Early shifting on a 190e 2.6
 

1991 190e 2.6 with 112k miles

Car drives fine except that when pulling away, the shift between 2 and 3 occurs at about 1500 rpm - which is too early in my opinion, and causes the car to bog down.

The other gear-shifts seem to occur at about 2000 rpm with the same throttle position.

I can delay the shift by holding the selector in 3, or by accelarating really hard - this causes the shift (from 3 to 4) to occur at anything up to 2800 rpm.

Is there an adjustment that I can make?

Background
Had the transmission rebuilt approx 2 years ago, but I didn't like the way the 'independant' shop kept piling on the extra charges. Also, a follow-up diagnosis suggested that a rebuild may have been unnecessary - so I won't take it back there.

Thanks,

Neil

Neil

Most likely you need to adjust your bowden cable as long as ATF level is at the proper level.

Also by using the search feature I got this: trans cable

Keep us posted,

Haasman

I adjusted the cable on my car because it would upshift early as well. Now it holds gears much longer and as a result is a much quicker car. I think I'm even getting better gas mileage.

Appreciate the quick response.

I have a shop manual, but it doesn't include info on the transmission.

Does anyone have a picture of the Bowden cable and where to make the adjustment?

Thanks,

Neil

If I had a digital camera I would take some pictures. All I know is that on my car there was one of those special threaded twist shafts that when turned in either direction lengthens or shortens the distance to the cable. I would suggest just take a good look at the throttle area, try to find a cable that goes down to the transmission and follow it up the the throttle area.

Update:

After receiving details from haasman, I proceeded to adjust the bowden cable.

Upon inspection, there was considerable cable slack (approx, 1/4 inch), so I backed-out the adjuster by 2 turns (anti-clockwise) and went for a drive.

Big difference!
With gentle accelaration, 3rd gear held till 2100 rpm (instead of 1600 rpm) . The car did not bog-down and felt more lively to drive.

With brisk accelaration, 3rd gear held till 3100 rpm.

After some additional minor adjustments, I have finally settled on the adjuster backed out 2 and 1/2 turns (anti clockwise) from the initial position.

The car is transormed!

Thank you Haasman

OK, so to clarify, you had early upshifts and you needed to tighten your Bowden Cable. This fixed it.

This should be the same for a '89 300E, right? (I know there could be myriad other things wrong, but this might be it?)

Thanks!

David

Correct.

Haasman