My 1995 E300D with 254,000 miles is losing reverse. On a flat surface you can back up but any sort of downhill include cannot. Otherwise to me it drives and shifts fine. I changed the fluid and filter about 50,000 miles ago. The fluid does not really smell that bad.

I had planned a motor swap anyways. I have been quoted $800 to repair reverse and $1800-2,000 to overhaul the whole thing. That is with me dropping off the trans to them.

I plan to keep this car another 5-10 years. Would like to get some opinions on reverse only vs total rebuild and also if that quoted price is fair.

thanks!

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1995 E300 diesel

With that amount of miles, a full rebuild is the only realistic option given you are going to keep car any length of time.

There is no way I'd make such a repair under these parameters for an unknown / untrusted customer as it inevitably results in: " You just ( 8 years / 90,000 miles ago ) charged me $ 2,000 ( $ 800 ) for a new transmission ( patch up repair as stated on the work order. ) and it want it fixed under the lifetime warranty. ( 90 day warranty as stated on work order. )

There's no external B3 adjustment on this transmission, so Im not sure how he would just fix reverse. The price for a full rebuild is good, though.

I read somewhere online about this being possible, and the shop quoted that

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1995 E300 diesel

I'm going to have the whole thing rebuilt.

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1995 E300 diesel

The trans would be disassembled enough to get to the reverse clutches, they would be replaced along with a couple of internal / external seals, filter. None of the other clutches / bands would be changed or inspected. This would make reverse work again but all of the other parts would be suspect.

A full rebuild consists full disassembly , all / most friction material replaced , any worn bushings , all internal and external seals, some "hard parts" if needed plus sometimes valve body repairs for areas prone to wear.

thank you! I was more interested in opinions whether the price was in line or not- again the trans will be delivered to them separate from the car so its a rebuild only

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1995 E300 diesel