Help needed! C320 manual slips out of 1st gear
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Help needed! C320 manual slips out of 1st gear
My C320 Coupe (manual) intermittently (once a week) goes from 1st gear back into neutral by it's self. This normally happens half way through an intersection and can give a violent bang noise/gear grind. I have even had it happen while I was holding the shift knob and could not stop it from going from 1st to neutral.
I took it to the dealer and they made a shifter link adjustment ($300), which did not fix the problem. Since they have not seen the problem they told me that they can't do anything else to fix the problem. Just bring it in when it happens.
Has anyone had this problem, or know what could be wrong?
I took it to the dealer and they made a shifter link adjustment ($300), which did not fix the problem. Since they have not seen the problem they told me that they can't do anything else to fix the problem. Just bring it in when it happens.
Has anyone had this problem, or know what could be wrong?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
i have the same problem with my c240 sport. problem wasnt constant at first but now is constant and cant even use first. i was told could be a bent shift fork or bad syncros!! im suppose to recieve a call back from the shop tomorrow
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 11
From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
To me it sounds like 2 things, the tension in the shift mechanism; or a bad dog gear which could be caused by weak internal springs or worn ***** to hold the dog position as it slide and not hold in its latched position.
I am sure this sounds Greek to you. I've rebuilt a couple of Triumph sportscar gear boxes in my time and actually is quite simple once you understand the dynamics in how it works.
Last edited by Boom vang; Sep 28, 2007 at 07:40 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: Nuevo México
2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
My C320 Coupe (manual) intermittently (once a week) goes from 1st gear back into neutral by it's self. This normally happens half way through an intersection and can give a violent bang noise/gear grind. I have even had it happen while I was holding the shift knob and could not stop it from going from 1st to neutral.
I took it to the dealer and they made a shifter link adjustment ($300), which did not fix the problem. Since they have not seen the problem they told me that they can't do anything else to fix the problem. Just bring it in when it happens.
Has anyone had this problem, or know what could be wrong?
I took it to the dealer and they made a shifter link adjustment ($300), which did not fix the problem. Since they have not seen the problem they told me that they can't do anything else to fix the problem. Just bring it in when it happens.
Has anyone had this problem, or know what could be wrong?
The later series 6 speed transmission (reverse gear to the left and forward) was supposed have cured this problem. I am not sure of the transition date from old-style transmission to new; I think around 2003?
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Definitely invest some time to figure this out.
I had this problem on my 2001 C240, happened about once a week or so, same symtoms, except mine was 2nd gear... Last week I lost 2nd gear completely, and now I'm looking at a major tranny repair.
I'll repost more info if I can find someone who'll tear into my tranny without it being a $3k repair bill... If I can't find someone who'll do it for $1500 or less, I'm parting the car out.
I had this problem on my 2001 C240, happened about once a week or so, same symtoms, except mine was 2nd gear... Last week I lost 2nd gear completely, and now I'm looking at a major tranny repair.
I'll repost more info if I can find someone who'll tear into my tranny without it being a $3k repair bill... If I can't find someone who'll do it for $1500 or less, I'm parting the car out.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I found a local private service department (conway motors - specializing in mercedes, bmw, jaguar, land rover) who will remove, repair and reinstall the tranny for $1500-$2000 depending on parts. I'll know the problem when the get it apart. Local mercedes dealers wouldnt touch it.
Decide im going to put this thing up for sale when i get all the repairs taken care of (drivers door lock pogo, tranny issue!!, and sway bar links)
Early model C240 sports (2002) just have too many reaccuring problems.
Decide im going to put this thing up for sale when i get all the repairs taken care of (drivers door lock pogo, tranny issue!!, and sway bar links)
Early model C240 sports (2002) just have too many reaccuring problems.
