Hi all!! I've acquired a beautiful 89 300se. The PO overheated it on the interstate. He popped the head gasket AND roasted 4th gear. It has a 722.351 in the car. What can I interchange in its place??? Swapping the extension housing and parking gear (reluctor gear on parking gear for electronic speedo), changing out the "weak link" reverse clutches, and setting the modulator pressures are not a big deal for me.
That's the extent of my auto gear box skills...

Long story short PO had a "flapper" on the serpentine belt that nicked a trans cooler line. It finally sling the belt on the interstate and he drove it until the engine quit and roasted 4th gear in the process. I've repaired the engine and it runs great!! Trans is another story...
Thanks!!
John

My first choice would be a 722.358 from a 93-95 6-cyl gasser RWD W124 for first gear start. A 722.321 from an 86-87 SDL will bolt up as will a 722.361 from a 90-91 SD/L and might do the job depending on how high you rev. Those Diesel transmissions also have first gear start.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

Bless u sir!!! I think the late W124 Gasser would b the path for me to take. Easy to find in this area, usually with oil pouring out of the head gasket..... I like the idea if the first gear start as well. Swapping the 722.358 in wouldn't require any changes lengthwise to the drive shaft would it???
Thanks
John

I don't know but very likely a direct fit after the speedo drive swap.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

Are you new to W126 gassers by chance and/or the W126.024/.025?

These have a 3.46:1 diff and a fourth gear ratio of 1:1...which yields around 3400rpm @ 70mph cruise speeds and they start in second gear normally.

Perhaps the transmission is fine and you think there is simply an issue. If not, do not take offense. Some people just have no idea of this particular combination of MB parts.



I lost all the ATF in my SDL once. Filled it back up, went on my way. Simply lost hydraulic pressure, thus quit shifting as there was no way to apply either band or either drum for forward function.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Hit ManX..... No this isn't my first rodeo. I pulled the unit and opened it up, K1 pack was welded together and the K1 drum is black, band is burnt, the ravineau planetary gear set has thrust washers hanging out of it... It's done, I'm not a transmission man and fixing this one is well beyond my "pay grade"!!! Worst thing is I can tell that this trans has been rebuilt completely on the not too distant past. This is confirmed by one of the repair invoices that came with the car. I have full and complete records on it from day one, includeing all books and the window sticker. Last owner only had it for 6 months and had NO business owning a classic Benz. The 2 other owners spent an absolute fortune on this car!!!

Found a relatively low mileage 91 300e with the M103..... Would this work??? I know there's no 1st gear start on that unit but I'll survive without that......

Okay, just checking!

Any pics of this machine? My paint is wasted, but that is typical of Texas... and 316k I just rolled.

Not sure of the difficulty in swapping a mechanical speedo drive to electric for the W126, probably super easy but I have not messed with it. There are a few 300SE/L here in my JY, too bad you are so far.

You could even consider gutting the 300E case and slapping it all in the 300SE case. This is far easier than you imagine. I would 100% endorse installing the Superior shift kit for this unit while the unit is out.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]