1979 280CE transmission.
 

Hi,

I have an opportunity to buy a 1979 280CE. I drove it and the transmission slips pretty badly in first gear. Is the transmission specific to the 280 engine or would one from another w123 fit?

While similar diesel transmissions are different.

The 280 transmissions in 280S (116 chassis) and 280 (114 chassis)) would probably be better alternatives. A 230 trans in 115 and 123 could work.

Sourcing a good used transmission from a south west junk yard should be straight forward. Like Steve said, another 280 FI car will supply what you need, either a 280E, 280SE, or 280SEL from 1977 to 1983 or so. If you get one from after 1980, just make sure it has a mechanic speedometer tail instead of an electric one (since some cars got the newer speedometer setup and you don't want that).

-CTH

The units out of 126 cars will have a different trans. That would be 80 on euro 280SEs SELs.

Then again, could be vac modulator adjustment. Steve? Or would it do it in more than 1st?