I have been slowly overhauling a 1987 190e 2.3 Litre with 58,500 original miles. When I bought the car last summer I was told the automatic transmission was just rebuild and the car shifted fine in both forward and reverse gears. Now that it is getting cold in New York, 12 degrees on Monday, when I put the car in to reverse the car jerks for a moment as reverse engages. I don't use the car very often. Maybe once every week or two. Does anyone know of the transmission would jerk because of the cold weather affecting the transmission or fluid. The car appears to shift fine when I'm the road and the transmission fluid looks clean and does not smell burnt. Any suggestions?

My '86 190E, with low miles but not as low as yours, had a rebuilt transmission maybe 15,000 miles ago now. It 'thumps' into reverse too - I think it's just the character of the car, so don't worry.

And yes, cold weather does affect the transmission, at least until the car is warmed up (I find the tranny takes a few minutes more than the engine), making the shifts harder and later. A bit nasty when it's really cold, in my opinion .

Additionally, when the engine's cold your idle will be higher, so engaging gears will be harsher.


good luck

Russ

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190E's:
2.5-16v 1990 90,000m Astral Silver
2.0E 8v 1986 107,000m Black 2nd owner
http://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall.jpghttp://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall2.jpg

The 722.4 tranny's have an update for the front pump/reverse piston assembly if you have it out. If not, replace your valve body and you'll find the transmission will often shift like new again (in your case likely the B3/reverse accumulator piston or switching valve is defective/sticking; you can try some transmission additive, then do the VB... I do alot of them).

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Don't ask me, I'm a shop-owner by default