I have a 1988 190E 2.3 with auto trans. The shift from 1st to 2nd seems to be unusually harsh. In fact, if it were a manual trans, I would think that the driver was letting the clutch out too slowly - a little over-rev then bump into gear. Does this sound like a bad news deal, or is it something easy like an adjustment or a
vacum modulator or ? The other shift points all seem fine. Any input would be apreciated.


Chris Prestridge
1988 190E 2.3

A harsh shift can be caused by improper adjustment. Be sure the bowden cable is adjusted properly and the modulator has vacuum to the valve and that the cap isn't cracked on the modulator valve.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I also have a 92 2.3 automatic that shifts very hard. The same car also gets lousy gas mileage (less than 20 MPG around town and barely 23 on the highway). When under warranty, the dealer swore nothing was wrong. The car has always run very hot, poor gas mileage, very hard shifts and seems to "eat" caps and rotors in 20K miles or so.

I've checked for vacuum leaks... nada. Is there any chance that either the fuel and/or ignition modules are bad or could this be a sensor problem??

Regards, KM

I seem to be having the same problem with my 190E 2.6 automatic from 1st to 2nd gear.

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Govna 1989 190E 2.6 138000