HARSH shifting into gear from NEUTRAL 1988 560SEL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 09-10-2002, 09:34 PM

My 1988 560SEL shifts so hard when I shift into reverse from Neutral it feels like the rear end is going to tear out.
shifting into a foward gear from NEUTRAL is harsh but not as severe.
It is a 1988 560 SEL with 120,000 miles fluids and filter been changed 10k miles ago. I really need to get to bottom of this before i tear out the rear end. It shifts smooth after it is in drive it's just from going from neutral into gear. Anyone have a clue what this may be. I had 2 mechanics look at it with no success.

Thank You,
Doug W.

#2 09-11-2002, 07:11 AM

Doesn't anyone know. please I really need some insite on this problem.

Thank You

Antony · #3 09-11-2002, 07:18 AM

While I'm no expert, I believe that a good place to start would be the engine mounts. On many domestic vehicles (if there is such a thing anymore) with rear drive, the motor mounts going bad will lead to this conditions you describe. Good luck, and I hope this helps.

mbdoc · #4 09-11-2002, 08:56 AM

There is a factory bulletin on modifing the transmission $$$.
However MB came out with a special fluid for "harsh" engagement problems.
MB part number 001-989-07-03, use only 3 liters & allow 400-500 miles.

90mbenz · #5 09-11-2002, 11:00 AM

Check a few things before assuming it's tranny trouble. As already posted, motor mounts are pretty important in these vehicles and will certainly wear/degrade. You should certainly check the driveshaft couplers - one at the front and one at the rear. Another normal wear item that will cause the problem you describe. In other words, you need to get under there and inspect the driveline. If nothing is out of place or obvious, then a check of the tranny would be next.

Good luck.

#6 09-11-2002, 12:58 PM

Thank you everyone for your input on this matter. I checked motor mounts and joints plus had 2 mechanics do that also, and all was fine. For the suggestion of using special fluid, I am calling the MB dealer and ordering some soon as I i'm finnished writting this. If anyone else has any other suggestions I want to thank you in advance. Thanks again guys! !

Thank You,
Doug W.

#7 09-11-2002, 01:08 PM

I forgot to mention:

M.B.DOC is there any posable chance you have that bullitin # you mentioned and how can I get my my hands on it.

Thank You,
Doug W.
P.S. Your "racer" sure sounds like alot of fun!

mbdoc · #8 09-11-2002, 05:07 PM

Of course I do have the bulletin! The mod includes removal of the trans & replacement of internal parts & a special valve body. VERY$$$$$$

#9 09-11-2002, 06:30 PM

Me too. No big deal.

jcantor · #10 09-12-2002, 07:26 AM

I have a similar situation with my '87 560SEL. The motor mounts are OK and the flex disks were just replaced to quiet a vibration at speed.

When I first tried to get an answer to the harsh shifting into reverse from a couple of shops, I ended up talking to the manager at the local Aamco. As soon as I finished describing the problem, he indicated that this is the one area of weakness in the transmissions of these cars - if you can call something that usually doesn't show up until 150-200K miles a weakness. Evidently the clutch pack that is involved in shifting into gear wears thin requiring extra travel by the shifting servo. This causes an extra long delay and, due to the faster speed that things are now turning due to the delay, a harsher engagement especially into reverse. His recommendation was simply to drive it as long as I can stand it and then have it rebuilt for around $2,200. He indicated that the is very little likelihood of it causing further damage and that the worst that will happen is that I'll loose reverse.

MBDoc - does this sound like the service bulletin you were referring to?

jlc

mbdoc · #11 09-12-2002, 08:13 AM

Just re-building the trans won't fix the problem. There are several modifications that must be done or the trans will still engage D OR R firmly. TRY 3 liters of the 001-989-07-03 fluid first!!

#12 09-12-2002, 04:02 PM

M.B.Doc, you are saying try the fluid before the rebuild I assume. Boy would that be a nice easy fix. I have a friend with a 300d who had this problem though and simply replacing the flex disks solved his issue..