'81 300D Transmission Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jaybutter · #1 11-03-2011, 08:35 AM

Hi everyone!

The following is from a craigslist listing: "It ran top of the line until recently i was rear ended, so the only body damage it has is minor rear damage to the right tail lights. Also from the accident when i shift it into drive the engine just revs".... I am wondering if it is possibly a vacuum line problem, or is it more likely a major mechanical failure in the transmission? The other idea I have is that the flex disc at the transmission/driveshaft joint failed. This car is about 200 miles from me and I am trying to decide if I want to go look at it. Any other ideas? Thanks!

tangofox007 · #2 11-03-2011, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaybutter

Also from the accident when i shift it into drive the engine just revs".... I am wondering if it is possibly a vacuum line problem...?

Not possible.

vstech · #3 11-03-2011, 08:45 AM

it's possible the driveshaft flexjoint came apart, but unlikely from a "minor" accident.
b2 piston failure could account for it, but odd from a collision. most likely the transmission is shot, so if you plan to drive 200 miles, the car better be considered parts for engine/body only...

Stretch · #4 11-03-2011, 08:46 AM

Depends on what you call minor damage doesn't it?

One Man's rear end might be not be the same as another's!

It could be as simple as the linkage being thrown out. But you'll never know if you don't go and see.

vstech · #5 11-03-2011, 08:48 AM

what's the asking price?

jaybutter · #6 11-03-2011, 09:32 AM

Here is the complete ad!...i have an automatic 81 Mercedes Benz i bought 2 years ago. It has made many trips without a single problem. I changed the oil consecutively every 3000 miles, and all maintenance has been properly carried out. It has the original engine. Transmission was purchased and installed brand new in 2003. All parts are original from the mercedes benz manufacturer. The paint is spottless. It has been garage kept for its entire life. i have a binder with all the receipts from parts and every time its been serviced over the past 30 years: Everything since it came from the dealership in Dallas, Texas. It ran top of the line until recently i was rear ended, so the only body damage it has is minor rear damage to the right tail lights. Also from the accident when i shift it into drive the engine just revs. It still cranks everytime without a problem. To the right person this is a great car for restoration, since its been takin care of. Im the 2nd owner. It has brand new tires i bought a week before the accident. Brand new radiator, battery,ignition cylinder and belts. Other parts are included: grill, vacuum pump, etc. It will be sold for scrap since its a heavy car if nobody is interested.

ngarover · #7 11-03-2011, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaybutter

Here is the complete ad!...i have an automatic 81 Mercedes Benz i bought 2 years ago. It has made many trips without a single problem. I changed the oil consecutively every 3000 miles, and all maintenance has been properly carried out. It has the original engine. Transmission was purchased and installed brand new in 2003. All parts are original from the mercedes benz manufacturer. The paint is spottless. It has been garage kept for its entire life. i have a binder with all the receipts from parts and every time its been serviced over the past 30 years: Everything since it came from the dealership in Dallas, Texas. It ran top of the line until recently i was rear ended, so the only body damage it has is minor rear damage to the right tail lights. Also from the accident when i shift it into drive the engine just revs. It still cranks everytime without a problem. To the right person this is a great car for restoration, since its been takin care of. Im the 2nd owner. It has brand new tires i bought a week before the accident. Brand new radiator, battery,ignition cylinder and belts. Other parts are included: grill, vacuum pump, etc. It will be sold for scrap since its a heavy car if nobody is interested.

Well, if true, the tires are worth about 400 by themselves, (if really only a week old) The transmission if new in 2003, should be more than fine. (I'm leaning toward the linkage being knocked off) The car itself... well the guys already claiming he's going to sell it for scrap. That equals about 550 bucks. (Look up the weight of the car I think it's about 4586 pounds and times that by the going scrap price of around 12 bucks per 100 pounds.)

So offer the guy 600 bucks and see if you get the car. If nothing else, take what you want from it, then turn around and scrap it and get your money back... a no lose situation.

kerry · #8 11-03-2011, 09:58 AM

My guess would be that the linkage got disconnected. In any case, it sounds like a bargain as long as the damage is not too bad, even if you have to replace the transmission.

barry123400 · #9 11-03-2011, 10:02 AM

Normally it would take quite a hit in the rear end to disable a linkage or whatever. Thats if he is not lying and he may not be. I wonder if he could send you some pictures on request?

The body from four sides and the drivers seat. If you posted them here you might get some guidance. Ask him if it engages reverse at the same time. I suspect it will not.

Also pictures diagonally along the sides to see if the body is buckled. It is concievable you can miss a fundementally good car without enough information. Or it could be a very high milage piece of seriously smashed junk.

Added to the purchase cost it has to be a given it will need to be trailered home or that has to be factored in as well.

My suspicion is that it was rear ended hard enough to disturb the powerline or move it. This is actually what he is claiming as well. That usually is not a good senario.

ngarover · #10 11-03-2011, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry123400

Normally it would take quite a hit in the rear end to disable a linkage or whatever. Thats if he is not lying and he may not be. I wonder if he could send you some pictures on request?

The body from four sides and the drivers seat. If you posted them here you might get some guidance. Ask him if it engages reverse at the same time. I suspect it will not.

Also pictures diagonally along the sides to see if the body is buckled. It is concievable you can miss a fundementally good car without enough information. Or it could be a very high milage piece of seriously smashed junk.

Added to the purchase cost it has to be a given it will need to be trailered home or that has to be factored in as well.

My suspicion is that it was rear ended hard enough to disturb the powerline or move it. This is actually what he is claiming as well. That usually is not a good senario.

But, if he's lucky, it could also be an issue of the shop that put in the trans in 2003 didn't put on the clip to keep the linkage secure... slim but possible.

kerry · #11 11-03-2011, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngarover

But, if he's lucky, it could also be an issue of the shop that put in the trans in 2003 didn't put on the clip to keep the linkage secure... slim but possible.

That's what I was thinking too.

jaybutter · #12 11-03-2011, 10:51 AM

I will let you know how it goes with the seller and if he knows anything further about what happened.

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