How long did your diesel's transmission last? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JerryBro · #16 11-08-2003, 08:07 AM

My 84 had a rebuilt tranny put in at about 175,000. I just had to take it apart and replace a defective clutch plate, bad stamping from the factory. My 83 seems to have the original tranny, shifts hard from 1st to second, sometimes jumps over 2nd directly into 3rd, flares from 3rd to 4th, so it is time for that one to done. I know of an 85 300D with around 400K mikes and the original tranny. It also has the original timing chain.

Jerry

Gurkha · #17 11-08-2003, 08:13 AM

Mine is still running at 536000 miles, the synchro on the third gear needs fixing now but apart from that the gears are perfectly fine.

Toblin · #18 11-08-2003, 10:11 AM

After 25 years and 233,000 miles my tranny is still going smooth and strong.

TX76513 · #19 11-08-2003, 10:51 AM

The PO had replaced the transmission in June of '01 at 166,xxx miles at MB for a cost of $7,1xx.xx. The SDL now has 220,xxx miles. My Indy says this is the improved version of the original transmission

- probably need to drive another SDL to make an opinion on that. The shifting seems to be a little sharp (as compared to the 300D) unless you have your toe-nails in the firewall.

redbaronph123 · #20 11-10-2003, 01:51 AM

my tranny broke back in Nov 2002 barely 5 months when i just got it. it had about 149,000KM (~93,125) when the tranny broke. Spent around $800 for the rebuild including 1 planetary gearset that was the culprit of me losing all my forward and reverse gears.

I just hope the tranny last longer now... as i dont have money saved up for another tranny rebuild. Most of my saved money are going to somewhere else in the car.. ehhehe

agplate · #21 11-10-2003, 12:42 PM

Original replaced at about 179,000- Current still good at 330,000
(knock on wood).
83 300SD

#22 11-10-2003, 01:22 PM

and was replaced with a rebuild about three years and another 100k miles ago...new tranny ran about $1,500 installed. No trouble since.

engatwork · #23 11-10-2003, 07:58 PM

The original transmission in my 300D made it to around 230k miles and was still going but it just shifted into high gear by the time you got to around 40 mph. I suspect there was an issue with valve body. The engine/tranny in there now only have about 155k on them.

tonystewart · #24 11-11-2003, 01:21 PM

My 1984 300D has 320,000 miles with original transmission. At 254,000 I replaced the torque converter with an 85 which has a higher stall.
My 1993 300D has 175,00 miles with original transmission. Transmission was removed at 168,000 to fix a closure plug leak. Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF used in both cars.

redbaronph123 · #25 11-11-2003, 10:47 PM

hi there.. forgive my ignorance.. but what did you mean by a higher stall??

rdetoy · #26 11-11-2003, 11:58 PM

In my old '83 300D the previous owner replaced the trans at 150k miles and it was still on that trans when he bought it back from me at 280k miles. My current 300SD is about to turn over on 309k miles on its original engine and trans. The trans is a little hesitant when cold but shifts fine when warm.

mercedesmatt · #27 11-12-2003, 12:18 AM

my 85 300d has 319000 miles with the original engine and transmission, 3000 mile oil changes rotella t oil, 30,000 trany, diff, wheel brg services. engine uses no oil between changes and runs like a top. nothing done to trany other than servicing.

good maintence pays folks!! read them owners manuals!!

adamb · #28 11-12-2003, 05:24 AM

The torque converter slips hydraulically similar to a clutch and locks up at predetermined RPM which is called stall speed. Higher stall means that, when compared to a stock torque converter, the higher stall converter will "lock up" at a higher RPM so the engine rpm more quickly reaches it's best torque and/ or horsepower range sooner. This tends to offer faster acceleration and performance, but reduces fuel mileage and stress on the tranny in the form of heat.
Have fun, Adam Bush

#29 11-14-2003, 07:21 AM

533,000 miles on the 240D and the manny tranny still works perfect. It's never been apart, but the car is on its third clutch. That's how you get around the PITA maintenance and hassle of an automatic transmission.

If you DO elect to drive an automatic, you can't change the fluid and filter too often. The common temperature for ATF is 175 degrees Fahrenheit. For every 20 degrees above the normal temperature, the fluid life is cut in half. This should give you an idea how important it is to change it often.

For those folks who tell you to never change the ATF, you should realize that you can either change the fluid or change the transmisssion, your choice.

Have a great day,

Gurkha · #30 11-14-2003, 10:05 AM

Larry,

It seems you have extracted almost the same life as I have from my TX-17 manual tranny. I am using the updated 235mm clutch which with proper care easily run for 140,000 plus miles easily.