Hi all,
Haven't been on her in while. I have found a great deal on a 1995 C280...with a bad transmission...and a transmission on eBay from $499-600. Are they difficult to change out? I won't do it, but most shops in my home town won't rebuild mercedes, but I might find one who will change it out. Just curious.
Thanks

I don't know how the numbers crunch on this, but a '95 C280 is a great and a great looking little sedan, and SAFE too, so I kind of like the idea you have, and it might work, if and it's a big if

1. You know the car runs good aside from the dead transmission, and have a way to somehow verify that by a PPI, and all the electrics, air cond. and other accessories work, the car is not rusty, rotted or in need of anything else, and hopefully has records, and a good reason why it's being sold with a bad trans and not being fixed

2. You are confident the ebay seller is being straight

3. You have figured the shipping costs or the trans. and the car and the numbers work

4. You are sure the $500 transmission comes with ALL parts needed, and that it is in good working condition (to me that's a biggie)

5. The shop who'll install it for you feels comfortable installing this transmission supplied by you, and is willing to, moreover, GUARANTEE this part they did not supply to you after they injstalled it. Many shops want to make money on the parts as well as labor and why shouldnt they? Kind of like taking a piece of meat to a restaurant and asking the chef to cook it for you, IMO.

6. You are absolutely confident the used transmission works and its seller is being straight with you.

LOTS of ifs, but then if it worked out in every way, you might come out several thousands of dollars ahead, to either resell the car or use it for a long time. I have had to try and pursue my rights under a failed transmission installation, and it isn't fun. And I've gambled on used engines and transmissions too, and that's what it is-a gamble. Do you feel lucky? Well, do you?

It'd be *great* if you pulled it off though , wouldn't it?

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

how much is it... has it had the harness replaced? how about the head gasket? that stuff all adds up!

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1994 C280
2009 VW Tiguan
1993 Toyota X-tra Cab SE-5


1973 220D ... Gone, but not forgotten
1991 Alfa Romeo 164L Gone, wife MADE me forget it

2006 Hyundai Tucson... just straight out FORGOTTEN!

I have a 97 c230 that i bought with 40,000 miles and has given me nothing but problems. My friend bought the c280 and he has gotten the same experience. Did all the maintenence and everything. NOt worth it to me, unless we both got lemons.