Transmission replacement for a 722.354

[Lebenz]

My 400E's has developed problems for the 3rd time. I'm thinking of getting another one rather than another fix. Is there any wisdom for new vs factory rebuild?

Is there per chance a 5 speed autobox replacement?

TIA

[deanyel]

It's been rebuilt twice and has failed again? I would think that's a problem with the rebuilder. You need to find a better shop or buy a rebuilt unit - from Sun Valley or Adsitco - they're both around $1200 for four speeds. I'm not sure what a conversion to a five speed would entail but you wouldn't want one anyway. The four speeds are more reliable and less expensive to repair - for example check out the prices on Adsitco.com / online catalog / drivetrain / transmissions-rebuilt.

[JBS]

Just replaced my 722.354 with a reman. after 192,000 miles from the first one. Am taking it back for an adjustment on Friday, (See my other post). Got mine from Sun Valley. 2 year warrenty, good people.

[Lebenz]

Thanks. The first fix was minor, and the 2nd was what I thought was a rebuild. I contacted the shop, (local MB dealer) and they said they did a repair to cure a double engagement of the B2. Looking back, it would have been smarter to replace at that point since the repair was a little more than cost as the stated at the Adsitco site. Sun Valley wanted 2x the cost, unless I misread.

Is there any wisdom about going with factory build/rebuild vs one of these folks?

A 5 speed transmission sounded cool. I had one installed into former Datsun Z car and it was a notable improvement over the 4 speed it replaced, and got about 15% greater fuel mileage on the hiway as part of the deal.

Is possible to order a 4 speed transmission from one of these sources configured so that it will normally start in 1st or is that a separate task?

[JBS]

I don't know if there is really any reason to go with a factory reman. instead of a 3rd party. I think that you may possibly have a harder time getting warrenty work from MB than the others.

When you are ready to get your trans., be sure to tell them that you want 1st gear start. They will probably put a newer valve body in to allow this.

[deanyel]

Originally Posted by Lebenz

Sun Valley wanted 2x the cost, unless I misread.

Should be $1250 - you may have misread.

[Lebenz]

Update,

Finally got the car in to be diagnosed. there was clutch material in the pan, so i decided to replace rather than a 3rd repair.

I went with Sun Valley (SV) because:

1) shipping was about $150 less (SV and me are west coast)
2) SV includes the transmission and torque converter for about the same cost as does the competition for the transmission alone
3) SV doesn't require a core charge, and also includes return shipping with the purchase.

Thanks once again to all for the excellet feedback!