I was just a few miles from home with my just purchased 1970 W108 280S and feeling mighty pleased with myself, when the transmission started slipping really badly when accellerating from stop or up a steep incline. Up until then the transmission was shifting smoothly with good solid shifts.

I checked the fluid level and it appeared to be ok with no leaks or discolouration. The car itself is in beautiful original condition with 109,000 fully documented miles on it.

Where do I begin with this one? Is my transmission shot?

Also, has anyone fitted rear seat-belts and child restraints into these cars?

I can't imagine the trans being shot, especially as it was shifting normally when you drove it home...

Loose band adjustments??

__________________
Ed
1981 300CD (Benzina)
1968 250 S (Gina) 266,000 miles!
1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6 (Guido)
1976 Jaguar XJS-saved a V-12 from the chevy curse, what a great engine!
1988 Cadillac Eldorado (better car than you might think!)
1988 Yamaha Venture (better than a Wing!)
1977 Suzuki GS750B
1976 Yamaha XS 650 (sold)
1991 Suzuki GSX1100G (Shafty Gixser)
1981 Yamaha VX920RH (Euro "Virago")
Solex Moped
1975 Dodge P/U camper


"Time spent in the company of a cat, a beer, and this forum, is not time wasted!"

Check to make sure the transmission cooler in the radiator isn't plugged. If you have no cooler, the tranny will overheat. Should have fried the oil, though.....

You might want to change the fluid and filter. 109,000 miles usually doesn't bother these guys much, they last forever.

Also, make sure the kickdown rod is attached and the bushings are all in there -- it if is loose, it might be shifting sloppy.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Mmmmm...you may be on to something there Peter.

I got home last night and took it out the garage for a run around the block. It worked fine! I'll take it for a longer drive tonight and see how it goes.

Thanks for your help guys!

Any input on the rear seat-belt issue?

RE: Seatbelts. I would have to assume that the anchors (chassis supports) are in place and just require the belts and mounting bolts.

I'm surprised that MB sold an S-Class of that vintage in any part of the world without rear seatbelts. A stupid suggestion: Could they be present but hiding behind the seat?