Auto trans on 1991 2.3 (68000 mIles)
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From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
Auto trans on 1991 2.3 (68000 mIles)
I purchased this car last year and trans has been working fine for an older car. But in the last two days with the heat being over 100 degrees , it is shifting much smoother. Shift is not as hard/firm. . Not a problem but just wondering why.
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190E 2.6L 1989, 190E 2.6L 1988, BMW 535dXdrive 2014, BMW 428i 2015
Is it also the case that transmission shifts harder/firmer when engine/transmission is cold? I vaguely remember that being the case with my W124 when I had it. If so, you have your answer.
I suspect a thicker fluid at lower temps clutch seals do leak less which does change the dynamics.
I suspect a thicker fluid at lower temps clutch seals do leak less which does change the dynamics.
Last edited by dolucasi; Aug 26, 2023 at 10:55 AM.
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1991 190E 2.3
I also own a 1991 2.3 with automatic transmission. By nature, MBs from this era shift a little harder than more modern cars. I also know this based on personal experience with my car. The MB thinking back then was that transmissions that shifted a little harder didn't have to work as hard to actually shift as they do with a smoother shift which resulted in longer transmission life. It's possible that the outside temperature could affect the thickness of the transmission fluid. I try not to take my car out when it's over 100. I'm able to do this because I have a 2nd car for such driving. I understand that that's not possible for everyone. I don't think you have a problem with your transmission. MBs from this era aren't considered broken in until they reach 100,000 miles. Sounds like you found a really nice one. There aren't too many left with less than 100,000 miles on them.
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From: In the bush on the shores of Lake Nipigon
1990 Mercedes 190E
I operate my 1990 190E 2.6 in temperatures ranging from 30C to -30C. The transmission shifts a bit harder when the temperatures are very cold but not so hard to be of concern. On very rare occasions I find that the transmission will not shift from 2nd (where it starts from) to 3rd. I haven't figured that out but it has only happened twice since I have owned the car which is 33 years. The solution seems to stop the car and let it downshift then start moving again. This happened during cold weather.
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1991 190E 2.3
I operate my 1990 190E 2.6 in temperatures ranging from 30C to -30C. The transmission shifts a bit harder when the temperatures are very cold but not so hard to be of concern. On very rare occasions I find that the transmission will not shift from 2nd (where it starts from) to 3rd. I haven't figured that out but it has only happened twice since I have owned the car which is 33 years. The solution seems to stop the car and let it downshift then start moving again. This happened during cold weather.
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From: In the bush on the shores of Lake Nipigon
1990 Mercedes 190E
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1991 190E 2.3
Thanks, I am not sure why but it only happened twice. The last time about 1 year ago before I gave it to my grandson and he never mentioned it happening to hm. Before that maybe 3 years ago. I at first thought was that I usually am very light on the gas pedal and hold the car in 2nd gear too long.
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1990 Mercedes 190E
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1991 190E 2.3
