Newby question for you: Have an opportunity to cheaply purchase an early-80's Mercedes-Benz wagon---a well-kept, dream of a car. The problem: the transmission is broken.

How hard is it to replace the transmission on a 123-chassis car?
Would it be possible for me to replace the transmission on this car myself?
I'm relatively inexperienced in major auto work, but i am not afraid of learning as long as it's not overly complicated. (Previously, i've done all the basic maintenance work on a VW TDI: oil changes, brake changing, sway bar bushing replacement, etc.)

Edit: Found a helpful thread that suggests a transmission replacement takes about 4 hours, and is a relatively easy job. Is this assessment correct?

Certainly, provided you are equipped to work underneath the vehicle safely.

1) Good, sturdy jack stands!
2) Good, sturdy floor jack!
3) Good, methodical approach!

In my area a good quality rebuilt MB transmission runs between $1500.00 and $2200.00, including rebuilt converter. If I install the transmission the average expense to the vehicle owner is approximately $630.00 (+ Haz Mat).

You will more than likely spend 6 to 8 hours flat backing the transmission exchange excluding the final adjustments. The questions to ask yourself may be “how much time and energy am I willing to expend to say I replaced the transmission?” or “how much is my time worth?”

Should you decide to replace the tranmission yourself I am certain that a number of people in this forum will be more than willing to assist you with the task.

Thank you, MrCjames, for your helpful reply. Still not sure whether i'll buy the car, but you've given me confidence that i could replace the transmission on my own if i wanted to.

If you want to do it, i can give you some advice before you start ! i'm 19-college student and i did it on my w126 over the weekend! i had to do it twice since ermm the transmission didnt work the first time so i had to send it in so they can repair it again!

But keep in mind to PLAN EVERYTHING. It was soooooo much easier the 2 nd time becuase i planned everything! infact it took me 1 hour and half to put it back up because i had planned everything ! it was soooo easy compare to the first time that took me 6 hours!