Benzmac,

Can you advise on why my 1989 300e suddenly drops out of 4th gear at freeway speed, and downshifts into 3rd? Not trying to pass, no additional accleration on my part, just drops to 3rd and revs go through the roof (particularly after extended driving). Just had a trans service done to correct... didn't help.

Thanks, annasbrother

This could just be an adjustment or low fluid, or it could be something more involved like the B2 piston or the Clutch pack.

My tranny did the same thing pretty much only it had lost 4th gear completely.

I would suggest you take it to a Mercedes Transmission specialist, and have them look at it.

In my case, fourth gear was slipping out then would nopt engage at all, my Mechanic opened the Transmission pan to find the clutch pack disintegrated. He of course informed me the Tranny needed to be rebuilt, and of course I had it done.

My situation was a worst case scenario, and probably themost expensive repair.

Hopefully yours will be something other than in need of a rebuild.

The dfirst thing I would do is have your fluid level checked. And Have any adjustments made tot he transmission.

Itmight also be a good idea to have the trans fluid and filter changed if you do not know when it was last done.

I am not a tech, but this is what I have experienced myself and hopefully it will halp you track the problem down.

Alon