IMHO, the 250 is the best driving of the lot.

Four wheel disc brakes(230SL had rear drums), larger tires, 150 hp, free reving 2.5 motor with more main bearings than the old 230 motor. It doesn't have the overheating problems of the later 280SL motors.

The soft top frame alone is worth $2000, the shop just wants to take advantage of someone they think doesn't know what the car is worth.

Hi I owned a 230SL (1964), the motor does not have to come out, they unbolt it from the gearbox, lift the motor just a little and out getīs the clutch on a manual. It took 4 hours of labor plus the spare. As itīs a automatic it might be more complicated but try to find a used functional gearbox, also from a 250S/SE or 280 S/SE 1965-1972ī, it will fit. It can never end up in 4000.

Those old fluid coupling automatics were pretty durable. If it's slipping, I would look into low control pressure caused by a plugged filter, or modulator and/or band adjustment. It might have quite a bit of life left in it.

The average shop is going to really mees up the rebuild on one of these, since it takes an old school Mercedes mechanic with the right tools to get one set up right.

For originality sake don't let them exchange your trans. for a rebuilt. Matching numbers mean alot to the serious collector.

Mine had the outer gear ring of the planetary gears break, and the pump towards the rear was busted (so I was told - I didn't see the pump, just the toothed ring)
Symptoms: It wouldn't shift past 2nd.

Since your transmission is just slipping, I would do like Peter implied, and change the trans. filter. This is a diy item, and not very costly.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

I have it on ebay now with an $18000 reserve.
The filter was changed and new fluid was used. No improvement.
Thanks for all of the comments.

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VR
1967 250SL