I was driving the other day (actually it was over 2000 miles ago according to the GPS so "the other day" is understated) and the speedometer just randomly dropped to zero and never budged again. This is in the stick shift 240D.

So, I thought to myself, "The speedometer cable just broke. That should be easy enough to fix."

Well... no. The speedometer cable is fine. I disconnected the transmission end, clamped the inner cable in the drill chuck and ran the drill. Speedometer went up to 35mph or so and worked perfectly and consistently. Plugged the cable back into the transmission. Absolutely nothing. Not even a twitch.

I take this to mean I've got wear or broken parts in the bits inside the transmission that spin the end of the cable. The cable itself is fine and the instrument in my dashboard is fine. The problem is that the transmission is no longer turning the speedometer cable at the trans end, so no movement can get to the gauge.

Am I correct in (pessimistically) believing that I'm probably going to have to have a parts transmission to replace this, and that I'll have to drop and dismantle the transmission in order to get to the broken pieces? Is there an access cover or something that I haven't spotted yet that will let me change this thing without having to drop the whole transmission and fish through it?

Thanks.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

Bummer. I just looked at my spare one. there are about 8 bolts that hold the back section on, but will have to remove the large center nut and flange first.
also will have to remove the reverse lever.

I think it will have to come down to work on it, but haven`t delt with that one, yet.
the 123 Haynes manual only shows the old 2 piece Iron box/bell housing. If you can find a copy of the Haynes Manual for the 190, it has a great exploded view and tear down and step by step. but for the 5 spd. It might give you an idea of what you are up against.

There is a gear that rides on the output shaft, and a spedo drive gear that rides on it, that the cable fits into.

The 240 4-spd aluminium box, and the 190-E 5-spd aluminium box look similar, the 5 is just a hair longer.

Start looking for another one at your local PNP is another option.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works