W126 Transmission-Diesel-like sound in DRIVE and REVERSE
 

Checked archives - couldn't find any hits that lined up with my situation.

1991 MB 300-SEL - 88,000 - well-maintained. Very frequent fluid & filter changes.

Be it cold or warm, when pulling into or backing out of garage, I notice a diesel-like sound when in drive or reverse. If I shift into PARK or NEUTRAL - the sound is gone.

As soon as I give it any kind of pedal, the sound seems to disappear. No noise at all in gear once moving. Shifting is smooth. No delays when shifting into any gear.

Transmission fluid level good - fluid clean.

Would appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks for your time.

Not an answer, more of a follow up question -

Right after I installed a new used transmission in my 78 450SEL, it made an engine rev dependent clanging sound seemingly from the torque converter when it idled in reverse. Blipping the throttle made the sound go away. It eventually went away.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD
78 450SEL (sold)

Lack of shift bushings maybe.

Steve,

Do you mean shift rod bushings? Those were new. In fact the shift lever was particularly tight. Are there internal shift bushings?

Thanks,
Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD

A awhile back I had a local independent shop(MB & Volvo) redo the shift bushings and all 3 motor mounts. I only used this shop because they are conveniently located.

I called another independent that I've used more than once(not so conveniently located) and described everything in detail.

He immediately asked if the motor mounts were recently worked on.

He indicated that he's seen many cases were the passenger side motor mount drops just a hair and then a part of the exhaust rubs against a cross-member. He told me that he merely shims up this mount with a washer and things are back to normal.

I did not mention the shift bushing work but will do so when I drop the car off at his garage Monday.

Thanks for the replies.