Irratic shifting when warm - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jrmd01 · #1 11-07-2002, 09:25 PM

To Anyone Who Can Help:

I'm having problems with my 86' 300E. It has about 150,000 miles. For the past month or so I've been having transmission problems. It would spontaneously downshift to 3rd, 2nd and sometimes neutral! At first I thought it might be the automatic transmission filter and fluid so I changed them.

Everything seemed fine, then the problem occured again a few weeks later. This time I notice the problem occurs when the automatic transmission oil has been warmed up. For example it'll shift fine for the first 5 minutes of driving, but after the engine and transmission has been warmed up, the spontanous downshifting occurs again. But this time won't upshift either.

To summarize my problem...now when the engine's warm, it'll downshift spontaneously and won't upshift anymore. What's going on? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

jrmd01@yahoo.com

jrmd01 · #2 11-29-2002, 12:54 AM

To Anyone Interested;

First of all thank you to everyone who replied to my post.

After changing the Transmission filter and oil twice, I still had the same dreaded shifting problems. Changing the filter and oil only delayed getting the transmission rebuilt.

The MB dealers wanted in Hawaii wanted $1800 for a rebuilt transmission (with a trade in snd a $3000 deposit. If they determine that your core is no good, kiss your deposit good bye) and offered a 30 day warranty if you install it yourself. I think the warranty was 2yrs if they installed it, but you have to add in the cost of the removal and installation. I think that would drive the cost up to more than $2000.

Not having over $2000 to spend. I found a mechanic to rebuild my transmission (using only OEM parts) and he also installed it for $1750.

Now I know why the seller sold me the car for $3500. Oh whell, the car works fine otherwise. Hopefully it'll last me at least 5 years. (I've owned it only for a year).

Good luck to anyone who has the same problems. Hopefully your repair is not as costly as mine. Definitely check your filter and change your oil before thinking about getting the transmission rebuilt.

jrmd01@yahoo.com

haasman · #3 11-29-2002, 01:39 AM

JR

Sorry to hear about your trans problems. It is always a balance when trying to figure out what is best mechanical vs dollar.

300E's are the best! Enjoy your car. Keep flushing the bottom of your car to keep the salt off of it.

Haasman

#4 06-04-2003, 12:21 PM

If anyone else has experienced the same problem, And been able to resolve it, please let me know.
One of the 190's I have is doing the EXACT same thing.
Thanks,
James