w123 240d 4 speed no reverse
 

There is this car, 1980 240d 4spd, that has been sitting around CL for a while (over a month) not selling, probably because it has no reverse... has me thinking maybe I could get a deal on it. I've been looking for a 4 speed 240d.

Is there any common problem with the 4 speeds in w123's that would cause reverse to go out? It seems strange that it would be a mechanical failure because this car has under 150k on it.

assuming you mean manual 4 speed, check the shifter rods, the bushings in those tend to rot and wear over time. if it is the trans, they can be had very cheap and they are pretty easy to swap. I have a couple extras if you dont feel like hitting the PNP. they come up pretty frequently in the yards so its not too difficult to find one.

It is probably just a linkage problem. The shifter has an unusual up and over reverse that could be an issue. I have never heard of any gearbox issues on these trannys.

Rick

Yes, linkage problem. Reverse has its own rod so if that rod falls out- no reverse.

The easy way to tell is simply to shift it into reverse. If there is a rod there will be a notch feel with some resistance. If the shifter moves into position without effort then there is no rod attached.

Don't mention anything about linkage to the seller. Just look under the car like you would normally inspect a used car. If it is indeed a rod problem then you may get the car cheap since the seller thinks there is a big problem.

You are lifting up on the shift knob, correct?

The last post is important. Perhaps the present owner does not know how to get it into reverse. Most cars if not the vast majority you press the shifter down to get in.

And most modern cars you don't have to do anything special to get in to reverse. :)

Thanks guys, as always, a great help. I figured it has to be something relatively simple.

I don't quite understand how everything is linked up in a manual transmission, but assuming it is a problem with the linkage/rod - if there is no rod, or if it has somehow fallen out, or is in some other way messed up (as I said, I don't really know how it is all hooked up), is it a DIY fix for someone who's greatest mechanical achievements are changing glow plugs, oil, break pads, and alternators?

If it's a linkage problem it should be a very easy fix, but my money is on the owner not knowing how to shift into reverse correctly.

well that would be great though I won't hold my breath... I never seem to "luck out" like that.

If the PO didn't have the wits to be able to select reverse, what does that say about the rest of the car?

Reading the first post again, I revise my claim that the PO does not know how to shift it. If it has been on CL for months, somebody would have snagged it if that were the issue. It is possible that the shift arm has come off of the spline on the transmission. I had that happen to my 1-2 shift arm once. It sure was fun driving home with only 3 and 4. :rolleyes: