190E 2.3 Trans - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

haasman · #1 07-15-2002, 01:56 AM

Do the 87 190E 2.3 have a similiar transmission to the 300E's?

I've got a 190E that is not shifting well. I've done a search through the threads but nothing to guide me.

Is there a vacuum modulator that can go bad?

It is a car with 200k and I don't know it's history. Anyway I can look at items to reduce the severe "bam" it makes going from 2nd to 3rd?

Thanks in advance.

haasman · #2 07-15-2002, 01:54 PM

Any 201 pros with ideas about this transmission woe?

vrsmith · #3 07-15-2002, 05:19 PM

This may not help, but I had a 560 that had a really hard shift
from 2nd to 3rd as well. There was a vacuum line that had
fallen off. The connector was actually broken. It was at the
rear of the engine, which made it hard to see.
Check you tranny for a modulator valve and trace the hose
if so.
Good luck.

mbdoc · #4 07-15-2002, 05:33 PM

The W201.028 chassis uses a transmission like the 260E or 300E 2.6, slightly smaller than the 300E trans.

stevebfl · #5 07-15-2002, 06:14 PM

You should see if the line to the modulator is tight. Very difficult at the bottom. Try and trace it at the top and suck on the line. Watch out for oil. If there is oil or the line doesn't hold a vacuum then this is the problem.

There is very little that can be done externally to change the relative shift strength gear versus gear. It can be made softer for all or harder for all at the modulator. Some times a combination of shift timing (done with the control pressure cable) and modulator adjustments can smoose over the rough spots.

And be sure that he motor is running at appropriate power. A motor that is lugging will shift harder, due to the lowered manifold vacuum.

haasman · #6 07-15-2002, 07:23 PM

Interesting .... the motor definately labors.

I am checking it out to see if it would make a good first driver for my daughter (17 years old).

We've replaced the water pump, cap, rotor and spark plugs .... but it doesn't rev freely and lacks power. Fun working with her on the car but our results are disheartening.

Any suggestions on where to look regarding the laboring and sub-par performance of the engine?

If I track the vacuum line, where does it start on top of the engine?

I have replace the vac mod on my 300E and other cars.

Any addtional suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

J

haasman · #7 02-10-2003, 07:31 PM

Is the the adjuster on the left or right side of the trans? Like my 300E?

Haasman