1981 300SD

So I've decided to pull a trans from the local pull a part junk yard.

Its unlikely that there will be a 1981 300SD, but fairly likely that there will be a car with compatible trans thats been wrecked (crashed so still moving), diesel or not.

Questions: What would be the best trans I could get for this thing from the range of 80's era Mercedes that would be compatible?

Is the 722.4 better than 722.3?

Which year should I get if there is some choice in the matter?

Would the one from a gas powered mercedes work?

Anything anyone can tell me would be appreciated.

i have a good transmission from a 79 300sd turbo engine if you would like it. send me a email where are you located

you'll defiantly need one from a 300sd, they use an electrical speedometer and the 300d is mechanical. No you cant swap it.

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1981 300SD 512k OM603

Exact match is 81-84 300SD.

If you can find an 85, use your torque converter and it will work fine.

You can use a W123 300D turbo trans but you need to swap the tailshaft.

W126 cars use an electronic speedo feed, W123 use mechanical cable.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

Thanks, if the speedo is the only issue, then would the gauges from the newer car bolt in,
If the newer car is all I can find???

will a trans from an 81 380SL or 380SEL work?

Would any adaptation be required?

a quick search showed that they also use a W4A040 722.3

Would the ratios be the same or different?

How about other gas models from the early 80's will anything from before 85 with a 722.3 work?

Thanks....

Incorrect, you CAN swap it.

Any tranny from a 1982-85 300D/CD/TD or 300SD from 81-85 will work.

I know you can, but its more of a pain in the ass than just finding the right trans. Lets not encourage anyone to do so, I dont believe there is even documented proof on this forum of the conversion (I know, youll go find a thread and prove me wrong )

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1981 300SD 512k OM603

On the contrary, I do suggest they do it. It greatly opens up the window of transmission choices.

It is possible and its just a parts swapping job.

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I guess I spoke to soon in a way. I was going to do the swap (even had a tailhousing from the 300sd tanny off) but was offered a lower mileage tranny in trade for my 300d tranny so i never even bothered pulling the other tailhousing, I suspected there would be loads of gears that would explode in your face as soon as you pull it

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1981 300SD 512k OM603

The 722.4 came in the 201 chassis. Don't know if it would bolt up.

The SEL and SE used the 722.3.

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83 SD

84 CD