/out of adjustment. My 300D has alot of miles and the tranny works fine but weird (it is in high gear by the time it gets to 40 mph). I suspect that the bowden cable is broke but with the type of driving I do I do not have a problem with the way it shifts. I look at it as keeping the load off of the engine :).

Yes, if the fluid is changed regularly. If the car shifts good, (quickly, no flaring or slipping), pop the hood and smell the fluid while the car is running. It should be a nice healthy red color, if it is more brown than red, it has not been changed in a while. If it looks milky or smells burnt, stay away from the car.