No forward gears at all - same as neutral, immediate & solid reverse; trans is toast ...

found an engine/tranny unit already removed from host car at a local wrecking yard, BUT I'm not sure it is the proper year. The engine is indeed the 5 cylinder, & the trans connected to it has the following numbers cast / stamped into the exterior of the trans case;
I 2185
R1152714501

Can ANYONE say whether this is correct for my car? Just in case, here's the vin for my car; WDBAB33A9EA035883

Considering how rare ANY used Benz trans is & how quickly they are snapped up, I hope for help comes ... ASAP!

 

The number you need to know is the one on the side where the Transmission modulator is.
It would also be good to know the Engine Numbers.
This is not a recommendation to buy parts there but if you go to the Diesel Giant Web Site he has infor on where to find the Engine and Transmission ID number.

There is a website that has what transmission goes into what models but I did not copy the website so you will have to do a search.

 

Given all the BS locally AND on the I-Net, I've decided to personally rebuild the trans I have after having it pulled. I'm asking here for;
a. Affordable procedural manual
b. Source for CORRECT parts (on the 1st try?!)
c. Notable "Gremlins" which have driven others to drink & insanity
d. Any TSBs relating to later/better parts to correct past deficiencies

For the record, I'm a retired (USAF trained) Diesel & Hvy Equip / Auto mechanic, but have never been inside a BENZ trans before ... arthritic back ended that line of work YEARS ago ...

Thanks to all &

Cheers

Uncle Tony