QDP

Car has been sitting for three years, bought at lien sale. replaced gas, battery, new oil, coolant, engine runs great, car otherwise clean @ 120K miles. No known past history. Motor is fine, runs well, smooth, but four speed AT tranny will NOT go into fourth gear.
Noticed tranny fluids were low, so we topped it off before test drive.
Really bummed, was quoted $1600 to rebuild, $300 labor to replace
In Long Beach, CA.
All other speeds incl. R work fine, so I'm wondering:

Total rebuild required?
or Purchase a used AT tranny and swap out? Lots of choices available at LA recyclers, dismantlers, & a few priv parties
which leads me to ask about upgrades? Perhaps consider younger model five sp. AT - or even six speed AT trannies (if available) Big question: can these units be substituted for the 4 sp,., or will this create electric/computer, etc probs down the road?

I appreciate your comments!
Feel free to add comments/your experiences- if you know where I can get a good deal. Obviously price is very important in these times, otherwise I would not be buying a lien sale car, right?

Quentin

124-Fan

This is not an uncommon complaint. The fact is, that these transmissions take off in second gear by default so many drivers tend to think the 4th gear is missing. In order to make it take off in 1st. gear you must either move the shift lever all the way back when you take off or push the pedal almost all the way down to the floor..
-Hope this solves your problem.
-Cheers.

latief

5 speed and six speed will not work (computer operated vs. vacuum operated)....

Watch out when/if you buy a used one...your car (as mine) has the 722.4 transmission which is slightly shorter/smaller than the majority of 4 speeds (722.3) transmissions....

QDP

Thanks, def. missing fourth, on the freeway revs just too high, even when I manually shift. Thx also for the model info, will be looking for that. No recycle yard/dismantlers ID tips for the 722.4? There are a couple W124s with 7o-85K miles, how can I tell? Year, VIN number spec? tranny #s?

Thx

Quicksilver500

Actually the 2.8 is the first m104 so it starts in first. You should be ~3000RPM ~80mph.

QDP

got a great used tranny installed, low mileage, runs fantastic, should I add Zmax to tranny oil for better lubrication/less wear? I trust this stuff in gas tank, witnessed marked/ increased mileage and leaner/better performance.

Btw, thx for all your help! Much appreciated.

taughtmepatienc

What shop did you take it to in Long Beach?

QDP

Love the guy, Bob at Werkstat West on 1430 W PCH, (562) 432-7379
Extensive knowledge, great prices, fast completion. Forget German Auto, Merc Dealers, and any other here. Their quotes 3 x as high....

Sherman321

I would use no additives in the transmission. Just change the fluid every 40k or so and you should be fine.

taughtmepatienc

Thanks! I've been looking for a good german indie in LB.