That's been my hunch all along, given that I knew the history of the unit. That is also (in part) why I've left it so long, while I tried driving and snake oil, rather than install another one -- which is almost impossible to find around here... only source wants $900(!) for a used one. I know someone who runs a small VW diesel shop and buys rusty old Mercedes to part them out, but everything he has right now is w126s (or another 240d trans, which I'd like to avoid now doing a second time).

Interesting idea, and the shifter is slightly off since the install, but nothing major.

However, if it were in L I would only have 1st, and in S I would have 3rd as well, wouldn't I?

Sorry don't understand what you mean by glued. You mean was it put back in properly after adjustment? Yes I was there watching.

No we haven't done that.

Thanks for all the input, by the way. This transmission peformed very well in the 240d, so I'd like to save it if I can.

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

In L you would have first and second gear, but the first gear remains engaged until the maximum speed of the first gear (first dot on the speedometer).

In S you would indeed have third gear as well, and the shifting would be normal.

Below you can see a typical modulator, without the pin/plunger:



Before screwing it into the transmission, the pin/plunger should be attached to the modulator. The plunger should be glued to the modulator, so that it follows the movements of the modulator because of the variable vacuum.