Transmission is Slipping
 

I'm considering buying a 1988 300CE with 111,000 miles on. Current owner has replaced the hed gasket and redone the valves and cams. Car itself is in pretty good condition. The only issue I found was the transmission was slipping when shifting from 1st to 2nd ( or is it 2nd to 3rd). Transmission would start shifting at 2500 rpm and rpms would climb to 3000 before engaging. I was being light on the gas at the time. There seemed to be less slippage if I was a little more enthuaistic on the gas. it shifted okay in the other gears and reverse. We checked the fluid level and it was a little low. Topped it up but it didn't cure the problem. The fluid appeared to be clear and did not smell burnt.

Am I looking a potential rebuild here? How much is a rebuild?

Also can anybody give me any pointers on what to look for when buying a W124.

Put at least $2-3K in your budget for a reman transmission..used might go for $500-750.


Always have a pre-purchase inspection done including a compression test.