Why is it that the 1-2 shift on the 722.XXX transmission is so hard, while the 2-3 and 3-4 shifts usually end up being sloppy?

Why did the engineers design a transmission that doesn't wear evenly? Was there a good reason for the ridiculously firm first shift?

I'm looking at having to potentially replace my differential due to all too many firm 1-2 shifts, and I'm just a little bit annoyed.

All thoughts are welcome, but I would also like to see an automotive engineer jump on this as well.

This car is an 83' 300D with the 722.315 transmission.

722.xxx covers a lot of territory....my 99 is a 722.608 which is electronically controlled. No harsh shifting with it or with the newer 7 speeds.

All the prior versions (.4, .3, etc.) were vacuum controlled. Which are you referring too?

MB diff's are generally considered to be built like a tank and rarely go bad. Flex disks can suffer; especially with a diesels torque and axles can leak and go bad.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Call me dumb but is this the transmission in the 2.2?

The key phrase here "rarely go bad" - unfortunately, there are exceptions.

How can you be "annoyed" that you have to replace a differential on a 25 year old car with probably over 200,000 on it. Things don't last forever, but MB's come close.

On that note, our cars have between 223 and 291k on them, and none have had a differential fail or have any issues. The one with 291k has some play in it, but thats probably because it most likely had the ORIGINAL oil in it for about 22 years...it was like brown slime when I drained it out...

I like the way these trannies shift...I like to feel it choose the gears. Also, my dad's '83 has a fairly soft 1-2 shift....who knows. Anyone have one that just came off the showroom floor so we can see how they drove when "brand new" ?

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I think the problem is that to keep up with traffic you have to floor it causing the shifts to firm up. By the time you hit 3rd, you are usually not needing to accelerate as hard and the shifts soften up.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

In normal driving, I can barely feel the 1-2 on my 85. My 82, now that one is a bit firm. hmmmmm About 120k difference in milage may make a difference?

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79 MB 280 SEL Euro 133k
77 MB 450SL 154k
05 Mustang GT Vert (3) 104k
12 TSX Wagon Tech (66k) (192k)
06 Subaru Outback base (135k) 164k
16 Acura MDX (109k) 111k
18 Silverado 2500 LTZ Midnight (212) 56k
97 Ford Ranger 163k
11 RAV4 154k
01 Escape 173k
04 Honda Pilot 292k
1967 Mustang (Resto Project)
1968 Mustang (Parts Bin)
00 Ford Ranger 124k

The 85 is set up a bit differently than the 82.

Higher stall speed torque converter and a taller diff ratio, 2.88 vs 3.07.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

I think maybe you need to do some adjusting on your vac system. Hopefully it is not too late.


Tim

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2009 VW TDI Jetta Sportwagon 172k miles (rear-ended harder than Elton John on 8/4/13. Total loss)

1991 Volvo 240 142k miles (T-boned by a stop sign runner. Total loss)