93sl 600.Transmission

[phelan]

Does the 4 speed trans have lockup feature? Mine does not feel like it Is there away to check same?. Does not feel and act like other trany lock ups.

[tecqboy]

The auto transmission in my 1991 300SL does NOT have a lock up. I think Mercedes torque converters run "tight". But, my owener's manual says this is a 5 speed and the lever has 2/3/4 and then notch right to D. It feels like it is shifting like a 4 speed. Any members have any info on the true nature of this transmission? Tod

[Kebowers]

this is a very high torque unit - with 4 speeds, starts in 2nd unless floored, and does NOT have a lock up torque convertor. It has torque limiting switch that backs down on electronic throttles if torque limit is reached.

[tecqboy]

Yes, Thank you. I found out in another thread on this forum that it is indeed a 5 speed auto and that it alway starts in 2nd unless it is either floored or manually over riden. I don't like the idea of flooring it, as it starts rolling in 2nd then downshifts to 1st. That seems a bit rough on the mechanics. The other option is, while stoped at a speed ( I mean red ) traffic light for example, to move the shifter all the way down to 2, then back to 4 or D. When you start rolling, the transmission will then start in 1st and shift through the remaining gears normally. But you have to do this every time you want to start in 1st. I was hopeing that the "always starts in 1st" shift kit from bergworks.com would work on my vehicle, but they say I need to have a kickdown switch under the gas pedal, and I can't find one. Tod

[Kebowers]

the transmission in your car is 4 speed. Later model years have 5 speed.

Originally posted by phelan
Does the 4 speed trans have lockup feature? Mine does not feel like it Is there away to check same?. Does not feel and act like other trany lock ups.

any one had problem with reverse on transmission for 1991 300SL, very hard to shift to reverse?