I was told that the 85 (CA version) 300 TDT wagon has the same trans as a 190. These do not last as long as the larger transmissions on earlier (pre 85) 300s. Is it a staight forward switch to put in this "larger trans"? The result being that you would have a trans that lasts longer. Thanks.

This transmission shifts too quickly - in fourth gear by the time I get to 22 mph. Bowden cable adjustment does not help - have tried numerous adjustments - both small and large - no difference. Valve body was removed - cleaned, fluid changed, new modulator, still shifts quickly. Was told that perhaps governor could be faulty - but would have to take trans out to see. If this is done - it would "make more sense to rebuild trans". I have opportunity to get rebuilt trans ("larger" version) from another 300 TD (pre 1985). When I "manually" shift from L to D - very very good pick-up! I can cruise 80 mph plus no problem. Is vacuum a problem here?

I have had the same problem with my 78 82 and now 85 TD.. the gearing is higher in the rear end on the 85 Calif I think.. I just run it in 3rd until I get out of town and shift it to D.. Its more like an overdrive any way with the gearing.. The trans are all the same.. Just a different valve body I think.. So If you want to put another trans in place of the one you have it should be no problem.. However just driving in 3 rd and shifting to 4th whitch is what I have done with my 300 Diesels for the last 25 years works too..

Ken

Ken - Driving in third means driving in "S" position, then when I need it, (highway, etc) shift into "D"? THANKS for the response. When I drive out of L or S and "upshift" with shifter - I get very very good acceleration. I really like this car and want to make sure I am doing what I can to have it run well. Thanks again.

Thats the way I have done for years... My 78 300CD shifts to 4th at 24 mph.. my 85 TD Calif.. shifts about about 22 or 23 mph.. but the gearing is higher in the rear end.. However both cars shift to low for me... However the older diesel cars depart in 2nd gear and you only get low if you choose it.. the newer ones leave in 1st and make a kind of hard shift to 2nd.. I just leave both in 3rd in town and shift to drive out on the highway.. You may like it better than worring about it or replacing it with another trans that will most likley shift at 24 or 25 mph..

by the way.. you will love the car if you just drive the heck out of it.. Don't baby the engine.. it has a governer at about 44 hundred rpm.. and loves to get up over 4000..


Ken

Ken - hey thanks a lot. Governor at 4000 rpm? I have a general idea of what the governor is - but do you mean that it starts to controll at 4000 rpm? I thought (I don't have the service CDS) that going over 3000 rpm was detrimental?

If going over 3000 hurts the engine.. Then the last 3 diesels I have had should have died long before I sold them with near 300000 miles on them.. and they ran great... I often ran my 240D on the floor in 3rd gear for miles climbing long steep grades.. It lasted for for over 400000 miles.. The worst thing you can to to one is lug it around.. I often pull 8 or 10 mile grades with my 85 TD in 3rd at 4000 +. Most of the governers seem to come in at about 4400 + or -.. It just holds the engine at that RPM... It will start to flaten out before that... Living where I do in the high country.. If I stuck to the 3000 rpm thing.. I would have been run over by big trucks years ago.. I have never seen a Mercedes diesel hurt by RPM.. Just timing chains that broke because they had way to many miles on them or running out of oil, or coolent..

Ken

Thanks again!