I can't claim to have figured this out. Somewhere, ( I can't recall where) I found the solution described, complete with pictures. I'd like to give credit, but I don't know to whom it belongs.

Welcome to the forum! Lots of good info here if you just use the SEARCH function. Since somehow you were able to install a transmission while being a complete mechanical dolt methinks that repairing the minor problems you have would likely be within your grasp. Use the SEARCH function on each topic, you won't be disappointed. That or sell the MB to someone who will care for it and buy a and stop being a troll. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

BUY A 1985 300SD. They have options like new American cars but the reliability one comes to know with MB diesels. I say s-class because I think the w126 is one of the best looking s-class ever.
David

what a difference a day makes. friendly people, informative posts, everything i was hoping for.

to start with, transmission replacement on something as old as '81 doesn't require any mechanical ability really. basic mechanics are no different than cooking or chemistry, you read the book, look at the pictures, and do it.

if you want a fun project, try getting the starter out of a 240d. without taking anything else out. dont give up, because you CAN fit it out between the supports.

but dont try it if you dont have a lot of time on your hands. you WILL smash your fingers repeatedly, as it is a heavy piece. and unless you are very lucky, it could easily take you 45 minutes to move it 2 feet to the ground.

i COULD fix my 240d. i dont want to. i want a 300, money spent toward fixes for the 240 is money better spent toward getting what i want to drive. except for the switches for the windows, they must be replaced and i could not find any in seattle.

i do agree with you david, the 300sds are friggin sweet. i'd rather have a clk430, alas my budget is about $60,000 too low ~

i have another question. what is the real difference between an sd and an sdl? i can't get a firm answer on whether L is for luxury or long wheel base.

as for this:

i came here as a mercedes owner, seeking advice on buying another mercedes. i was told i should buy a honda. i cannot recall suffering a worse insult in the last 5 years.


--Nick

CzarN,

Most of us here would disagree with your basic assumption. namely that "it doesn't require any mechanical ability". You would apparently be very surprized to find how many folks there are out there who can supposedly read, but would not ever consider reading the book, looking at the pictures, and doing it. And this is true of folks that might actually have the required mechanical apptitude. Your transmission replacement, whether on something as old as '81 or '31 is still something very few will attempt!!

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1961 190Db retired
1968 220D/8 325,000
1983 300D 164,150

I'll agree with that.

To answer your latest question, L means Long wheelbase. In the Diesels that we got in the U.S., it also just happens to correspond to the 3.0 liter 6 cylinder engine with aluminum head for '86 and '87. Later years got the 3.5 liter I mentioned above.


BTW, my mamma taught me something at a young age that you apparently missed: You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

Hi Mordecai.

I read somewhere,someone used CONDOMS to
do the same thing.

Hey,as long as it works,right?

I forgot where I read it though.

Louis.

For me, the cut off year is 85, for more than one reason. Having said that you have 5 options within 2 basic body types. 123 and 126. Do you need or want the space of a wagon? Do you prefer the look of a 300D? Do you want the larger 300SD with its features? Or maybe you want a 2 door?

No one can answer these questions but you. However I own a 300TD and a 300SD. I love them both for different reasons.

I will say that it is very likely, your going to exchange one set of problems for another set. In your case the sunroof and windows don't work. Might be that the AC goes out in the one you buy.

There is only a couple of ways to get clear of the frustration you have. One is to get a car with a warranty. That way someone else is going to pay to have it fixed, although you will be without transportation. The other way is to change your attitude and perception about the 240 you have. I don't use the word attitude in a strong way, but mean that you could surrender to the fact it needs some work and either you will do it or have it done. If you change how you think about it, you will find you can enjoy it.

You can buy a brand new car and have lots of problems. I sued GM / Cadillac for a Seville that had many issues and forced Lexus to give me a new 400LS. I also had a 3 year old SL that at 59,800 miles had its last dealer warranty work performed. When I saw the bill going to MBUSA I sold the car super fast. The bill was just under $15,000.00. No new trans, no new engine, just a bunch of stuff the most major they told me about, a head gasket.

It would be a shame for you to max out your cash position for another MB and then have the same dollar work to do as you do now. Additionally you know what is wrong with yours and you will have to discover what’s wrong with the one you buy.

Not preaching, just sharing my experiences.

Don

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1980 300TD-T (82 Turbo and Trans) 159,000 Miles "Jackie-O"
1983 300SD 272,000 Miles "Aristotle"
1987 Jeep Wagoneer Limited - keeps the MB's off the ice and out of the snow
1994 BMW 530it

Nick,

I give up. I've been trying to figure out what the ballons did. Did you replace the rummer diaphrams with ballons?

I had the ac/heater box out of my '80 300SD although the rubber diaphrams in the pneumatic cyliners seemed OK, they leaked around the edges. So I epoxyed all the edges of the rubber diaphrams and they all seem to work OK years later.

P E H

First off, it is You're mean... not your. Second off, it was rehashed with him that people on the board felt badly about the oil and transmission issues. Don't atack another member like that, especially without signing up so you can represent yourself later on down the line when someone replies to a post.
~D.J.~

I hate to add unnecessary commentary, but I couldn't agree more. I have a W116 300SD that I drive daily, and it's cherry. All the electric windows work, the climate control blows ice cold (oooooohhhhhhh), and every gauge works. It's a love hate relationship. I have an incredibly insane work schedule, but luckily I have the know-how to do essential and day-to-day repairs, and therefore I find the time.

If you aren't committed, get another car. Simple as that. And yes, I will mourn the loss of another 240.

You realize this thread is from 2003 and the OP hasn't posted here since 2007, right?

To tack a bit more onto this ancient thread, I'm keeping my 300D going, have had it for almost ten years now. Not everything works, but all the important stuff does. Do I think about replacing it with something newer with a lot less miles? Yes. Will I eventually do that? At some point. I think it helps that I have two vehicles and one of them is new enough ('07 model with 32,000 and change miles) that I don't need to do much more than put gas in it, keep the chain lubed and the oil topped up, keep tabs on how the tires are wearing, and take it in for service at the prescribed intervals.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.