A 240D question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pj67coll · #1 01-03-2015, 08:30 PM

So I'm considering a 240D manual I've found that had over 300K miles on it. There's blow-by. Enough to wibble wobble the cap but not blow it clean off as was the case on my last one, so I'm assuming the motor has a few miles left in it yet. However there's a problem with the manual tranny, which I like. It's ok in the forward gears but pops out of reverse. You have to hold it in manually in reverse for it to work. The sloppy shifter is fixable with new fixer bushings but the reverse gear worries me. Any ideas what the issue might be and how problematic a fix it could be? It also has a very soft clutch pedal but I didn't notice any problems selecting gears despite that so I'm assuming the only tranny issue is the reverse.

- Peter.

toomany MBZ · #2 01-03-2015, 08:43 PM

I'm guessing, reverse has a spring to keep it in place?

The hydraulic clutch uses the same master cylinder as the brake system.

leathermang · #3 01-03-2015, 08:45 PM

How much can you get it for ?

JB3 · #4 01-03-2015, 08:59 PM

You might have a busted spring somewhere inside, or something up with the detent interlock mechanism, but id check simplest first.

Its possible the allen head bolt holding the reverse shift arm is loose or binding and its not going all the way into gear. Since reverse has its own shift arm, an issue with the shift arm would affect nothing else, whereas something wrong inside might affect more than reverse.

Bottom line the gearbox isnt terrible to take apart, you might have to do that

JB3 · #5 01-03-2015, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

I'm guessing, reverse has a spring to keep it in place?

The hydraulic clutch uses the same master cylinder as the brake system.

Same reservoir im sure you meant

pj67coll · #6 01-03-2015, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

How much can you get it for ?

He's asking $2500. Might be able to make an offer. Haven't discussed that yet.

- Peter.

pj67coll · #7 01-03-2015, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

I'm guessing, reverse has a spring to keep it in place?

The hydraulic clutch uses the same master cylinder as the brake system.

Yes that I know. Found it out the hard way when I tried changing the booster out on my previous one. The brakes on this work very well though. Sharp and strong. No fade.

- Peter.

whunter · #8 01-03-2015, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

So I'm considering a 240D manual I've found that had over 300K miles on it. There's blow-by. Enough to wibble wobble the cap but not blow it clean off as was the case on my last one, so I'm assuming the motor has a few miles left in it yet. However there's a problem with the manual tranny, which I like. It's ok in the forward gears but pops out of reverse. You have to hold it in manually in reverse for it to work. The sloppy shifter is fixable with new fixer bushings but the reverse gear worries me. Any ideas what the issue might be and how problematic a fix it could be? It also has a very soft clutch pedal but I didn't notice any problems selecting gears despite that so I'm assuming the only tranny issue is the reverse.

- Peter.

One of the last symptoms before I rebuilt my 240D shifter "was"

wait for it.

Failure to remain in reverse = forced to hold the shifter and gently back up or it would kick out of gear.

This link has all the pictures and data you should need for a successful repair.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/general-information/335351-manual-transmission-240d-shifter-assembly-rebuild-video.html

.

pj67coll · #9 01-03-2015, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

One of the last symptoms before I rebuilt my 240D shifter "was"

wait for it.

Failure to remain in reverse = forced to hold the shifter and gently back up or it would kick out of gear.

This link has all the pictures and data you should need for a successful repair.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/general-information/335351-manual-transmission-240d-shifter-assembly-rebuild-video.html

.

That's exactly the symptom this car exhibited. Thank's for the link.

- Peter.

JB3 · #10 01-03-2015, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

He's asking $2500. Might be able to make an offer. Haven't discussed that yet.

- Peter.

If its what whunter says could be a great deal!

Fyi i just recently sold a 375k 240 4-speed for 1500 bucks, with a documented lower mileage engine in it and tons of work. 2500 is a bit steep IMO unless the body is in great shape. Mine had a little rust

Whats the condition on the rest of the car?
2500 seems awful high if thats the asking price and the car wont stay in reverse plus mileage.

pj67coll · #11 01-04-2015, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB3

If its what whunter says could be a great deal!

Fyi i just recently sold a 375k 240 4-speed for 1500 bucks, with a documented lower mileage engine in it and tons of work. 2500 is a bit steep IMO unless the body is in great shape. Mine had a little rust

Whats the condition on the rest of the car?
2500 seems awful high if thats the asking price and the car wont stay in reverse plus mileage.

Paint and interior are excellent for the age. None of the sun damage that occurs to all these cars interiors here in Phoenix and no cracks I could see on the dash at all. Might not be the original dash. Ride is very good. No undue looseness or bumps from the suspension, Steers straight with little play in the steering and excellent brakes. Service records going back many years including every fuel fill-up. Really the only thing mechanically that concerned me was the amount of oil under the engine and the blow by.

I know these things are supposed to leak but my previous one was bone dry under the engine. Not a single leak from anything. Not the engine oil, nor coolant nor power steering. So maybe I was spoiled by an uncommon example and I need to lower my expectations somewhat.

Problem is I have limited funds and am trying not to make a mistake so even small things loom large when I consider it. I'm probably second guessing myself too much as it is. It's a fault of mine I'm sure.

- Peter.

vstech · #12 01-04-2015, 02:20 AM

That's a lot of money for a car with a lot of problems and miles. That dash could be covered, so look closely. If you are tight on funds, pass this up, and look for a newer vehicle.
If you can get it under $1500, it would be a better choice.

Stretch · #13 01-04-2015, 04:36 AM

Don't worry about the engine as much as you should be worried about rust.

pj67coll · #14 01-04-2015, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

Don't worry about the engine as much as you should be worried about rust.

This is a Phoenix car. Only spots were a small bit at the bottom of the rear C pillar under the windshield rubber and a couple of tiny bits bottom of the doors under the door seals. But I mean very small. There was no sign of anything else.

- Peter.

Stretch · #15 01-04-2015, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

This is a Phoenix car. Only spots were a small bit at the bottom of the rear C pillar under the windshield rubber and a couple of tiny bits bottom of the doors under the door seals. But I mean very small. There was no sign of anything else.

- Peter.

Where I'm from I'd be buying it - especially if all the rubber parts have been shaded from the sun. Replacing rubber parts is expensive too.

The engine or the gearbox isn't really a big deal - where you are there are several desert rats who I'm sure could hook you up with a good replacement (if it is indeed necessary).