190E poor transmission take-up when wet!!!

My very tidy 1985 110,000 mile automatic 190E seems to suffer from poor drive take up when at traffic lights or a roundabout when the gearbox is cold and when the road is wet. Once the gearbox warms up, the problem goes away, but the wetter the roads, the longer it takes to clear.

A few times I have put my foot down to pull away, but the car starts juddering for 2 - 3 seconds before drive engages. The car will move forward (10 feet or so) in a series of "leaps and bounds" before it drives OK. This is particularily alarming when I try to pull out of a T junction across the path of other cars.

It's as if the take up bands on 2nd gear are worn but the problem only happens on rare occessions in the summer.

Any help would be gratefully received....

Thanks,

Aidan

[jeffsr]

Sounds like a couple of possibilities. First is low oil pressure, which can be checked, I believe, from a fitting on the outside of the case. I don't know the spec, but it ought to be at least 65-75 psi. Another possibility is a worn out clutch pack or a sticking piston/accumulator for the front band. In either case, don't sit on this one. Get it fixed before a major transmission casualty occurs. Other than keeping the case cool, I have no clue as to why rain should affect the problem.. Get it looked at ASAP. Good Luck..

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 04-06-2000).]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the information. I'll do the tests on the pressure and see how it goes from there.

Thanks again.

Aidan.

[stevebfl]

Are you sure that this is a trans problem? The way you describe it makes me think you are talking about a running problem.

If you indeed have a trans problem I have to have a better description of juddering. Is it slipping, popping in and out of gear?

If it is either of the above I would try doing the same thing with the trans in first. That trans normally starts in second so by dropping into first you will be starting off in a different gear. It would be very unlikely to have a trans problem similar in two different gears. (unlikely but not impossible)

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

Hi Steve,

You are correct. If I have tried to drive away and the trans judders/slips, knocking the gear shift lever into "2" allows the car to kick down into first gear and pull away OK.

When I put the gear shift lever back into "D", the 'box goes into second gear with no problems.

The most plausible explanation that I have had, is that the take up bands are tightening then slackening then tightening then slacking etc etc until it eventually picks up drive cleanly.

Thanks for the very prompt reply.

Regards,

Aidan.

[This message has been edited by AidanSwords (edited 04-07-2000).]

[stevebfl]

First and second gear are bands. Third gear and fourth are clutch packs. Identify which gear you are having a problem with. I think both bands have externally available access to the servo piston seals which would probably be your problem although I have seen two 190s break the ends off one of the bands.

All of this can be determined by an experienced tech by removing the valve body and applying each device with compressed air though the appropriate channels. The bands are visable from this position. Their replacement requires complete disassembly though.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician