E-Class (W124) 1984-1995: E 260, E 300, E 320, E 420, E 500 (Includes CE, T, TD models)

1st Gear downshift help mod? vacuum psi idle?

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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 06:36 AM
  #1  
epowers777's Avatar
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From: Forethill, Ca Northcal
85 euro w124 300d non turbo black on black......coming soon hx35 turbo intercooler
1st Gear downshift help mod? vacuum psi idle?

First ? is y doesnt my 300e 86 downshift to first reading and found there is a mod to do this.But cant find info on the mod.Somebody please help. when I punch the peadle it downshifts and will squeal the tire threw 1st and second.But when I start out slow it starts in second.

Second is whats the psi vacuum at idle. Trying to find if I have a vacuum leak?

ps sorry my space bar and keyboard broke on laptop
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 10:00 AM
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From: seattle
1990 300ce supercharged and intercooled
Just get a first gear start valve body in a junkyard. The modification on the valve body is a pain. You can pick up a valve body for less than you can get the modification done. You can also do it electrically. Add a switch to the detent solenoid. Or when you are at a stop just move the shifter down into low and while at a stop it will down shift to first. Then just move it back and go.
Vacuum at idle in neutral with no load should be around 12 inch of hg or better.
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 12:50 PM
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95' AMG SeeThreeSix
Originally Posted by whipplem104
Just get a first gear start valve body in a junkyard. The modification on the valve body is a pain. You can pick up a valve body for less than you can get the modification done. You can also do it electrically. Add a switch to the detent solenoid. Or when you are at a stop just move the shifter down into low and while at a stop it will down shift to first. Then just move it back and go.
Vacuum at idle in neutral with no load should be around 12 inch of hg or better.
This is actually interesting, what valve body would you recommend swapping the old out with, years, models etc? I bet after your TCM endeavor your quite a master with these trannys
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 03:07 PM
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500E Signal Rot
Originally Posted by appatula
This is actually interesting, what valve body would you recommend swapping the old out with, years, models etc? I bet after your TCM endeavor your quite a master with these trannys
The later model W124's started in 1st gear by default. I am not sure exactly when the W124 received this though, on the W201 it was 1992 and I have verified that the 1992/1993 300e's start in first gear, just not sure if the 1991 or 1990 models did.
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 04:24 PM
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85 euro w124 300d non turbo black on black......coming soon hx35 turbo intercooler
That does make sense. now when you say first gear valve body you talking about the vacuum modulator?If not can you tell me were it is on the tranny in the general spot and what it lookslike Ill find it. Also there is a cable you turn to shift earlier or later weres that and wich wy makes it shift later?
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 05:20 PM
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500E Signal Rot
It is under the transmission pan, might look a little different on your 300e, but this is how it looks on my 500e

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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 07:54 PM
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From: seattle
1990 300ce supercharged and intercooled
There are lots of different first gear start cars. I have a list somewhere. Most are the low power cars. For instance the 300sl or the 300e with the 2.6l motor.
I will see if I can find the list in my books.
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 10:32 PM
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From: Connecticut, New Haven
95' AMG SeeThreeSix
Originally Posted by whipplem104
There are lots of different first gear start cars. I have a list somewhere. Most are the low power cars. For instance the 300sl or the 300e with the 2.6l motor.
I will see if I can find the list in my books.
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 11:41 PM
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85 euro w124 300d non turbo black on black......coming soon hx35 turbo intercooler
Still havent found the valve body. Cleaned out my regulator that has the vaccumline to it. car runs and shifts great. Laying under the car feet under engine is it on the right or left or end. its not the down shift modular at the end right of the tranny?

Also the cable you turn to make the tranny shift ahrder is that the cable that is conected to the throttle

?? Can I take the down shift button under the peddle and move it so I can hit it??
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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 06:51 AM
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From: Huntsville, AL
2005 E320 CDI
Originally Posted by epowers777
Still havent found the valve body. Cleaned out my regulator that has the vaccumline to it. car runs and shifts great. Laying under the car feet under engine is it on the right or left or end. its not the down shift modular at the end right of the tranny?

Also the cable you turn to make the tranny shift ahrder is that the cable that is conected to the throttle

?? Can I take the down shift button under the peddle and move it so I can hit it??
You have to remove the transmission pan to access the valve body. It is held to the bottom of the transmission with about 15 bolts.

No need to move the down shift switch from under the pedal; just add another switch in parallel. I have not done this but it is a common mod.
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