1971 280S W108 Transmission

[drcoastline]

Hi all,


This is my first post on this forum. I am a long time Porsche guy who joined the Pelican sister site to this in 2008.


I have always liked the look of the W108-109 sedans of the late 60's early 70's. So I recently purchased a 1971 280S to tinker with. It is from Miami, FLA, complete with almost no rust. It is a running car except their is a transmission issue. Haven't gotten into the problem yet. It is a column shift automatic. I believe it is a 3 speed but I could be wrong.


My question is what transmissions will work in this vehicle assuming I opt to replace it vs. have it rebuilt. All transmissions from 65-73? Any years past that may work?


Over on the Porsche site it isn't a legit thread without a pic so here's my MB content photo.


Thanks in advance for any help.


DRC

[Frank Reiner]

Originally Posted by drcoastline

Hi all,


This is my first post on this forum. I am a long time Porsche guy who joined the Pelican sister site to this in 2008.


I have always liked the look of the W108-109 sedans of the late 60's early 70's. So I recently purchased a 1971 280S to tinker with. It is from Miami, FLA, complete with almost no rust. It is a running car except their is a transmission issue. Haven't gotten into the problem yet. It is a column shift automatic. I believe it is a 3 speed but I could be wrong.


My question is what transmissions will work in this vehicle assuming I opt to replace it vs. have it rebuilt. All transmissions from 65-73? Any years past that may work?


Over on the Porsche site it isn't a legit thread without a pic so here's my MB content photo.


Thanks in advance for any help.


DRC

In "Benz-speak" the trans is a 722.1xx; it is a four speed that normally starts off in 2nd. 1st is engaged when starting off at full throttle, or when manually selected (L/low).

The basic design of that trans appeared in 1968, and was used in various forms thru approx. 1983? It was used with gas engines and diesels, engines of 4, 5, 6, and eight cylinders. It was configured to always start in first, to have a selective first (yours), and to have first blocked (with V-8s).

The "xx" in the designation identifies specific internal differences for each engine and chassis combination. Although yours is a 722.1, there are also 722.0 (1st blocked), and 722.2 (1st start) designations, all of the same basic design.

[drcoastline]

Thank you for the reply Frank. Pretty much what I wanted to know.


DRC

[MAKDUFF3]

I just replaced the transmission in my 1975 300D, which I believe is the same trans as in your car. I bought a rebuilt unit from Marc at Sun Valley transmission in Van Nuys, Ca. It came well packed in a crate and was really easy to install if you have the tools and basic knowledge.