So I have an 82 240d with a supposedly bad transmission (aluminum body). The bushings (bottom ones) seem ok, but you try to move the stick around you often just don't feel it "click" (not the sound, the feel) into gear. I only been able to consistently get 2nd and 4th.

I've obtained a transmission (thanks Jim) with an iron body. Unfortunately the levers on it seem to be in different positions (going to bust out a ruler shortly), and it didn't come with linkages.

So are these linkages indeed different? How long/what's the diameter of these anyways? I'm tempted to just get some metal rods and work with that.

I've had to flip levers before but that was it.

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1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

I had the same problem as you. Neither the shift rods for the aluminum nor the shift rods for the iron box will fit, you will need to make your own. I cut and used bolts to lengthen and I welded them together until they fit. I did need to flip one lever (probably didn't have to, but it was easier that way). The flip switched the position of 1st and 2nd though so it looked like this
R23
14

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1983 240D 3.0T 4-speed manual, now sold

1989 Subaru GL Wagon 5-speed Touring Edition