Hi, all-

The transmission on my 1991 300D started slipping in first gear about 2 years ago. Recently, I got enough money to try and deal with it. I took it to a local shop in SC (Water Star Motors), hoping it was just the B2 piston, but no luck.

I had purchased the motor and transmission out of a 1986 300SD last year for another project, (needed a head for an 87 300TD) and asked Water Star if they thought the transmission would work. It was a different number, of course, but they had me bring it in and the motor and tranny bolted together fine.

The hardlines to the oil cooler were different, but they were able to use the ones off the 86 SD. The electrical connection was different as well, but they hardwired it together. I think they used the torque converter off the 86 SD.

So far, things seem to be working fine. I think the lower gears might be a higher ratio (not surprising given the extra torque from the extra cylinder on the 6 cylinder SD motor), but as a practical matter the car seems to drive and shift fine.

It is great to have the 300D back on the road again. I just love that car...


Max Behensky