Any Ideas or Opinions!!!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

aliciad20 · #1 12-20-2003, 01:20 PM

I am looking to buy a 1978 450 SEL with about 100k miles for $100. Its in great shape aside from the fact that the reverse doesnt work. Is it possible that I dont need a whole new transmission? And if so...is it worth spending a few thousand on it? How much is this car worth in good shape? I would really like to purchase this vehicle because other than the reverse not working its a great car and i only need it to go short distances a few times a week!

I heard from one person that i might be able to just tighten up some belts under the car and another told me he's never heard of that...i dont want to get screwed!

Thanks for any help you can give me!

psfred · #2 12-20-2003, 01:25 PM

No reverse means a busted one-way clutch, in this case a toasted tranny.

Good news is that a used tranny in good shape isn't hard to come by, nor is it terribly expensive. I know of at least one sitting in the u-pull-it waiting for me to come get it.

Most of the W116s die from terminal rust, not drivetrain failure, so parts are easy.

A rebuilt tranny is going to be about $1500.

Peter

aliciad20 · #3 12-20-2003, 01:32 PM

So where do i find these cheap trannys...if i go to a junk yard type place how do i know the tran is gonna work when i get it put in?

When i called an MB service place they told me a rebuilt tranny would be like 2500 :0.

THanks

dieseldiehard · #4 12-20-2003, 01:44 PM

You don't generally get any guarantee with a pick-U-part place, even if you do, and say the trans is no good, you are out a lot of work and time removing it, returning it, and reinstalling another trans. That said, most wrecked cars have a operating transmission unless of course they were hit while parked and were in a sad state of repair with a bad tranny (unlikely!)
Be certain you get the same part number on the trans, its a long string of digits on the casing, be armed with this info when you go to a parts place so you don't get the wrong trans.
Where in CA are located? Readers can recommend places.
Dieseldiehard
1971 220 4-spd manual 104646
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 290820
1983 300D 238890
1985 300TD 207980
1976 300D (still looking for an engine

aliciad20 · #5 12-20-2003, 01:45 PM

I am located in the South Bay....southern Los Angeles area...thanks

ctaylor738 · #6 12-20-2003, 03:43 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33727&item=2448511793

aliciad20 · #7 12-20-2003, 03:46 PM

I just got a reply to an email i sent to Eurasian Foreign Auto Parts and they have a good used tranny for $450 with a 6 month waranty!

I want to make sure its not just the reverse bands or servo pistons first.

thanks

ctaylor738 · #8 12-20-2003, 04:52 PM

The trouble with a used part warranty is that it usually does not cover the labor involved which in the case of a transmission is substantial, like at least $600. So I would make sure that the trans came out of a car that had been driven to verify that it works, not out of a car that was hauled in and dismantled.

Tomguy · #9 12-20-2003, 05:28 PM

Chuck: I was thinking the same thing when I read this thread and would have posted that link had you not.

I remember that my 4.5 (many years back) would not go into reverse at all. We had just had the tranny rebuilt (by a VERY BAD SHOP

that took over 3 months to fix it right...) and they had to adjust the linkage so it would go into reverse. Is this a possibility with the 116's tranny?

ctaylor738 · #10 12-21-2003, 12:13 PM

The linkage can get screwed up to the point where reverse might be park or neutral on the indicator, but I don't think it could get so far out that it won't engage at all.