Recently I sold an 82 240D,auto trans , and got an 87 300SDL. The transmission in the SDL has a different feel,not just because it's new to me. If I'm parked on a slight incline,when i put it into "D",car will roll backwards until I give it gas.Shouldn't it, being in a forward gear,even without giving it fuel,at least stay in place,or even go forward a little?I know the 240 would either hold or go forward.Is this a problem or bad sign? Likewise,on level ground,shouldn't it go forward if it's in "D"just on the power of the idle,without hitting the pedal??Any and all advice will be appreciated.

It depends on how steep the hill is, but mine does the same thing. Maybe because they are very heavy cars. As long as the trans shifts fine and the fluid looks good it is fine. MB trannys tend to last a long time and die a very slow death.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Congratulations on the new ride. I would not worry about the lack of 'holding.'

The torque transmitted to the drive line at idle depends on the amount of 'coupling' or 'slip' and idle speed. The coupling is a factor of the torque converter design, and the idle speed determines the amount of torque produced.

A higher idle speed, or 'closer' coupling will transmit more torque, but may also produce more waste heat in the transmission fluid and waste a bit of fuel.

The OM603 in the SDL has an electronic idle speed control, right around 650 rpm, and doesn't produse much pull at idle.

My SDL also needs a bit of right pedal or it will roll backwards down an incline. So, I use the brake to hold it and the right pedal to go.

Go drive that SDL and enjoy it immensely. Some here will argue that it represents the pinnacle of M-B diesel cars, and after you drive it you may be tempted to agree.

Best Regards,
Jim

The SDL has a relatively low idle speed compared to the previous vehicles that you would be familiar with. When idling at 600 rpm or so, the torque available through the torque converter is so low that it is not sufficient to move the vehicle forward on level ground. Naturally, if you are on a grade, the vehicle will have a tendency to roll backward. This is perfectly normal.

I tend to think of them in similar vein to a large jet airplane. You can start all four engines and leave all four running at idle and the airplane will never move.
Too damn heavy.

Thanks fellas for the calming words;sounds like things are normal...now I'll enjoy it's great ride in even more comfort.What a great forum.

congrats on your find. let's see some pics when you have a chance.

that yellow sdl was down to what, $2900?? it was at 4800 originally!!

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

Did dbgrate snag the yellow SDL? $2,900 sounds like a good price.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

don't think so.

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

The PO of my SDL had 3 SDLs..sort of one "pretty good",one "very good",and one "excellent". He kept the last one,I bought the second one,and the first one,the yellow one is available for $2900.

Damn you're sure hung up on that yellow 300SDL.. why didn't you buy it?

Yes, Hattie, you need another SDL. Maybe the second one won't drain your wallet.

Ahh, SDL's. A yellow one huh... that's something I've never seen before. And I thought not having enough torque at idle was a problem with my mom's... that's pretty reassuring. Her '86 300SDL is such a smooth car compared to my 85 300D. In fact, I think her transmission is a bit *too* smooth.

because it's that light yellow german 'taxi' color. just not my style

but seeing it at least led dbgrate to his new one, so some good came out of it.

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

It won't be able to their is nothing left! My SDL sucked my bank account dry, kind of like a demanding girlfriend.


84300DT you need to find your self an SDL, the Dupoint registry had a perfect 1991 350SDL in it last month. That thing looked new! I will keep a look out maybe I can dig up a nice one for you.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Well, when you finally change all the parts in the SDL, you will have something akin to a brand new vehicle. Demanding girlfriends will perpetually drain the bank account, forever.