Alright, I just got my '86 300E (W124) a month or so ago, and when I bought it, I noticed that it has a somewhat lengthy shift time between 2nd and 3rd gear (auto transmission). I find this a little scary because I'm starting to assume that my transmission is screwed up and starting to go out or something. I checked the fluid and it's full and looks fine. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this or knows anything about it. It seems abnormal to me because it takes a second or two which when punching on the gas is long enough to rev up the engine inbetween gears then it catches 3rd. It doesn't seem extremely bad, but it definately concerns me, can anyone offer some info?

no ideas/comments? oh well, i supose i may take it over to the shop and have it looked at but i wont be able to afford the fix on it i bet, not sure what all would need replacement, hopefully just something between those two gears if anything.

When this trans shifts from 2nd to 3rd the valve body releases a "band" & locks up a clutch pack(K1), I would think that the K1 clutch pack is at fault & complete disassembly is needed. You can try increasing the modulator pressure to see if this clutch pack will lock up a bit quicker.

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Retired Moderator

I see... then that leaves me with 2 questions.

1) Because it has to switch clutch packs (or whatever you said) between 2nd and 3rd, is it typical to take slightly more time to shift or should it still be a quick catch like all the other gears and no noticable difference.

2) How would I go about increasing the pressure? Is there like a hypertech programmer or something of that sort I can buy to use on my computer chip or do I need to buy a new chip and if one of these are true, where can I get this/these item(s).

There isn't any computer controls at all. Adjusting the modulator is a simple task. Do have use a repair shop that can make a transmission adjustment? should take 30-45 minutes.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

My 89 560SEL has a similar shift pattern to yours, also in addition to that the downshift from 3-2 is abrupt. Adjusting the modulator in this case tightens the upshift and also the downshift. With the downshift problem this indicates that a full rebuild is necessary. Hope yours can be sorted with just a modulator adjustment.

Cheers
Matt.

Mine does the same thing once in a blue moon, I even forget that it does it some times.

M.B. Doc does that fix you suggested apply to me?

If yes, how do I go about it? I don't have the CDs I wnat them but they are nto avialable for my car.

Thanks

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