1990 190 2.6 auto 3 or 4 speed
 

is it a 3 or 4 speed because it is not shifting into 4th it just shifts 3 times thats it ?

MB automatics start in second gear unless you tromp on them.

Be careful of making bold statements, some do, some don't. However I think that one probably does.

oh I didint know ,thanks i just thought it was running a little high in rpms about 3500 at 65-70

Michael J

Your transmission is a 4 speed and is usually refered to as a 722.4. Most start in second and continue to shift up. I just did a repair to mine and I think I noticed that plus 3000 rpm over 65 also.

Mine does the same thing !!!
 

I have a '90 190E-2.6 auto and it does start in second gear. If you move the shifter all the way down and take off, you will engage 1st gear, which is very short. Move the shifter to "3" and it will engage 2nd and 3rd gear. Move it to "D" and 4th will engage. To engage 4th on a take off, you really need to hammer the accelerator to the floor hard.
What has been stated previously is correct. Nothing to worry about...

The 1990 190E 2.6 starts in 2nd gear, effectively making it a three speed box with a steep occasional use first gear. Dumb.

2nd gear starts
 

Mine is a 1994 C180 and it does start in 1st gear as far as I know, but it does 3000rpm at 100kph which is a bit too high for my comfort. My Toyota only runs at 2200rpm at this speed on the freeway and up to 2500rpm at 110kph which is a more leisurely cruise speed and revs. Over this speed level, the Benz begins to start working very hard and makes more noises which is very discomforting on long journeys. Must be the 1800cc engine, but my Toyotas are 1800 also and the other is 2200cc and still cruising comfortably. I think that the Benz needs to improve their higher speed running smoothness and torgue without going into lower gears. Uphill and downhill areas is a real sore as it struggles to get to the top. Sometimes get a long queue of unhappy drivers behind wondering whats going on with this "Benz".

One real benefit from the 722.6 box is the overdrive fifth gear.

With the steeper 3.27 (instead of 3.07 on the C280) final drive ratio, the C230 spins:

195/65-15" tire is 75.8" in circumference. It spins 807 times per mile. (we'll go imperial) With the tire spinning 807 times per mile, then the drive shaft is spinning 807*3.27 = 2638 revs per mile, or revs/minute at 60 mph.

Well, not bad. But, the 722.6 has a .83 overdrive ratio for it's fifth "cog."

So, 60 mph is only 2189, or 2200 rpm. My tach seems to read about 2300, maybe 2400, but I know it's a little high, based on using the PBU diagnostics mode.

2200 rpm is a nice relaxed rate. The 190E 2.6 of ours spins much faster (like 3000) and therefore burns more fuel and causes more wear. Finding a five speed manual car in the W201 or W124 chassis is nice...

Re: Mine does the same thing !!!
 

Of course, he meant 1st not 4th.


I quite like the starting off in 2nd. I've recently used a 1996 Jaguar XJ6, whose 1st gear ran to around 50mph, making starting off VERY sluggish (but very smooth). I like having the short 1st gear available to us in the 190E, when you need a quicker take off.


AND, yes I agree the ratios are a little bit short, particularly for the 2.0 4-cylinder as it is such a torquey unit compared to the 6-cylinder (relative to size, of course!) that it could easily pull the longer gearing in top gear.


later!

Re: Re: Mine does the same thing !!!
 

Correct. I did mean 1st gear. Please excuse the error !!! Never meant to deceive anyone with false info...

Just did a trip from Tampa Fl. to Indianapolis In. and back. Did 80mph whole time, 3400 rpm.
30mpg with a/c off and 28 with a/c on. 1993 190 2.6 auto 84k miles.

Have a 1.8l VW Jetta. 70 mph 3200rpm 200k miles doesn't burn a drop of oil.

If an engine is designed to run at high rpm it will be fine.

Just my .02 cents

Dan

My '92 190E (2.3) turns 2600 rpm @ 60 mph.

Jeff Pierce