2.3-16V servicing info

[alexkor]

I have recently acquired a late '86 2.3-16V with 120,000 miles. I plan to have the car serviced and would like to know the lubes most of you would recommended for this model. Specifically:

1) engine oil
2) gearbox oil
3) rear axle oil
4) brake fluid
5) coolant
6) power steering oil
7) spark plugs

I did notice that the car was difficult to engage gears when cold. Gears need double clutching to shift. Gear shifts became normal after a couple of minutes of driving (2-3).

Does this car with a 102.983 engine share common bottom half of the block parts with the non-16V 2.3 engines?

any advice is much appreciated.

alex

[190dee]

Originally posted by alexkor
Does this car with a 102.983 engine share common bottom half of the block parts with the non-16V 2.3 engines?

Welcome to the forum, alex.

If you search this forum you will find endless discussions on recommended/used fluids. You can also ask you MB shop for recommendation.

Your question about the same block as the 8vlv is interesting. I have also wondered about it because I think ti could be a nice project. i haven't researched it yet...

Anyone that knows this...

Thanks,

[AuctorEcclesiae]

[i]I did notice that the car was difficult to engage gears when cold. Gears need double clutching to shift. Gear shifts became normal after a couple of minutes of driving (2-3).
[/B]

Hello Alex:

I'm not sure if the manuals are the same as the automatic transmissions, but the shifts between gears are lengthened in order to warm up the catalytic convertor so that emissions are held down. As the car warms up, the shifts smooth out and are no longer noticable.

My auto 190e does the same thing. Have to be gentle for about the first 5 minutes or so, and then it's fine. I have noticed that if I start it and wait for about 5 minutes before driving, the shift delay is much better.

Hope this helps-
Michael.

[Tinker]

I believe Alex is talking about a manual box. I have always found Swepco gear lubes to be some of the best around. The fluid might have been replaced with the incorrect grade causing the stiff shifting until it warms up.

I am not sure about the block. Obviously the pistons are different. I would think the block would be the same but the crank and rods might be different.

Tinker

[alexkor]

I've checked the users manual and the stated fluid for the manual gear box was:

"Automatic transmission fluid for manual transmission. Sheet no 236.2 "

Does anyone know the specs for this fluid.?

I was expecting something like " Manual transmission gear oil SAE 90" or something like that.

This is the 1st time I am owning a MB, previoulsy I was driving a Honda Integra so please bear with me on this kinda issues.

Futhermore, from where I am staying ( South East Asia), the MB techs aren't really knowlagable about these special model MB's.
They probably dump normal lubes on the car.


Having received the car, I found many things I got to sort out. Most are trivial such as sunroof, boot lock , power window, etc. are easy to get fixed.

I currently have a tough time finding some spares specific to the 16V such as:

1) Valve cover star logo and "MERCEDES-BENZ" nameplates are missing. God knows how it managed to get peel off the cover? I guess I need gtop order a new valve cover.

2) 2.3-16V emblem on rear boot is missing. Gotta get them back too.

3) Rear jack point covers on side sills missing ( Rear left & rear right) Sure hope my local MB dealers have parts for this.

I would be greatfull if someone could provide me the part no's of these items for ordering. If you do have some good condition used parts I would be most happy to consider.

thanks

alex

[Robby Ackerman]

1) engine oil - Mobile 1 Synthetic 15W50
2) gearbox oil - Mobile Synthetic ATF
3) rear axle oil - Synthetic 80W90
4) brake fluid - DOT 4 Plus either ATE Blue or Pentosin
5) coolant - Mercedes-Benz antifreeze mixed 50/50
6) power steering oil - Synthetic ATF
7) spark plugs - Bosch Platinum Plus 4 (number 4458)

1) Valve cover star logo and "MERCEDES-BENZ" nameplates are missing. God knows how it managed to get peel off the cover? I guess I need gtop order a new valve cover.

On my valve cover Mercedes-Benz and the Star Logo are cast into the metal cover. If the car is difficult to engage gears when cold check the transmission oil and see if it is gear lube. It must be ATF. I use a synthetic ATF but Dexron II or III will work. I don't know what is available in your area.

[alexkor]

Mr Robby,

Thanks very much for your info. Cleared up much of the doubts I had about the maintenance items.

Again, i must say i am surprised that mercedez manual gearboxes require auto Dextron II/III trans. fluid.

Has any of the forum users used other lubes such as redline MTL for the 16V manual trannies?

I have also found a spare 16V engine for sale. Cost is approx US1000/= . thinking of buying and keeping for a rainy day later on. Not so easy to find in my place. Found a 2.5-16V + AT full front cut complete with SLS rear axle for sale price is US$2500. Was hit on the left side onto the wheel arches. Engine and tranny condition was ok. too expensive and no place to store.

again, robby thanks .


alex

[alexkor]

In my place i could get hold of the following atf's which i think are suitable for 16V manual transmissionL:

mobil syntetic atf

or

chevron/texaco/caltex texmatic 1278 dextron III

any comments?

alex

[Robby Ackerman]

Alex

Either will work okay, however for the 16V I'd suggest you use the synthetic. The 16V is a high revving engine and the transmission is capable of speeds of 240Kmph so the added protection of synthetic lubricants is justified.

[JimSmith]

Alexkor,

I have owned my 1986 190E 2.3-16 since it was new, and it now has 210,000 plus miles, and is being driven by my 17 year old son. I told him at about age 3 he could have the car when he turned 16. Well, there are very few things he listened to that came from Dad over the years but he did remember that line, and held me to it.

The point is, I have used Redline MTL in that car, and all my other manual transmissioned Mercedes-Benz vehicles (the 1982 240D now has 290,000 or so miles on it) since the first fluid change. I have been very satisfied with the results. I also use Redline Shockproof lube for the differential, also with very good results.

I have used the early formulations of Mobil 1, Castrol Syntek 5W-50, Mobil 1 15W-50, Mobil 1 0W-40, and now use Mobil Delvac 1 5W-40 synthetic oils in all my cars. I find the Delvac 1 superior for leaving the least dirt and discoloration on the inside of the engine, lowest oil consumption and great cold starting in my Diesels.

Good luck, and enjoy the car, it is a unique bit of machinery. Jim