I have a low mileage 93 400E that recently came into my possession and I have a question about the shift points on these transmissions (I am used to the ZF's BMW uses). Is it normal for it to stay in each gear a while (even at moderate acceleration)? If not, does it have an adjustable "throttle rod" linkage that will shorten up the shift points a little? This is my first Benz and what a rocket this one is! I may be selling it and I first want to be sure the tranny shifts like I think (hope) it should. I guess I am a hopeless Bimmer man. Thanks for your help.
Garry Powell. bimmersnokaoi@charter.net.

The 400E tranny will hold a gear longer from a cold start to help the cats warm up. My experience is that even when it's very cold out, this "gear holding" lasts an absolute maximum of 2 minutes - usually much less.

There is supposedly a bowden cable that attached to the throttle linkage (at the back of the engine) that can adjust the shifts - enabling you to adjust the shifts.

My 1995 E420 (essentailly the same car mechanically - only cosmetic differences) usually shifts quite low in the RPM range unless I'm dogging it. I can drive nicely around town all day without even getting near 3000 RPM. That's the beauty of the M119 engine.

Hope this helps. Search the forum "400E tranny" to try and find more specific posts about adjusting the cable to affect shift points.

Troy
1995 E420 75k

I'll second everything Troy said.

Been workin on MBs all my life it seems, but I got a 540i a little over 3 years ago and then sold it a couple months ago (was worried that the value would drop with the new E60 out). I missed it badly and bought a E430 to replace it. Sold it two weeks ago at a good profit, and Monday I got a 2000 540i again.

There just isn't any comparison for driving comfort and FUN! I have driven every car ever made and the 540i is da CAR! unless maybe a M5.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Thanks to both of you for the thoughts on my 400E tranny shift adjustment. I tried it and it seems to affect the 2-3 shift, which is what I was looking for. I also have to agree that the 540i is a a nice peice of machinery. I am a little afraid of the ZF 5 speed automatics, as I understand they have experienced early failures. Now a 540 stick.........WOW! There is a lot to like about the 400E, except the handling. I "inherited" this car and will likely sell it. The 119 engine is certainly impressive!

The MB is definitely the car for the long haul and for those that don't own MB/BMW repair shops.

The BMW 5spd tranny is a much nicer package for a performance car than the MB spd. The BMW goes to a sport mode when moved top 4th gear position or to the tiptronic position in the later trans.

Again I would definitely rather have the MB trans for longevity.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician