II have a wonderful 1985 300d non turbo imported from Germany the transmission blew I am trying to find a transmission from a car sold in the states. The only # I can find is on the side of the housing # 123 270 56 01 722 405 02 158713 it has a six bolt pan and a mechanical speedometer cable its ok if I have to switch parts between tyranny’s to get it to fit any help would be greatly appreciated. I can’t afford a rebuilt so I am looking for something I can get from a wrecker. The wrecking yards I have contacted have been no help, if there is no transmission used on a car sold in the states does any one know of a wrecker in Germany that does business with customers in the states that is reliable. Thank you for any help
Dave San Jose CA

Dave,

Call Ted at Transmeister in Orange CA. Listed in the phone book. Ted only rebuilds MB transmissions and has been for about 15 years. He is pretty well known in So CA and 90% of his business is other independent techs.

I've been to his shop. Its clean. As compared to the other well known rebuilder (that will remain nameless) that works out of a wrecking yard, Ted runs a "clean room" environment.

He should be able to help you. (714) 532-1871

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)

Thank you so much I have called at least a dozen tranny places and wreckers and gotten no help. This guy is amazing off the top of his head he told me what broke named a dozen cars they used this tranny in the states every one else said Europe only. He told me he would even sell me a 5 speed conversion at a reasonable price in case any on looks in the future a few cars using this are. 1985 California model 300d turbo 1983 and up 190 series I thank you so much.
Dave Sid San Jose CA

Ted spent many years doing transmissions at the 3 major MB dealers in Orange County (Caliber, House of Imports and Jim Slemons) (JS is now Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach). Uses only MB parts and has a really nice set of "big industrial dish washers". His goal is to ship the transmission so it runs AND looks like a factory rebuild.

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)

“the other well known rebuilder (that will remain nameless) that works out of a wrecking yard ”, hehe, yes indeed . I’ve been there, and their operation is the antithesis of a “clean room” facility. I have no firsthand knowledge of the quality (or lack thereof) of their rebuilds, although they are quite knowledgeable (just not necessarily putting it to good use as far as cleanliness goes(?) !)

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Current rolling stock:
2001 E55 183,000+ Newest member of the fleet.
2002 E320 83,000 - The "cream-puff"!
1992 500E 217,000+
1995 E300D 412,000+
1998 E300D 155,000+
2001 E320 227,000+
2001 E320 Wagon, 177,000+

Prior MBZ’s:
1952 220 Cab A
1966 300SE
1971 280SE
1973 350SLC (euro)
1980 450SLC
1980 450SLC (#2)
1978 450SLC 5.0
1984 300D ~243,000 & fondly remembered
1993 500E - sorely missed.
1975 VW Scirocco w/ slightly de-tuned Super-Vee engine - Sold after 30+ years.

I can't believe that place (the yard) can even find all the parts, let alone put them together correctly.

I've been to both places. Its obvious who has their act together.

__________________
84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)

My saga of trying to find an automatic transmission for my euro 300d non turbo never ends. My complete part # on left side of transmission case is 123 270 56 01 722 405 02 158713 so that makes it a 722 405 02 A local junk yard has a great deal on a transmission # 123 270 5201 722 401 02 196014 so that makes it a 722 401 02. I have seen the transmission it looks right 6 bolt pan mechanical speedometer and kick down switch. Small cooler line banjo bolts shift linkage looks good. My? Is what the differences are? I think I read some place that that part of the part # has to do with the vacuum modulator and the car it was used in. I would love to by this transmission because the price is good he is 3 miles from my house. But I need information on decoding the part # so I can tell whether or not I can use this transmission I hope it is as simple as changing vacuum modulator. Any info links or help would be greatly appreciated but remember this is a 1985 euro 300d non turbo all the transmission sites I have found only deal with USA models. I would be so happy if I could buy this tomorrow and get it in the bloody car.
Thank you kindly in advance for any help you can give me
Dave Sid San Jose CA

Since I dont have much choice in three weeks of searching I have only been able to find a 5 speed for this car. I am going to pull the transmission tomorrow take it to the wreacker see how they look side by side. The w123 1985 300d 722 405 02 vs the 722.401 that came out of W123 230E/CE/TE gas car. Am I making a major blunder if the case ect are the same and I put a gas trans in a diesel? It is what I Have not thought of that scares me

I took the transmission out of the 300d to day. Brought it to local yard that said they had one that would work for $395 well every thing was right except the starter was on the wrong side. I have found some used 1985 transmission the only year they made that type both places want just over $800 plus shipping for used transmission with 90 day warranty, May be I will just have to go with a 4 speed manual.
Frustrated in San Jose
Dave

MattDave,

What did Ted want for a rebuilt 4 speed?

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)