93 300E transmission problem
 

Hello all,

Yesterday I drove home from college about 130 miles without a problem. Earlier today when I was making a short trip around town and my engine was flaring a little bit from stop. I would have to get the RPM up to about 2500 to get it moving. Then about an hour later when I was about to drive somewhere else the problem got way worse, 6000RPM to get moving. Then I knew that this problem was way too big for me to handle and am now looking for help/suggestions from other forum members.

I don't know very much about how to go about fixing things of this nature but here are some things of importance:

1. Engine starts up and runs perfectly fine, revs normally with no odd noise.

2. Reverse works normally as well

3. When I shift to D I don't feel anything, like it's still in Neutral.

4. 221k miles (I know, a lot)

I don't know what any of this means, common sense just leads me to thinks its a transmission problem, probably serious.

I'm not entirely sure a rebuild will be worth it on this car

never finished the last sentence...
 

...not entirely sure a rebuild is worth it on this car but I really hate to see it go.

I recommend having a MB-trained independent tech evaluate the transmission problem and suggest possible fixes and the cost of each. Then you can decide which option is the most viable. Keep in mind that any other used MB that you buy as a replacement may need expensive repairs to get it up to snuff.

You need to check the ATF level first
 

Check while the engine idles. FIll to the correct level with Dexron II or III.
If the level was way low (more than 2 quarts), you may have roasted the transmission.

Either way, you should change the fluid and filter, basically to see how it looks at this point, and that's about the only thing we mortals can do. If you have clutch pieces and other debris in there, it's rebuild time. If it looks fairly clean, then it may be repairable, but you should find a tranny shop to look at it.

My local MB independent installs rebuilt transmissions for your car for about $1,200. That's parts and labor, and they come with a one year warranty.

Surely your car is worth more than $1,200.

Thank you all for your help but I don't plan on doing much outside today be ause it is about -18 degrees. I also have to find a way to get back to school with out my car (130 miles away) by 9am tomorrow so basically I think the car will just sit until spring break. Hopefully it will be warmer and then I could get to doing some real thinking.

221K miles? Yours lasted longer than mine!

Mine is flaring on 2-3 and 3-4 shifts, and filters, fluid, and the K1 kit did nothing to solve the problems.

I'm driving my tranny to the ground and opting for a rebuild this summer...if it lasts that long!

B2 piston failure or broken B2 band

Adjust the modulator; turn the T handle CW two or three turns

$1200 for a rebuilt or repaired transmission installed, that’s cheap. Does it include a rebuilt torque converter, new B2 piston if needed, updated reverse B3 clutches, new bands if needed, not relined, they don’t last, all seals, gaskets, clutches changed. Secondary pump elimination kit, any valve body updates, new vacuum modulator, linkage bushings and clips.

b2 piston
 

Thanks a lot C32...from what I've read so far you are spot on diagnosing this problem. I'm gonna do some research after I get back to school tomorrow nad will probably tackle this issue over spring break. Anyone want to offer some advice on whether or not someone with no experience on a transmission can replace this part?

I have no idea what it comes with, just that he buys them from a local rebuilder.

I thought B2 piston failure caused a loss of reverse. Am I remembering wrong?

What does it mean by FLARING?? Is this like loud noise? Sorry I am not up to snuff on Tranmission lingos.

It is when the engine speeds up during the shift, like if you pushed the clutch in but did not let off the gas when shifting a manual trans.