So the Trans on my 72 280se 4.5 is giving me issues. First off. When I bought the car, the parking gear was already damaged. and i have to start in neutral.

But the biggest thing is the leak. Trans fluid leaks when the car is on. and it leaks a lot. I've talked to a german trans specialist, and he said the cheapest way to go is to get either a rebuilt or find a place that sells used trans that come with a warranty. i'm glad i have the relatively common 3 speed so i think i have some options here.

Does anyone know of any reputable places near Los Angeles that do transmission work or sell good used transmissions.

i saw that a rebuilt trans at adsitco is $1495. not sure if thats good or not. havent factored in shipping yet.

any help is greatly appreciated. thanks!

For rebuilt trannys, Sun Valley in Van Nuys is your place:

http://www.mercedesdismantlers.com/

do they do installation as well? or they are just a seller?

FYI, I got a kickdown solenoid from Sun Valley for my 4.5L auto trans a couple years ago. Good attitude, knowledgeable, professional, and a very fair price as well.

Tom

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1972 280SE 4.5

If they don't, I bet they could steer you in the right direction to someone who would.

Sun Valley Mercedes Transmissions does do installations. You are looking at around $2300 for the rebuilt trans, torque convertor, fluid and installation. Speak to Marc, the owner. They have a great web site.

15-ish years ago, when I was just out of high school: they sold me a rebuilt transmission for a 72 280 for 500 bucks (labor included). Thing ran peerrrfect. Think they were just helping a good kid out.

Great reputation, great quality....still remember them to this day. In fact, you could say they were the reason I learned to love these cars (malibu, venice, zuma beach...280...ahh, good times).

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Current:
1971 Mercedes Benz 250 (Euro Spec)
1972 Mercedes Benz 250 (US Spec)
Past:
1972 Mercedes Benz 280