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  #1  
Old 07-16-2008, 04:05 AM
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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.

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1979 240D w/4 Speed Manual, Light Blue Estimated 225-275K Miles - "Lil' Chugs"
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Last edited by chetwesley; 07-16-2008 at 04:15 AM.
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  #2  
Old 07-16-2008, 08:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chetwesley View Post
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.
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  #3  
Old 07-16-2008, 08:13 AM
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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
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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)
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Old 07-16-2008, 08:45 AM
ForcedInduction
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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.
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Old 07-16-2008, 11:01 AM
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You are lifting up on the shift knob, correct?
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Old 07-16-2008, 01:21 PM
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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.
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Old 07-16-2008, 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by barry123400 View Post
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.
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1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine
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Old 07-16-2008, 03:02 PM
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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?
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Old 07-16-2008, 03:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chetwesley View Post
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.
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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine
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  #10  
Old 07-16-2008, 03:17 PM
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well that would be great though I won't hold my breath... I never seem to "luck out" like that.
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1979 240D w/4 Speed Manual, Light Blue Estimated 225-275K Miles - "Lil' Chugs"
Sold but fondly remembered: 1981 300TD Turbo Tan 235K miles, 1983 300SD Astral Silver 224K miles

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  #11  
Old 07-16-2008, 07:25 PM
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If the PO didn't have the wits to be able to select reverse, what does that say about the rest of the car?
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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)
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  #12  
Old 07-16-2008, 07:30 PM
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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.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine
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