Hi,
I have a 94 model E220 Coupe which seems to be idling low.



I don't remember it being like that all the time, though I can be wrong. Also, when I noticed this I noticed the car idle really bad, and now the idle is somewhat better but still not very good (in D, in P it idles fine). I know the engine mounts are gone, but should it be idling this low?

Also, the gearbox sometimes feels smoother/rougher than other times. Could the low idle be gearbox related? (4 speed auto)

The car has 60,000 miles, owned since new and is very well maintained.

 

In P/N it is going to idle closer to the specced 750ish RPM. In drive, with drag from the transmission it is going to idle a bit lower. It looks almost exactly the same as my m104 300ce.

I think you are okay with the idle.

Can you describe the gearbox issue better?

 

The gearbox, it would always shift fairly harshly, and then all of a sudden the shifts became a lot smoother. Vacuum lines were checked and were ok, also the modulator was ok.

Another issue with the gearbox is that it jerks when it goes into D or R

 

Harshly between which gears? On mine its between 2-3 but there is an updated spring kit I can buy to fix that issue.

I flushed my trans and replaced the fluid/filter and its much smoother overall now.

If it is getting rough when going to D/R you could need to have it adjusted or rebuilt.

 

1st to 2nd is the harshest, 2nd to 3rd is smoother and 3rd to 4th is smoother still.
They shifts are not very harsh, just not seem-less like the newer cars. I guess these autos were never the smoothest of shifting?

My gearbox was also flushed recently.
The car has only 60,000 miles. You think there is a chance it may need a rebuild?
Also, what adjustment do you mean?

 

Your idle speed is completely normal. These cars idle lower than most other cars you have probably driven. Engine mounts contribute significantly to rough idle, which is why you might feel there is a problem......

These transmissions are supposed to have a little kick to them. I wouldn't call it not smooth at all, just different. They shift under full load as opposed to most automatic "slush-boxes". As long as it's not flaring or slipping at higher rpm shifts, you're fine.

 

No it doesn't slip at all.
At full throttle from 1st to 2nd it changes at 5700rpm or so, and it gives a push that accelerates the car about 10km/h before full engaging 2nd

 

Here are the shots of where my engine tachs at idle in D and N respectively.
I think you are describing the normal behavior of the trans in these cars. I'd have to film my tach while i drive to make sure that you're experiencing the same thing as I, but maybe I can do it a bit later.

I know that there is a cable or valve that can be adjusted on the trans that can determine how much kick the shifts have. I rather like the kick actually. These engines have a nice pull to them once they get going

 

Our gearboxes should be different though, mine being only 2.2 4 cylinder engine.
Do you have a 4 or 5 speed?
I think my car idle slightly higher in P and N than yours.
Also, when in P or N, I notice the tacho needle moving ever so slightly, does this mean the car is missing or something?

 

I have 4spd (I think 722.3), with 3.07 final drive gear.

Does your car feel like it is surging or is it still smooth when the needle is moving?

 

In D the car idles pretty rough, in R it idles better, and in P it's fairly smooth but you can feel the tiniest bit of surging as the needle moves up and down.
It moves very slightly though, I am guessing something in the vicinity of 30-40rpm or so in total