1985 300D auto-trans pre-purchase inspection ??

greetings,

looking at buying a 1985 300D with 173k. i am going over this very nice looking car with a fine tooth comb. i like this car. it appears to be a "loved" MB. it started right up after siting for a a year or so. all was happy until i checked the transmission fluid. it was so dark that i thought someone put rotella in it. and it stank like a burned up transmission. i have to test drive it yet, but i was leary already.

any chance that this is just "spent" fluid. or does it sound like a rebuilt would be in order?

how durable are these auto transmissions?

the engine is in great shape. other than a few expected mechanical issues for a car this age its in real nice shape. i have seen similar year 300Ds (totally unloved), with better looking/smelling tranny fluid.

thanks it looks like your buyers guide has paid for itself already. i will use the transmission in the price negotiation.