I have a 1986 300E w/131k. My transmission is flaring. While I realize that w/a remanufactured one has certain gurantees--but its $1400. I have a chance to buy a used trans. w/74k on it for $500. Is this a wise choice? If not, why?

Thanks

Steve7

Dear Steve,
I have not driven your car but it seems to be a common problem with 300e's when milage is above 150k.

I would suggest that you have a trans shop flush your trans and change the filter and fluid. It may be a small price to pay if the problem turns out to be more serious. But if the fluid is old, tired and dirty, it can cause problems....

My bet is that this will solve your problem, It worked for me!!!

Good Luck

Adam

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87 300E
BLACK GOLD WITH CREAM INTERIOR, SPOILER, AIRDAM
CLEAR MARKERS

87 420SEL
BRONZE WITH CREAM INTERIOR

Steve,

Will you give me $500.00 for my wallet and everything in it? No? why not? Oh, because you don't know what's in it? That makes sence.

So why would you consider throwing that kind of $$$ into a transmission you have no idea what the real history is? One thing for sure, you will be replacing the used one before the rebuilt one. The labor to R/R either one is $500-$600.

If you are planning on keeping the car, you should really consider getting a factory rebuild from MB. they will give you a 30K warranty. I know the others will do the same or better, but remember, warranties are only as good as the company standing behind them. Unless you are local to one of the tranny rebuilders, you will still have to pay to have it removed,shipped and re-installed.

Before you give up on your present trans, take it to someone who KNOWS how these work. Your friendly neighborhood tranny guy can't help you.

This is one of those cases that if you are planning to keep the car, cheap is expensive. That's one guarantee you can count on.

Regards,

Mr. BILL

90 300SE
85 300D
84 300SD (sold)

It may be time for a transmission, however if the only problem is 3-4 shift and it has not been doing it too long, change the 3-4 accumulator spring to stiffer one and it will take care of 3-4 flare.
Note - if trans really bad, may only be a temp fix.
Never, never go for a used unless you know exactly what car it came out of and had the oppertunity to drive prior.


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Mercedes-Benz Master Guild - 2 years
Shop Foreman - 20 + years - dealer.
Part owner - MBZ Transmission remanufacture
2000 SL500
1995 E320
1989 300SE

Don't forget to change the torque converter as well. Mercedes-Benz states if metal particles present, change it, however if you don't and re-install, all the contaminated fluid within will get into the new trans.


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Mercedes-Benz Master Guild - 2 years
Shop Foreman - 20 + years - dealer.
Part owner - MBZ Transmission remanufacture
2000 SL500
1995 E320
1989 300SE

MBZ.Ian,
I am having the same exact problem with my 86 300e transmission. I spoke to my MB mechanic today, and he was not aware of the stiffer accumulator spring. Is this an MB replacement part? If so, do you by chance know the part number? Any help you can give is greatly appreciated.

Ken

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1987 300SDL
1989 300E
1986 300E
1981 300D
1983 240D

[This message has been edited by bigbenzman (edited 11-01-2000).]

Can anyone answer my previous post? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Ken

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1987 300SDL
1989 300E
1986 300E
1981 300D
1983 240D