1995 E320 W124 Low Torque in Reverse
 

About two months ago, my transmission started to take a long time to shift into reverse. It would get half way there, and then complete the shift. If I let off the brake pedal when half way shifted, the car will move in reverse while stuttering.

I topped off the transmission fluid, which helps a little. The transmission will shift more quickly when the car is warm. I see no issues when driving forward.

Yesterday I noticed that I cannot drive up a small hill in reverse. It’s like I'm in neutral - the engine will smoothly rev up and I don’t move. It seems like the transmission has low torque in reverse; however, on level ground [and when fully shifted in reverse] the car jerks into reverse motion as quickly as it always did, somewhat contradicting my low torque hypothesis.

Is the transmission dead? Is there a low cost DIY repair that can be done? I’m not afraid of doing a repair beyond my skills, and scrapping the car in failure 😎

I found this thread where a transmission was replaced due to delayed shift into reverse:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/67591-transmission-slipping-reverse-repair-mine-mercedes-rebuilt.html

Thank you!

That is one of the first signs that reverse is failing due to worn friction discs but the trans will work fine in forward for many more miles. Adding Lucas Trans-fix may help but a rebuild or another trans is the real fix.

Avoid using reverse when possible, using it will hasten the complete failure quickly...been there.

Good luck!!!

Its a lot cheaper to fix before reverse fails completely.

duxthe1,

Why does it cost more, I'm sure something is getting damaged...what is it?

Thanks

1) Should I change the transmission fluid before adding Lucas Trans-fix?

2) What documentation should I use to get at the friction disc?

Change fluid - not unless it looks bad.

Repair manual - I'm not sure, probably the factory manual. A Haynes manual may also help some if it has a section on transmission disassembly. Replacing the discs requires removal and disassembly of the transmission.

Good luck!!!

My 722.5 box used to refuse reverse when warm. Not cold, not hot; just warm.

The fluid and filter were changed and the box worked for another 6 years until it was rebuilt. The replacement fluid was Dex III.

It might be worth trying, especially if you can minimise costs by DIY.

Good luck.

RayH