Looking at 4 diesels right now...one of the two best is a 87 300 turbo that has no forward or reverse.

Found little when I did a search.

Feels like there is nothing connected to the shifter, but I am not sure if this is normal or not???

My main questions; does anyone keep a database of what trans would fit this car?
Do these fail often?
Any specific non-obvious things to look at when inspecting this vehicle?
I am thinking swapping a tranny would not be very hard...but any help you more experienced MB folks could give me in locating one, or info on how to diagnose the issue, would be greatly appreciated.

 

This is the only info I have in my notes:
http://www.europeantransmissions.com/Application.htm

If it feels like nothing is connected to the shifer that could be exactly what the problem is. There is some plastic Shift Bushings that can go bad and it is not unknow for the Arms of the linkages to slip on the shaft.

Find out what it would cost for a rebuilt Transmission and see if the Seller would be willing to deduct that amount from the selling cost. I am assuming you would be installing the trans youself.