83 240D Manual Transmission Performance 717.210

[tqwrench]

Ever since I got my 240D, been bugged by a clashing 1-2 upshift. First, I found out the clutch master-slave were mismatched, the clutch engaged at about 1/4" off the floor. Fixed that with both units new and matched to application, then I changed fluid a few times. Dumped what was in there (red) for Dex III ATF, no joy. Tried Redline MTF, still no joy. Finally after doing some research on what MB recommended - ATF Type A, Suffix A, I found type F fit that bill. Walmart brand type F it shall be...

Didn't that fix it!?! I've spent a few weeks making sure I wasn't imagining things, driving the car intermittently. No more grindy feel going 1-2. I went so far as to buy a full rebuild kit (piece by piece), and was prepared to pull the box. Who'd've thunk

I have to believe it's just a function of it being transmission fluid minus the friction modifiers that Dex III has in it. Lets the syncros grab the gear a bit better. I'll grab a win where I can find one!

[greazzer]

This is probably pretty close to what was used back in the day.

How has it been running since ?

[Sugar Bear]

Good info, thanks...glad it works.

[tqwrench]

Originally Posted by greazzer

This is probably pretty close to what was used back in the day.

How has it been running since ?

Car drives great! Every shift is really smooth now. I've seen type F at NAPA listed as type FA, had to go look that up, it means it meets both specs, type F and type A. I agree, this type F is likely as close as we'll get to what they recommended at that time.