I'm still looking at various Mercedes models. Really have been looking for a 240D with manual transmission, but a 300D is not out of the question for my purchase. I like the 240D's for the simplicity of repairs, and most controls inside being of the manual nature. The 300D's I would like just for the added HP, but not really fond of all the vacuum controlling of majority of functions. Anyway, I had kind of resolved myself, that if I would consider a 300 D it would be from 1982 up to 1985, just from research I have done on these particular years. I have read where the years of 1980-1981 the transmissions were differant, as that mainly the shift pattern was controlled by vacuum only, with no pressure rod cable or Bowden cable to regulate the shift pattern. After reading some information on that transmission, I wasnt even considering those years of '80-'81. But one is available from contact on this forum, which is a 1981 model. The transmission has been set and turned and presently is working as it should. My question for you guys, would the 1981 transmission deter you from a purchase, if all items about the car were to your liking? For those of you with a 300 D in the 1980-1981 years, have you had any transmission issues?
thanks,
Jim

No problems at all with the original transmission.

My '81 has a hacked vacuum system (from the PO) that I am currently trying to sort out. It is completely missing certain parts, to include the transmission vacuum dashpot. It shifts a little harsh from 1-2 but other than that it is fine. So I would think that if the vaccuum system was is order it would be fine.