First . . . go with the dolly . . . . hunting for one of those 100 miles from no-where with a siezed up something or other, will not be fun and will be very expensive . . . . IMHO (am a long-haul trucker). Second, the tranny issue sounds ominous. I would get it home, and you're probably looking at a rebuild. I would either have it rebuilt with a nationwide warranty while it's still in Chicago area, or bring it home for same. Third, I would definitely fix up the "parts car." That way, you'll always have one running while the other is in the shop for an upgrade!!! Bet you'll wind up both driving MBZs . . . so . . . might wanna go for the third parts car to feed the first two. Also . . . shop around for that tranny work, especially for a rebuilder who is familiar and experienced with your model. Again . . . IMHO. If you were in SoCal . . . could recommend a shop for you, or in Florida, but sorry . . . you'll have to find the NorCal folks for the local stuff. But years ago, my 190D broke down while on my way to riverrafting and I coasted into a german auto-works with a thrown tensioner pulley. They had no problem getting me back on the road within a couple of hours and under a $100, so don't give up on the locals.

Also . . . don't forget, or get acquainted with the "800" Mercedes tech support line . . . they will explain things to a local mechanic and lead them through diags and adjustments, especially if you are in BFE (as when I lived in rural Montana).

Good luck, and enjoy belonging to a new club.

Torie

Torie

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1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002