I have heard of some transmission problems on the early gen II W126 models. I am wondering if the 6-cylinder models have the same transmission and how common are transmission problems on 3.0L I6 W126 models?

Pretty much, all similer.

As for problems they are very old cars, they all have problems. Luckly rebuilds are pretty cheap, and they are super easy to swap out.

Most of the used ones I see have a few leaks and a bunch of vac issues, but thats to be expected.

I've had mine out once to do the front seal, and have replaced just about every exterior seal. So knock on wood it seems to be pretty dry after the 6k or so miles I drove it this year...but now its due for a rebuild.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Thanks. Well the transmission in my old 1985 380SE was original, never rebuilt and it had 275K and was still shifting perfectly and had no leaks at all. I only hope this next W126 I am buying will follow suit.

Gen 1 Lexus LS400s (which I have) must have bulletproof transmissions. I rarely hear of a transmission problem. I have 215K on mine and it still shifts like brand new- no leaks, noises, etc. My last Lexus LS400 had 260K and it was the same way. Shifts were barely even felt, but quick and crisp.

Toyota did not do as good as the transmissions on the early Toyota Tundras... they were prone to failure (sporadic reports). Mine was ultra smooth, but it had a harsh 2-3 shift under anything but light acceleration. Oh well, they cannot win them all.

Don't the inline engines have a different bell housing bolt pattern than the V-8s?

jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

you might be thinking about the early w140 trans. apparently they wanted to upgrade the 6 to a 6 sp auto. the story goes they needed to do it quickly so they basically married an overdrive into the rear of the 5 speed. the cheapest i found a rebuild was $3000. it was easy to r & r.