1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 SDL Automatic 4-Door Sedan Turbo Diesel 172,000 Miles This 1986 Mercedes Benz 300 SDL only has 172,000 miles. It is in good running condition. The previous owner installed a completely new A/C system which cost him over $3000. The original tool kit (still sealed in plastic), spare tire, and jack are in the trunk. It runs and drives nicely. It has a new vacuum pump. The only issue we have noticed is that it shifts hard from first to second gear. After that it shifts smoothly. It was taken to a local Mercedes dealer to diagnose this issue. The last picture describes their findings. I have a clear title in hand. The following information was provided by an eBay member who owns one of these cars: The harsh shift is likely due to the vacuum modulator on the side of the transmission. The modulator is the device responsible for shift quality. The bowden cable that connects to the pedal linkage has an adjustment for the shift time (RPM to shift). The harsh engagement is actually from 2nd to 3rd. Many people are not aware but these transmissions actually start in 2nd gear not 1st, this is a safety feature MB designed into the transmission. The only time it will start from 1st is if you floor the pedal into the kickdown switch.
The vacuum hoses and connectors can all be replaced for about $50.00 yourself or $200 at a dealer. These younger techs at the dealer aren't very familiar with these older diesels. My local dealer has a diesel specialist who has been at it since 1983 with MB alone. Please refer to the pictures before buying. Thank you for looking! Be sure to check out our eBayStorefor more! | 
