Hi all, I own a 1996 Mercedes-Benz c280 and my transmission has been giving me problems since I purchased it. I purchased it aware of the transmission issues, the problem is that it doesn’t shift into 3rd and/or 4th. It’s a 4 speed automatic transmission 722.4 and once it hits 3rd going into 4th is impossible RPMs go up but gears do not catch and there is no acceleration. Previous owner was selling as is and didn’t know what the problem was just that gears were slipping and it “wouldn’t go faster than 40mph”. I have thought about replacing it with a refurbished or donor transmission, alternatively I could potentially have it rebuilt but I’ve also heard it’s possible to swap the auto trans for a manual trans from a w203 the 6 speed specifically. If anyone has any advice on repairs and/or swaps it’d be greatly appreciated.

 

It sounds like the transmission issues you're experiencing with your 1996 Mercedes-Benz C280 are likely due to internal wear and potentially damaged components within the 722.4 automatic transmission. The symptoms—specifically, not shifting into 3rd and 4th gears, accompanied by high RPMs without acceleration—are indicative of clutch slippage or failure to engage gears properly. Given the age of the car and the severity of the transmission symptoms described by the previous owner, it's plausible that internal components such as the clutch packs, valve body, or even the torque converter may be worn out or damaged. Considering your options, replacing the transmission with a refurbished unit or one from a donor car is a common approach to resolving such issues, provided the replacement unit is in good condition. Another option is having the existing transmission rebuilt by a reputable transmission specialist, which involves replacing worn components and ensuring the transmission operates correctly. As for swapping to a manual transmission from a W203, such conversions are technically possible but involve significant modifications to the drivetrain, including changes to the clutch system, transmission mounts, and potentially even the engine management system. To diagnose the exact issue with your current transmission, I recommend running a full system scan using a diagnostic tool capable of accessing the transmission control module (TCM) and other relevant modules. There should be fault codes stored related to transmission operation, which will provide valuable insights into the specific faults causing the transmission to malfunction. If you're considering tackling the repair or swap yourself, investing in a full system scanner like the youcanic full system scanner can help you accurately diagnose and address the transmission issues. Alternatively, consulting with a transmission specialist or mechanic experienced with Mercedes-Benz transmissions is advisable for a professional assessment and repair.

 

No tranny jokes please.