HELP: trying to decide between 4 or 5 spd. trans. 240d, 300d...? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

xjvoorheesx · #1 09-14-2006, 11:23 AM

just trying to find out which trans. would be better for me? if i am interested in cruising at 79 mph (top cruising speed and never above) on the interstate for extended periods in a 240d or 300d... which trans. is superior? acceleration is less important than top speed and fuel economy to me. what are the differences in performance between the 4 & 5 spd. transmissions? does anyone know a typical price for either a "used" or "rebuilt" 5 spd.? i found a 240d 5 spd. with a bad engine and good body and interior for around $800...but i would have to ship the car. which way should be cheaper...buy and ship a 5 spd. trans. or buy and ship a $800 car with a 5 spd. trans.? thanks, everyone.

rs899 · #2 09-14-2006, 11:31 AM

If it is truly a 5-speed with a rust-free good body, I would take the whole thing and transplant in either a NA or turbo OM617. You would not want to be doing 79mph in a 4 speed 240D. I would think $800 is a fair price for the 5 speed tranny alone. If you pass on this deal, let me know where it is, please.

Rick

#3 09-14-2006, 05:39 PM

That 5-speed is worthless, send it to me and I'll give you scrap metal value for it.

Seriously, if you do any highway driving over 55mph, a 5-speed would be wonderful.

sublettm · #4 09-14-2006, 05:56 PM

I have driven both a 4 speed 240D and a five speed 3000D. These are two completely different animals. The 240 was a dog. It cruised good at 80mph in 4th, but took forever to get it there. The 5 speed 300D belongs to my father and is basically the car i learned to drive in years ago. It is a euro car so no turbo, but has PLENTY of get up and go. It cruises effortlessly on the interstate in 5th. As these are two completely different cars you have to ask yourself, do you want a slow dog (240D) or a car with good get up and go. I have never driven a auto 240D, but can't imagine it being any slower than my old 240 4 speed...anything slower than my old car should be illegal.

barry123400 · #5 09-14-2006, 08:19 PM

I guess you would have to specify the shipping distance or quote the cost of shipping to make sense of thhis riddle. Sorry I guess I studder.

Depending on your location a rust free body with good interior might have some real value. If you have never examined this car somebody should have a look before purchase. Actually pretty important. Another concern I would have is to establish it is really a five speed. Certain sellers could include reverse as a speed by accident or ignorance. Certain venues by design I fear as well. Buyer beware to some extent but certainly real access to a five speed is certainly worth something. people usually stumble upon them when not looking. I wish I had one myself.

Stevo · #6 09-14-2006, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry123400

I would have is to establish it is really a five speed. Certain sellers could include reverse as a speed by accident or ignorance. .

I drove all the way down to Oregon to buy and tow home, what the owner described as "a 5 speed" (240D), turned out to be a 4 spd with one gear for reverse = 5 spds, right ?

The car was a real "rat"

on top of that.

xjvoorheesx..... If you found a 5 spd, buy it, espically for $800