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  #1  
Old 09-28-2002, 09:28 PM
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replacement transmission options

My 79 300sd that needs some transmission work. A local repair shop claims he can't do one because Mercedes doesn't release information to rebuild them and they recommend buying a new one. Obviously that is not going to be realistic. What other options are available? Currently I'm in Utah which is out in the backwaters of civilization, so specialized shops are harder to find. A shop in LA would be reasonable for me because I spend winters in Palm Springs and Vegas. What is the going rate for a rebuild, and what do wreckers charge for used ones?

Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, what about converting it to an american stick transmission? Has anyone done that? Something like a 5 speed from a 4 cylinder mustang ought to be cheap enough. I saw where a Mercedes 300 diesel was put into a 4x4 rock crawler by converting it to a Chevy stick transmission, so it must be possible. Since this car has a new engine in it, it could probably wear out two or three more transmissions before it's through. It would be nice if they were cheap american transmissions.


Richard
79 240D
79 300SD
81 300SD


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  #2  
Old 09-28-2002, 10:43 PM
123c
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I was quoted $1300-$1500 for my transmission shop to rebuild mine, and a used one should run about $900 installed. I think most wreckers charge between $300-$400 for a good used transmission. Another good source for transmissions is eBay.
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  #3  
Old 09-29-2002, 08:27 AM
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Not sure if this one would work or not.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1862726115&rd=1
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  #4  
Old 09-29-2002, 09:10 AM
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I talked to my local junkyard and was told that every one (MB) he had on the lot (10) had a good trans, and said $300 but...$200 if you take it out...but this is in Culpeper Va. He told me that any junk yard should have some used trans...because most MB owners overhaul or buy rebuilt...not used. I don't know what I will do when it's my turn to get a trans. I just changed the trans fluid, filter, and drained the touque cont. the oil was not burnt, but trans seals have leaks that I will live with.
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1983 300SD 343K everyday car
1983 300SD 285K from junk yard-tooks parts from deer car- runs great. Brothers car.
1984 300SD parts car-Hit deer
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  #5  
Old 09-29-2002, 09:36 AM
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Which brings up a question:


which years and models will work in a 79 300SD?
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  #6  
Old 09-30-2002, 02:47 AM
123c
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It would be best to use the 722.120 model transmission, which your car should have. It was used on the 300SD between 1978 and 1980. You can use transmissions from other models, but I am not sure if they will work as well.
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  #7  
Old 09-30-2002, 06:31 AM
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Richard,

Since you spent the money on a new engine, I wouldn't recommend a used tranny. You already have a used one. I also commend your tranny guy for being up front with you. MB transmissions have gone through modifications and work best with German parts. The American version parts don't give the same shift quality. There are a few rebuilders in CA. that build them correctly and dyno test them. Perhaps your man could order one and just do the install. Peter Schmidt Transmissions near San Francisco comes to mind.

Peter
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  #8  
Old 10-05-2002, 10:41 PM
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Another option

diesellieber,

You might want to do a search on these forums for a thread that I made sometime back about replacing the auto tranny with a manual four speed. We've done this on 240Ds, 300Ds and 300DTs, all with success. Since your engine is the same as the 300DT, I don't see any reason that if wouldn't work.

Furthermore, once you've made the change, you'll never need another engraved invitation to cross an intersection.

The 123 Series manual transmissions come in four and five speeds and a friend who has a 280CE tells me that the 280CE manual has closer ratio gearing than the 240D or the 300D manuals. Some 280CE came with five speeds as well.

Check it out. You might want to check out the "300DT Intercooler Pictures" thread as well.

Ben
www.reproduce100s.com
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  #9  
Old 10-05-2002, 11:36 PM
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Hey Ben,

I seem to be following you around on the internet tonight. I know you are on an evangelistic crusade to convert everyone to stick, but lazy old bastards like me just want to drop it into drive and forget it. The only exceptions would be Fiat Spiders. They are fun cars and demand a 5 speed. I sold my 76 a couple of years ago to a guywho shipped it to Australia. I've just got to get another 2 liter fulie. Talk to you soon.

Peter
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  #10  
Old 10-06-2002, 12:07 AM
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These people know Mercedes transmissions inside and out. Dicker with them a bit (they are retail and wholesale) and you'll find exactly what you need.http://www.mercedesdismantlers.com/index.html
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  #11  
Old 10-06-2002, 01:36 AM
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Re: Another option

Quote:
Originally posted by Ridge
Furthermore, once you've made the change, you'll never need another engraved invitation to cross an intersection.
i'm just now learning to "give it a little gas" when the opposing traffic signal is going yellow!
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  #12  
Old 10-07-2002, 11:22 AM
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Joe Blowe,

The comment about slow starts only pertains to: 180,190,200,220,240, and naturally aspirated diesels. That turbo wagon should move out pretty well unless you have some problems. If cam timing and pump timing are spot on, the over load protection circuit is functioning correctly,the hollow screw at the back of the intake manifold isn't clogged, and the ALDA is working correctly that puppy shoild scoot. I did buy a wagon a few years ago that couldn't get out of its own way. The signal went from red to green and back to red before I could clear the intersection. The problem turned out to be the ALDA unit. The problem is so rare that you can't buy the units new. I would suggest you check to see if you have boost pressure. Also linkage adjustment is critical on diesels. Have someone hold the gas pedal to the floor while you check to see if you are even getting full throttle.


Good luck,
Peter
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  #13  
Old 10-07-2002, 11:36 AM
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A COUPLE OF AFTER THOUGHTS

When I said linkage adj was critical, I meant all the linkage and not just full throttle. Also measure your vacuun source at the little connector on the hose leading to the brake booster. Your gauge should immediately go to around 20 inches. If the port is restricted, clean it out, but don't reem it out. That is a metered orfice. Linkage and vacuum make the trans shift up later on take off and shift down under light acceleration in traffic. I don't care if you have a 700 cubic inch belch fire v/8 in there, if the trans isn't shifting at the right time, you've got a sled.


peter
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  #14  
Old 10-07-2002, 11:40 AM
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autozen,

thanks for the info - i'm definitely gonna check on all those points you made. i've only had her for about 6 weeks now, so i'm addressing problems one at a time.

perhaps i overdramatized, but it can be a "bit" slow off the line. i'd say there's a half-second (or so) lag between the time i hit the accelerator and the time that the car takes off.

or maybe it's just me - i'm still adjusting to driving a 2 ton diesel wagon versus my old honda 5-speed coupe!
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  #15  
Old 10-07-2002, 12:04 PM
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Joe,

You are most welcome. If you need any other help, just holler. I'm still driving that 83 wagon I mentioned. I'm getting ready to do the 315,000 mile service. Original engine.

Peter

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