02' Sports Coupe Transmission
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Abingdon, MD
02' Sports Coupe Transmission
1. I was just wonder what transmission we have on the 02' Sports Coupe. The strength of the transmission, and if there are any upgrades for it.
2. Secondly, the 1 -2 shift has got me a couple times, "griiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind"! My fault for missing the timing when "quick-shifting", "speed-shifting" whatever you want to call it. So now when the motor is cold, even on a normal casual shift, the 1 -2 shift "crunches" a little as it engages. This happens even when the clutch is completely depressed to the floor. I suppose the syncros are shot?
So obviously I have to take it to the dealer, explain the problem, get it fixed.
The question is, aside from getting my shifts correct, is there a need/ availability for upgraded trans or components?
What's out there?
What other models are there with the same trans?
What have people used in the past in competition?
KLEEMANN do you have any plans for the trans for your cl203?
2. Secondly, the 1 -2 shift has got me a couple times, "griiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind"! My fault for missing the timing when "quick-shifting", "speed-shifting" whatever you want to call it. So now when the motor is cold, even on a normal casual shift, the 1 -2 shift "crunches" a little as it engages. This happens even when the clutch is completely depressed to the floor. I suppose the syncros are shot?
So obviously I have to take it to the dealer, explain the problem, get it fixed.
The question is, aside from getting my shifts correct, is there a need/ availability for upgraded trans or components?
What's out there?
What other models are there with the same trans?
What have people used in the past in competition?
KLEEMANN do you have any plans for the trans for your cl203?
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Re: 02' Sports Coupe Transmission
Originally posted by nukblazi
1. I was just wonder what transmission we have on the 02' Sports Coupe. The strength of the transmission, and if there are any upgrades for it.
1. I was just wonder what transmission we have on the 02' Sports Coupe. The strength of the transmission, and if there are any upgrades for it.
2. Secondly, the 1 -2 shift has got me a couple times, "griiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind"! My fault for missing the timing when "quick-shifting", "speed-shifting" whatever you want to call it. So now when the motor is cold, even on a normal casual shift, the 1 -2 shift "crunches" a little as it engages. This happens even when the clutch is completely depressed to the floor. I suppose the syncros are shot?
By the way, it is possible the "beat the synchros" when speed shifting almost any street transmission.
The question is, aside from getting my shifts correct, is there a need/ availability for upgraded trans or components?
What's out there?
What other models are there with the same trans?
What have people used in the past in competition?
Some lesser series require that the orignal transmission be used. In that case possible mods may be the removal of every other tooth on the synchros (NOT RECOMMENDED FOR STREET USE), stronger gears and shafts, and upgraded bearings. These are not cheap, and not necessary for street use.
Last edited by Lynn; Mar 17, 2003 at 11:47 AM.
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Re: Re: 02' Sports Coupe Transmission
Originally posted by Lynn
I doubt that the synchros are shot. Almost all new MB six speed coupes grind in the first to second shift when new. It usually goes away after a few thousand miles. If you think yours is excessive, have the dealer check it out. Some people have had their transmissions repaired or replaced under warranty.
By the way, it is possible the "beat the synchros" when speed shifting almost any street transmission.
I doubt that the synchros are shot. Almost all new MB six speed coupes grind in the first to second shift when new. It usually goes away after a few thousand miles. If you think yours is excessive, have the dealer check it out. Some people have had their transmissions repaired or replaced under warranty.
By the way, it is possible the "beat the synchros" when speed shifting almost any street transmission.
.
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From: York, PA
2003 C230K Sport Coupe, 1986 190E 2.3
My tranny only grinds when my left foot gets ahead of my right hand. I have slipped a couple of times and let the clutch out a hair early missing the gear and causing a slight grind, but have never ever had it grind on a normal shift from 1st to 2nd or any other gear. If it grinds with the clutch all the way in then there is some problem, take it to the dealer, that is what the warranty is for.
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From: Ohio
2010 C300 4matic
Originally posted by mctwin2kman
My tranny only grinds when my left foot gets ahead of my right hand.
My tranny only grinds when my left foot gets ahead of my right hand.
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Re: Re: Re: 02' Sports Coupe Transmission
Originally posted by MarkL
Why do you say "almost all new MB six speeds" grind from 1st to 2nd when new? And, what would happen in a few thousand miles to make it stop? I've never had that problem with my C240 regardless of ambient temperature. This grinding is either a transmission problem or "operator error".
Why do you say "almost all new MB six speeds" grind from 1st to 2nd when new? And, what would happen in a few thousand miles to make it stop? I've never had that problem with my C240 regardless of ambient temperature. This grinding is either a transmission problem or "operator error"
.
There seems to be a serious variation in MB transmissions. Some never do this, but most do to some degree. Some are so bad that they have been rebuilt or replaced.
Mechanical break in is what causes it to stop after a few thousand miles. The synchros develop wear patterns which allow them to engage more easily.
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From: Atlanta, GA
C230 coupe 6sp
Mine has ground since it was new, and the car has 16,000 miles on it now. It is better than it was, but still poor by most modern standards. They replaced the 2nd gear syncro once already, and it did not help. I think some people get lucky (or unlucky) with these transmissions. The MB rep told me that these trans do not like to be shifted slowly. ie, at a leisurely rate from 1st to 2nd, and that seems to be true for mine. If I shift it slowly, it will often catch a little between 1st and 2nd. When the car is warmed up, it shifts better. It is in the shop right now for the high oil consumption problem. He said they were probably going to have to take the engine apart to determine the cause. Other than the engine and transmission, I really like this car
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You may want to replace the gearbox oil in your Coupe with a synthetic 75W90 API 4. Do not use API 5 as the hypoid additive (which contains an acid) will degrade the synchros. API 5 is fine for the rear differential.
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From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
No issues with mine. The thing definately takes a practiced hand from first to second thou. The 'sprung' gearshifter takes some getting used to.
As far as the rest of the car goes, its been great- no problems except a cracked button on the steering wheel- couldn't even see it until the backlighting was on at night.
Checked my oil over the weekend...after over 8000 miles it hasn't even used a half a quart-more like a quater. I expected to have some oil usage being its a new car, break in and all that- but so far, its been virtually NOTHING.
As far as the rest of the car goes, its been great- no problems except a cracked button on the steering wheel- couldn't even see it until the backlighting was on at night.
Checked my oil over the weekend...after over 8000 miles it hasn't even used a half a quart-more like a quater. I expected to have some oil usage being its a new car, break in and all that- but so far, its been virtually NOTHING.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 20
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From: Boston
Porsche 911
Grinding 5th
I was driving today and accelerating out of an intersection, I got up to 5th gear and all i heard was grinding, this happened twice more then I turned and headed for the dealership. Anyone else have a similar experience? smelled burning too, hope that wasn't me...
-C
-C
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From: Vienna, Austria
Audi S4
My tranny liked to grind into second, especially when cold. However the dealer has reduced fluid level twice, and it has since gotten much better since. The only mod I know of I a UUC Motorwerks short shifter that is under development (tommy has the details)
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From: Abingdon, MD
Hey Lynn thanks for your response. I will look around and see what else I can find out. Thank you for the names.
As far as the history has gone. I have 26k on my car, I am used to the 1-2 shift. The first 3k the shifts were tight but not crunchy. Now, in the late 25k, it will literally "CRUNCH" regardless of shift style when cold. Not get stick and require force, it just makes a noise.
Then depending on the day, will either crunch all day or not. It is off and on but not due to lame shifts. My trans has seemed to dislike calm, casual shifts from day one. I am bringing it in to the dealer tomorrow to see what they say.
The times that I grinded the 1-2, was driver error, I kept the gas pedal to the floor, and just "jabbed" the clutch enough to get the shift in. Get it right and the car surges forward real nice, miss it and obviously, "griiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind. I've only missed a couple times but I don't know how much damage it could cause.
KLEEMANN, thanks for the gear oil advice. Is there a better brand of synthetic?
As far as the history has gone. I have 26k on my car, I am used to the 1-2 shift. The first 3k the shifts were tight but not crunchy. Now, in the late 25k, it will literally "CRUNCH" regardless of shift style when cold. Not get stick and require force, it just makes a noise.
Then depending on the day, will either crunch all day or not. It is off and on but not due to lame shifts. My trans has seemed to dislike calm, casual shifts from day one. I am bringing it in to the dealer tomorrow to see what they say.
The times that I grinded the 1-2, was driver error, I kept the gas pedal to the floor, and just "jabbed" the clutch enough to get the shift in. Get it right and the car surges forward real nice, miss it and obviously, "griiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind. I've only missed a couple times but I don't know how much damage it could cause.
KLEEMANN, thanks for the gear oil advice. Is there a better brand of synthetic?
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 207
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From: MI
2003 C230K, 6 spd, Brilliant Silver, C-5, C-7, CD changer
Originally posted by nukblazi
Hey Lynn thanks for your response. I will look around and see what else I can find out. Thank you for the names.
As far as the history has gone. I have 26k on my car, I am used to the 1-2 shift. The first 3k the shifts were tight but not crunchy. Now, in the late 25k, it will literally "CRUNCH" regardless of shift style when cold. Not get stick and require force, it just makes a noise.
Then depending on the day, will either crunch all day or not. It is off and on but not due to lame shifts. My trans has seemed to dislike calm, casual shifts from day one. I am bringing it in to the dealer tomorrow to see what they say.
The times that I grinded the 1-2, was driver error, I kept the gas pedal to the floor, and just "jabbed" the clutch enough to get the shift in. Get it right and the car surges forward real nice, miss it and obviously, "griiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind. I've only missed a couple times but I don't know how much damage it could cause.
KLEEMANN, thanks for the gear oil advice. Is there a better brand of synthetic?
Hey Lynn thanks for your response. I will look around and see what else I can find out. Thank you for the names.
As far as the history has gone. I have 26k on my car, I am used to the 1-2 shift. The first 3k the shifts were tight but not crunchy. Now, in the late 25k, it will literally "CRUNCH" regardless of shift style when cold. Not get stick and require force, it just makes a noise.
Then depending on the day, will either crunch all day or not. It is off and on but not due to lame shifts. My trans has seemed to dislike calm, casual shifts from day one. I am bringing it in to the dealer tomorrow to see what they say.
The times that I grinded the 1-2, was driver error, I kept the gas pedal to the floor, and just "jabbed" the clutch enough to get the shift in. Get it right and the car surges forward real nice, miss it and obviously, "griiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind. I've only missed a couple times but I don't know how much damage it could cause.
KLEEMANN, thanks for the gear oil advice. Is there a better brand of synthetic?
Different oils may change the characterisitcs slightly (i.e. won't do it until a certain temp is reached) but will not fix the problem.
1 or 2 grinds from mistakes will not generally ruin a synchro, it's not good for it, but it usually takes more than 1 or 2 "oops I missed" shifts to destroy one.
There are obvious problems with many of these transmissions, press the dealer for a complete new gearbox if they don't offer to replace it.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...nodog+and+6spd
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