Right, I've decided that my best bet for a new transmission is sun valley.
I've never done a can>US transaction of this magnitude, so I've got a few questions.

First, who's 'the man' to talk to there?

Second, I'm going to have to finance part of this (I ain't rich), so is a money order the best way to transact 1800$?

They've offered to pay for the shipping for the core, I hope they hold true...

__________________
RIP: 80 300SD
RIP: 79 450SEL
2002 E430 4matic (212,000km)
2002 ML500 'sport'

____________________________
FACEBOOK: PANZER450

Being that a "core" is involved do you mean you are purchasing a rebuilt transmission as opposed to an actual "new" one?

A few years ago an actual new from the factory MB transmission for a 91 350SD with a couple year warranty cost $2400 from the dealership, obviously more than your talking about for the one from Sun Valley but I'd expect MB to be able to stand behind their part better than Sun Valley, especially on something international. Have you figured how you'll deal with Sun Valley if there are any problems?

Financing it, not knowing the law up there it might be best to look into using a credit card if it has some type of purchase protection/buyer dispute provision, with cash/check/money order once you had it over it's likely you'll never see it again no matter what happens unfortunately. With a credit card you might be able to get a chargeback done if the tranny or the transaction is a bust some how.

FYI: Sun Valleys been doing this for years. About 15 years ago (when I lived in Cali), they sold me a re-built trany for a 72 280 for $500 bucks (worked perfect; and I was just a kid). Ended up selling the car few months later to a japanese exporter for a profit.

They're pretty stand up people (great reputation). That was then, so can't speak about now but I still hear great things. If still worried (1800 bucks is still alot), credit card would be best bet.

Panzer, I am sure that Sun Valley is a great company. Totally capable of getting the transaction done to your liking. But did you every consider converting that car to a 4 speed manual. I think it can be converted as easily as the W123 and with the same parts and I would say for less then $1800.00 and I am talking a new clutch and pressure plate. Your labor would be a little more then R&R the automatic. I made the change on my W123 and love it. And I have enough parts to change another one.

__________________
Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

I bought a rebuilt transmission from them seven years ago , I am still driving the car 79 300sd was excellent rebuild shiped it all the way to rhode island in a nice box fantastic still have the box it came in they do great work .

Marc is the person to talk to. His reputation is certainly as good as any MB dealer. I think the easiest way to convert the $$$ is to pay with a credit card, but your results may vary.

I've been to three Mercedes independent shops, and all three buy their rebuilt transmissions from Sun Valley.

I'd feel 100% comfortable in dealing with them.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".