First gear shifts at 4,000 rpm - 500E
 

Hello all,

I am having a problem with my 500E when I 'punch it' to kickdown to first gear the car shifts into second at about 4,000 rpm.

If I use 'B' it stays in gear until I shift back to 2.

I vaguely recall a post with a similar problem being the vacuum lines???

Any insight would be very helpful.

++db

Sounds like your kickdown switch is inoperative-when you push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, does it "click" when you press down that last little bit?

a search on 'bowden cable' adjustment may provide good info too

-fad

Dave,
Some guy had the SAME problem as you in this post...
This should be a good start.
Good luck!

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/5168-500e-transmission-woes.html?highlight=bowden+cable+front

Also, maybe this post will help:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/23781-tranny-stuck-first-2-dead-start.html?highlight=floor+it

Forget the Bowdin cable-no way it's that I'd be willing to bet (with all due respect to Sr. FAD)...gotta be something that has to do with the kickdown switch.

Last year I checked out a 500E that my brother was looking to buy. Acted the same as you describe, Dave, and it turned out that the button part of the kickdown switch had simply come off, and was lodged behind the floor mat. I found it, popped it back in place, and the car was cured.

So cured, in fact, that the owner decided not to sell it!

You're in for some fun, Dave, once you solve this:cool:

Heading to the shop
 

Thanks guys for the help. I miss the rush of 6300 RPM's.

I printed out the thread where Eric had the exact same problem that turned out to be a faulty kickdown switch.

I will give that to my tech.

A few questions:

>What other work should be done to the tranny?
>I am at 88k, should I do the timing chain now? (I do plan on getting to Pocono this spring/summer for a little fun)
>Should I insist on the S0-3's or let him put the Pirelli 6000's on?

I ordered K&N filters. Do I need the carbon Fiber box that rennTech sells for $950?

What is the ruling on the PAD/E-Prom chip for an early 500E (Oct 1991)? Will it help me?

Thanks agian,

Dave

IMHO:

Ensure your Bowdin cable is adjusted, and your fluid/filter dresh enough. I personally run Red Line Synthetic ATF in all my Benzes

Pirelli P6000s suck. Worn snow tires are quieter.

The airbox is a waste under 6.0 litres of displacement, perhaps even 6.5

PAD chip did nothing for my car-Jims 500E (unchipped) and I dragraced, and he was glued to my bumper the length of the track. Both are early '92s. Only reason I beat him was I got him out of the hole-got lucky and got the jump on him. I'm thinking I'd have rather spent the $$ on a Time Valve Y-pipe:(

Again, just my opinion, and 2% of a buck:)

Hi Dave re: S-03's

I have P6000 Summer on my '94 E320 Coupe= great tire for this luxo application

I have S-03's on the '94 E500= in my experience a real max perf tire! you can search 'S-03'- Mark and I have posted similar experiences with this tire. I previously had a brand new set of P6000 Sport Veloce on the E500 and found them to be adequate for sedate driving- but not enough tire when the car was driven enthusiastically.

I have Dunlop SP 9000 on my '88 325is (bilstein sports/ +1 BBS/ Brembo drilled rotors/ green stuff pads/ urethane bushings all around)= Dunlops are just OK, I'll be replacing w/ S-03's this summer.

Also, you'll find info in the 'bowden cable' search re: the 1st gear 500e/e500 proper downshift characteristics - - so you know what to expect. I suggested this search along with the other suggestions for a more comprehensive review.


hope this helps
-fad

FAD-

Those Pirellis are LOUD-don't you agree? IMHO Definitely a reason NOT to purchase...also, it's an ancient design, even with the update from a few years ago, which seemingly just added some siping

Hi Michael

Yes- the P6000 Summers do emit a bit of noise. This is the 2nd set of Pirelli P6000 Summer's I've put on the coupe. Previously had the older model Pirelli P600. The newer P6000 handles the weight of the coupe better vs. the older model. I don't drive the coupe (or E500) in the wet, so I've no experience with these in that manner.

I've found that the S-03's on the E500 give out a bit of noise also on certain highway surfaces---and also track slightly with the road surface's grain, but not excessively enough to offset its max performance.

fyi- if anyone wants a free set of P6000 Summer "W" rated 225/55-16's that for their 500e/e500 that are 50% let me know- just have to come pick them up from my house.

-fad

Still no luck
 

Hi Guys,

I just got my car back from service and had my tech sheet signed for Pocono next weekend.

My mechanic said it's "just like new" now that he 'adjusted' the transmission.

Still shift to 2nd at 4000-4500 rpm and will not downshift more than 1 gear. ie. at 55 if I punch it the best I get is 3rd, if it shifts at all.

I was throwing the car around manually to make sure it was not the CAR. WOW, the car is amazing from 5000-6300 rmp!

I just wish I could get it without the shifting.

Anyone know a good tech in the PA, NY, NJ, CT area that would be willing to give this a shot?

Thanks,

Dave

My tech will get it right "fer sure". Drop me an email and I'll put you in touch

My car does this on its old transmission, *and* the new one, installed 4,000 miles ago, by a professional automatic-shop, when you don't hold the kickdown (you just push it once, or don't use it at all)

Are you holding the kickdown switch down the whole time? This should make it go to the redline, and don't worry it will change when it gets there!

later

Russ