W123 Transmission: What should be expected?
 

Hi everyone!

I had been working on my 1984 300D for a cross country road trip. Just when I get almost everything sorted out for the trip, all of my plans changed completely and now I can't take the adventure that I had planned for.

So now I have a pretty well sorted car (with solid floor pans:cool:) that I need to sell on to someone else who will appreciate a 30 year old German diesel.

The thing is, I am having a difficult time explaining to the people who come to see the car that the transmission is fine. All of the gears engage (maybe not exactly at the shift points on the speedo, but close) and there is no delay when I put it into Drive, Park, Reverse etcetra.

The previous owner had the transmission serviced just prior to selling the car to me (March 2013). Should I have the vacuum modulator adjusted or the vacuum control valve replaced.

I feel like I have a solid car that should go to someone who understands W123's or at least wants a car that will last them a long time.

Are there any thoughts or ideas? Does anyone know of a reputable shop in the Northern VA area that I could use to adjust these things to spec if they are the problem?

Thanks for any help!

- DC Josh

I don't see why you should bother with any adjustments if the gears are all performing as they should. Tell prospective buyers the known service history, then have them take it for a test drive. If everything's working, I doubt you'll hear anything about it shifting slightly off the points on the speedo. I've driven 5 w123s, and not a single one of them actually shifted right on the dots! lol

I figured as much. I think that it does shift a little harsh and after reading some other threads on adjusting the VCV, I think that may be the best course of action to make the transmission a little more bearable.

I realize that it is an old car, but I have put a lot of care into making it a great traveling companion.

I suppose if no one sees it for what it is worth, I will keep it.

Keep it... the car is kinda the epitome of coolness if coolness is defined as a NA autotragic...

Yeah just keep it....my idea is people are using the transmission as an excuse to leave.....the replacement floor panels are probably scaring people off.....that means there was rot....and rot usually hides and won't go away....plus your price may be high....I think currently there is like 7 300cd's for sale at 2500$....

The floor pans are original and strong. It is a 300D non-turbo and I have it listed for $3000 obo. That is a solid price for the car in this area. I suppose I will just have to wait for the right buyer. In anycase, now I get to mess with the VCV! :cool:

Now my (first world) problem is, I have too many cars...:rolleyes::D

Ah..sadly it probably is only a 1500$ car......you have two huge negatives with it....a non Turbo and an the evil servo unit....another thing is despite the crazy amount that eBay auctions end for.....not many people in today's world want an old clunky not so fuel efficient diesel....now that we all know you can't just pour your frying grease in the tank and drive....the market has softened....

Before you mess with the vcv, check the entire system for vacuum leaks....check the pump too....you can bypass all the vacuum accessories and just run the vcv off the main booster line....this will tell you if it is the valve or if there is a leak in another system. Another thing to check is the bowden cable and make sure you have had a fresh fluid/filter change.....make sure to check for foam too....foam equals a bad trans fluid cooler in the radiator

His car is a 1984 Euro import with the newer automatic climate control -- no evil servo here! I think it would be reasonable to expect $3000, especially if he sources and installs a Euro front bumper (currently, there is a US bumper there...).

Oops my bad, for some reason I was assuming it was a 1980...somehow got my threads crossed....I should try not to write a post, watch TV and attempt to drink a cup of coffee :D

I just checked out the for sale post....agreed about the bumper.....and if you look at the rear quarter I do see rust....I just don't think its a 3000$ car....all euro'ed out with a stick and interior I could see it...

Thanks for the comments about my car.

With a little help from here :
Mercedes-Benz Transmission, Steve Brotherton, ImportCar, February 2002
and the DIY section of the Peach Parts Forum, I was able to adjust the vacuum modulator on the side of the transmission for the shift feel and adjust the bowden cable for the shift timing. It now feels 100% better and I can now tell the difference between what I had and what it should be.

There should be no issues now!:cool:

What? You were actually looking for technical help? How silly of you. I specialize in unprofessional appraisals conducted on the basis of assumptions, good faith, and cell phone pictures.

I wasn't asking for help, I knew you couldn't provide it!:P

Now that I solved the feel and time of the shifts, I feel much more confident in the selling price of the car and would like to stay closer to the asking price.

Thanks to this forum of course! :D

I'm outta here... :eek:

:laugh3: