1983 240d Manual Transmission needs replacement

[DS240d]

Hi All,

I am a newbie on this forum. Also, I am not too mechanically inclined. Even so, I have managed to complete some minor repairs on my 1983 4 speed 240d manual.

Here's the issue:

Weeks ago, I was driving the 240d and a terrible clunking noise started underneath the car. I brought (towed) the car into my mechanic's shop. He indicated that my transmission was bad after pulling the unit.
I have been searching for a used replacement transmission and my research has lead me to believe that the older 240d's (1981 and older?) have a different , two piece manual transmission. I have also heard, but am not sure if it is correct, that the manual transmissions for the 1982-and 1983 240d's were the newer unit that I need for my car.

I have located what appears to be a used 1982 manual transmission (part # 115 261 2501) and want to try to verify that the 1982 transmission will mate up with my 1983 240d. If anyone has any knowledge on the 240d manual transmissions and the intricacies of the the different model years and their interchangeability, that would be terrific. I am trying to avoid buying a transmission that wont work with my 1983. Thanks in advance!

Dave

[t walgamuth]

They are interchangible. There is more than one throw out bearing though so be sure to use the one that goes with the clutch pressure plate you have.

[BirthdayBenz]

The 83 would have the newer style aluminum transmission. The older style is sometimes referred to as the iron box.

Your trans should have a part number located below the clutch slave cylinder.

This is an image of the part number from my aluminum 83 transmission. This trans is referred to as a 716 210 as per the section of the part number that differentiates it from others.


If you want the same transmission that you have today, you'll want to verify your part number in that location.

I think the iron trans will fit but maybe the linkages could be different? Someone else on here will know that answer. I'm sure if you checked the for sale section here or posted a wanted to buy someone will have the correct transmission for your vehicle.

[BirthdayBenz]

I take so long to type @ t walgamuth beat me to the response

[moon161]

If a magnet sticks to the replacement gearbox, it's iron and the older one. If a magnet doesn't stick to it, it's it's aluminum and the newer one. The haynes manual for W123 cars also shows the difference. Based on your model year, you have the newer one, and a new one is an exact swap.

If they don't match, get the shift linkages included with the replacement, because they are different too, and you don't want to pay shop labor for fabricating new ones from the old.

On principal, the release bearing is cheap enough to replace on a 'while you're in there' basis, because in and out is several hours labor, and if it goes, it takes the pressure plate with it given enough time.

If the replacement is not exactly the same (iron in place of aluminum box) then you need to replace the release bearing anyways.

[moon161]

Car-part.com turns up several 82 and 83 transmissions near your location.

[moon161]

And get shift linkage bushings, both ends either from peachparts or the mercedes classic center. Cheap, their in there already and you'll feel the difference.