'87 and '93 300E - same transmissions?
 

Theres a '93 300E 2.8 for sale ($1100) on CL locally with a bad transmission. The transmission in my '87 300E has less than 20K miles on it. Is the transmission the same for both years - is it a straight swap? Does the interior of the car have to be torn apart to get the transmission in and out?

Not familiar with the later model
 

But typically you don't have to muck up the interior to get any transmission in or out. even the shift linkage usually is completely disconnected and connected from the bottom side. To know if the 87 tranny will fit, a transmission shop should be able to give you an answer. Some transmissions five years apart will be a direct bolt up fit all the way. Then again, some will not fit at all, some will fit with minor modifications. You might use Sun Valley Parts as a guide to finding out also.
http://www.mercedesnewparts.com/start.wws?cookieID=24L0UKU7F24L0UPC2N&clientid=mercedesnewparts

No, different transmissions - the 93 is a 722.4, 87 is a .3.

Thanks deanyel...
 

...you just saved me a whole bunch of time and money. I'll just keep running my '87 till it dies.

I changed the transmision on my 81 300SD 126 it took me about 8 hours to take it out and put the new one in its actually preaty straight forward as long as you have mechanical knowledge! :D good luck buddy :)