If those of you out there with manual (stick shift) transmission cars are anything like me, you will tend to remember who on the forum own manuals and some of the issues they have had with them. You may then remember that I have had a few issues with the clutch on my '90 190E-2.3 Sportline 5-speed. A pity really as I purchased this car due to its rarity and the fact it is a manual, and I really enjoy driving it. Apart from the clutch issues it has been reliable over the 3 plus years I have owned it.

For those who can't remember the issues I've had (and who have plenty of time to read and follow the story!) the threads (in order) are:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=62898
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=68950
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=79274
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=79447
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=94692
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=106387
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=114385
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=147948

Anyway, to get back to the reason for this thread, I now have a new issue that has started over the last few days. The shift from 1st to 2nd has become difficult and to a lesser extent so has the shift from 2nd to 3rd. The problem is mainly difficulty getting it out of gear rather than into gear, although the shift into 2nd is a bit baulky on the move. At higher engine speeds the problem is most noticeable whereas shifting through the gears with the engine idling while stationary is not a problem at all. This tends to rule out the possibility of clutch drag (which I believe would make it difficult to get into gear whilst stationary). I should also mention that I replaced the clutch slave cylinder a few months back (something I don't think I mentioned in previous threads) at the same time I changed the gearbox fluid (and found the mystery part mentioned in the last thread above). Earlier threads mention that I have also replaced the clutch master cylinder.

My concern now is what may be causing the new problem, especially having found the mystery part whilst changing the gearbox fluid. On the weekend I will get underneath and check things like the shift linkage bushes and the gearbox fluid level. I don't believe the fluid level could be down much considering I only changed it a short time ago, however I know there is a slight gearbox fluid leak. To rule out the clutch hydraulics I will also bleed the system again.

I did a search but could not find anything quite like this. Any of you helpful folk want to offer suggestions?

Thanks,
Greg

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107.023: 350SLC, 3-speed auto, icon gold, parchment MBtex (sold 2012 after 29 years ownership).
107.026: 500SLC, 4-speed auto, thistle green, green velour.
124.090: 300TE, 4-speed auto, arctic white, cream-beige MBtex.
201.028: 190E 2.3 Sportline, 5-speed manual, arctic white, blue leather.
201.028: 190E 2.3, 4-speed auto, blue-black, grey MBtex.
201.034: 190E 2.3-16, 5-speed manual, blue-black, black leather.