I can only hear or feel my 1976 240D go through 3 gears. It starts off fine and shifts twice very quickly but I am able to run normal highway speeds with ease. I thought these automatic transmissions were 4 speeds. Is it normal to only hear 2 shifts? Do i need to make adjustments? Thanks for any advise. I had the Transmission serviced with a new filter 3 moths ago when i aquired this car. It goes quickly in forward and reverse with no hesitation and there is no flairing between shifts. If anything the shifts can be a little abrupt and harsh at times. If i give it aot of throttle it runs longer in each gear and the shifts are more smooth but i still only detect 3 gear ratios.

Some of these transmissions are designed to start in 2nd gear - 1st is only engaged in low (via shifter)



I assume the top speed of the vehicle is close to what Mercedes designed (rather than what you might expect!)? It is after all a 240D...

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

I have had it up to 80+ miles per hour but the engine is at high rpms. I try to keep speeds under 65 miles per hour.

Jb:

As Stretch noted, it does start in 2nd. The transmission is a 722.1xx type, which is a four speed box; it will start in 1st with full throttle, or if selected.
The final drive ratio is quite low (3.92:1), and so the engine will indeed be buzzed @ 80.

That's about as good as it gets


I would assume you've got a start in second transmission. It should be explained in the owners manual if it is still in the car / came with the car

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

I believe it is a 4 speed. If you floor it completely from a stop does it downshift into a lower gear? I think it will, if so it just isn't a first gear start set-up unless a forced downshift is done. Also could try putting it in lowest gear to start to see if that forces a first gear start. On later models putting the selector in 2 and then back to drive when stopped would provide a first gear start and then normal shifting after pulling off.

Top speed should be about 82 MPH and then a governor should prevent higher RPM's. Keeping it at or under 65 is a great move for your ears and the engine.

When replacing tires try to stick to OE diameters, taller tires will noticeably reduce acceleration.

Done a valve adjustment yet?

__________________
"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Not all 722.1s start in second - I think a lot of them do but by the time of my 722.118 - 2nd generation W123 - they were designed to start in first. I'm not sure why it is pretty useless even with a 3.46 final drive.


The thing about the 722.118 is that it ran in several configurations but strangely kept the same ID number so one can not safely say that 722.118s start in first - the best I can come up with 'cos I don't know the serial number cut off point is to say some of them are meant to start in first!

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

Sugar Bear: Done a valve adjustment yet?

The first thing i did after buying the car was to change all the fluids and adjust the valves. I changed all the filters. I did a diesel purge. I also replaced the injectors with rebuilt ones with Monarch nozzles. The engine runs strong but i do get a little blowby. The oil cap will dance a little if i loosen it but it will not blow off. The engine exaust does not smoke at idle or start up.

All fluids done and valves adjusted...sounds great!

As I recall that car also has the red cap on the injection pump marked "OEL" where oil gets added to the injection pump vs. pressure oiling in the later models. Remember to check that as it is often overlooked.

Post some pics if you wish.

Good luck!!!

__________________
"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Many Thanks to all. I will post some pictures when I m on my laptop. The car is in good condition but I am still sorting out issues that have been neglected like central locking, rubber replacements etc.

Actually it sounds as if the transmission is working how they work. I have had two 115 240s. One was automatic. I had an automatic 115 300d also. Both started in first unless floored. First was for mountains or pulling a trailer....I guess.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.