golfinator

Hello from Atlanta! My transmission with 232k mi has been slowly getting worse going into reverse. When it's cold, it shifts a lot quicker. The hotter it gets, the more of a delay. It's got to the point I don't park with the nose lower than the tail. This started about a year ago. My parts guy told me the seals were going. Does this sound right? Any ideas on cost to repair? Thanks for your reply.

shdoug

There's a ton of info on this very topic using the search function. Enter the word "reverse", select the W124 section, and settle in for some serious reading. Basically, the transmission will require an overhaul. I can't remember the name of the exact part but I think it's a clutch pack. I believe the cost of the repair is around $1200-$1500.

My condolences. Very common on the W124.

golfinator

Thanks for the condolences. Glad I got my mileage out of it.

shdoug

You've done the fan clutch, don't give up on it now! Mine had the same reverse issue and also developed a leak in the AC evaporator. Also the body was not the best. If yours is otherwise clean $1500 is not bad for something you can drive for a while longer. It all depends on the condition.

My reverse was slow but never went out so I don't know how much longer it would have lasted. It's interesting that mine was slow in cold weather and not so much in hot weather, just the opposite of yours.

ksing44

I had my leaky seals done, but I wish I had not. The flush and fill left me with a shift flair. I think they can leak and it really isn't the thing that is causing your reverse problem. Don't do what i did and fix the seals to get a leak free transmission that needs a rebuild. Just get the rebuild when the car gives in or when you just take it any more worrying that your car may leave you stranded.

golfinator

Thanks guys for the encouragement and advice on the seals vs rebld. The 320 replace our '84 190E we had for 20 yrs. (yeah, I keep things a long time). My better half misses the 190's driveability, but I was constantly approaching it with some tool or another. Also, no air bags in Atlanta's traffic was a big concern.
The 320's title says Special and the car has SE whells and alum. sills. But there's an Alpine CD mounted int the trunk and I question if that is the oe location. Thanks again for your response.

shdoug

Mine was also an SE with the 6-spoke wheels and had the CD in the trunk. It worked flawlessly.

ksing44

SE for me too, with 6-spoke wheels, stainless door sills, 6 CD in trunk, phone, ....

Chappy

Welcome, ATL brother.

golfinator

WOW! Great look'in car, Chappy. Thanks for the pic. I know you're an Atlanta driver when I see the crash helmet!