What does 'flaky' reverse mean?

[benhogan]

especially on a hill....

1992 Mercedes 300TE Wagon

sounds like a good deal. does the tranny issue sound serious?

this morning the price was $2100, in the afternoon it is now $1500.

what do yall think?

[Chad300tdt]

Originally Posted by benhogan

especially on a hill....

1992 Mercedes 300TE Wagon

sounds like a good deal. does the tranny issue sound serious?

this morning the price was $2100, in the afternoon it is now $1500.

what do yall think?

Sounds like the trans needs a flush and new filters. Perhaps fluid isn't getting where it needs to be and parking on a hill exacerbates the issue.

I'm not a trans expert, just guessing.

[Mike D]

Reverse band is worn out. The transmission is on its last legs or at least reverse. Amounts to the same since you have to tear it apart to repair reverse. There is a small amount of adjustment available but usually by the time it gets to the "shudder" stage it is too late.

Figure on $1500-$2500 depending on local labor costs.

[Ivanerrol]

Walk away. To repair the reverse problems the tranny has to come out. A rebuild is the only real option after removing the tranny.

[LandYaghtLover]

I have to do this to mine. I would NOT have paid what I did if I had caught this defect. Its is getting worse little by little. Going on a year now and still have it, but I am sure not for much longer. I *may* do a flush and rebuild the valve body as a quick test. I do not want to have to drop the trans

[Adler]

300sel/

I did my transmission initially for a leaking front seal but decided to check rest of transmission. With 90K miles the reverse plates were almost down to the metal ,surprisingly all the other discs were like new with the numbering still visible. Replaced only the reverse disks and the seals that came in the kit.
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[pawoSD]

Its a $500 car. I had weak/failed reverse happen suddenly to my 300SD a few years ago. In my case....things disintegrated internally. Had to swap the whole trans. When I went up my driveway on its final move it took 2500rpm to get it up the driveway slowly in reverse.

Picture of a piece of what I found in the PAN (along with LOTS of grey clutch powder and clumps):

[Mike D]

Say, is that a BMW parts box you have showing in that picture?

[pawoSD]

Originally Posted by Mike D

Say, is that a BMW parts box you have showing in that picture?

Yep.

[whunter]

Originally Posted by benhogan

especially on a hill....

1992 Mercedes 300TE Wagon

sounds like a good deal. does the tranny issue sound serious?

this morning the price was $2100, in the afternoon it is now $1500.

what do yall think?

When you have a moment.