Are there any tricks to this? 1>2>3>4?
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1987 300E
Are there any tricks to this? 1>2>3>4?
I'm frankly quite tired already of my transmission. I have a 1987 300e with m103 - and this transmission blows. I cannot get it to shift from 1st to 2nd and hold it there, it almost always quick shifts up again to 3rd. Anyone have any advice here? I just want it to be responsive for the speed I'm going (i.e. around town).
Highways I have no problems with.
Highways I have no problems with.
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1987 300E
Samesies.
Mine has 2/3/D/N/R/P. When I lock it into 2 though it will usually go into first - if at a dead stop.
** Update ** I was driving to rugby practice tonight and I had an immense amount of stutter from the engine. Anything 3/4 throttle and it bogged BAD. Anymore and it would kick down to the next gear, and less and no big deal.
When I was leaving practice the idiot light came on, and the symptoms seemed to intensify. It didn't feel like fuel cut - it felt like something was really holding back the engine...
I'm kinda upset, it was running so well too.
Mine has 2/3/D/N/R/P. When I lock it into 2 though it will usually go into first - if at a dead stop.
** Update ** I was driving to rugby practice tonight and I had an immense amount of stutter from the engine. Anything 3/4 throttle and it bogged BAD. Anymore and it would kick down to the next gear, and less and no big deal.
When I was leaving practice the idiot light came on, and the symptoms seemed to intensify. It didn't feel like fuel cut - it felt like something was really holding back the engine...
I'm kinda upset, it was running so well too.
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1987 300E
Yes, you are correct. It does so in 1st gear no troubles.
However, it's when I shift into 2nd - no matter where in the rev range it will quickly shift to 3rd. -That's- what is bugging me.
However, it's when I shift into 2nd - no matter where in the rev range it will quickly shift to 3rd. -That's- what is bugging me.
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From: OR
1990 300e, 1985 635csi
GB, try adjusting your transmissions bowden cable. The adjuster is white I believe, and its the one above the intake manifold for cyl 6. Should be viewable without removing airbox.
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2004.7 C180 Kompressor, BMW X5, Chevrolet Camaro LT, Mercedes S, Cesna 152.
Probably a modulator, however check that the "bowden" cable is properly adjusted (this is the cable that does the "kick-down" and also goes to a vacuum /valve.It is simple to adjust, basically with the engine turned OFF, check that the 2 pointers (like arrows) align, (one is on the cable). Being a Merc it pays to have the tranny properly serviced, and its filter changed at least every 2 years though Merc says 60,000k's. And the one thing that will kill a merc transmission is the WRONG oil, it has to be according to the spec sheet which is in your user manual.(lots of tranny shops use anything!) Also check the dipstick for discoloration/and or burnt smell.
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1987 300E
Thank you for all the info and helpful stuff.
I just finished flushing the transmission and used Dexron 3 and a fresh filter when I changed it out. I think I may have adjusted the throttle/cable - I followed the instructions to the letter, but definitely worth going back and double checking.
I just finished flushing the transmission and used Dexron 3 and a fresh filter when I changed it out. I think I may have adjusted the throttle/cable - I followed the instructions to the letter, but definitely worth going back and double checking.
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1990 300ce 24v I6
I never noticed any effect with RPM, but when I had my trans flushed and new fluid & filter installed, it was certainly noticeably more smooth and snappy with shifts, and seemed more responsive (shift length). My mechanic may have tweaked the Bowden at the same time to add that behavior, but hey.
Let us know how things turned out after that bit of maintenance.
Let us know how things turned out after that bit of maintenance.
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1987 300E
Hey neanderthal!
It seems like it does alright - I just hate that it's so gutless, the economy gauge can be all the way in the red and it feels like it's barely moving. Pretty disappointing.
The hesitation is still there though @ ~ 75% throttle it just bogs terribly.
I have not yet gotten to adjust the bowden cable - we've been under about 6in of snow recently so I'm just focused on day-to-day stuff.
The next time I take it into the bay it's getting O2 sensor, fuel filter, timing cover gasket, and front flex plate - and it will be then that I can break down and really get at it.
Let me ask you a question, I followed the instructions in this thread: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w124...on-cables.html
And the result is what I'm currently experiencing. What did I do wrong?
It seems like it does alright - I just hate that it's so gutless, the economy gauge can be all the way in the red and it feels like it's barely moving. Pretty disappointing.
The hesitation is still there though @ ~ 75% throttle it just bogs terribly.
I have not yet gotten to adjust the bowden cable - we've been under about 6in of snow recently so I'm just focused on day-to-day stuff.
The next time I take it into the bay it's getting O2 sensor, fuel filter, timing cover gasket, and front flex plate - and it will be then that I can break down and really get at it.
Let me ask you a question, I followed the instructions in this thread: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w124...on-cables.html
And the result is what I'm currently experiencing. What did I do wrong?
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1987 300E
-Update-
I put it up on the lift last night and did the O2 sensor and fuel filter. I had my mechanic buddy look at the trans/throttle cables and he played with it a bit, fixed almost all of the hesitation (the last little bit could easily be the "arrows aligned" and I can do that when I get another crack at it.
He adjusted my throttle cable to 100% taught, but now my fuel economy took a crap. Normal? It seems odd that I would get WORSE fuel economy with a fresh fuel filter and O2 sensor..
I put it up on the lift last night and did the O2 sensor and fuel filter. I had my mechanic buddy look at the trans/throttle cables and he played with it a bit, fixed almost all of the hesitation (the last little bit could easily be the "arrows aligned" and I can do that when I get another crack at it.
He adjusted my throttle cable to 100% taught, but now my fuel economy took a crap. Normal? It seems odd that I would get WORSE fuel economy with a fresh fuel filter and O2 sensor..
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From: OR
1990 300e, 1985 635csi
How are you measuring your fuel economy? The gauge, or gas station plus odometer? My gauge pegs the red everytime I touch the gas since adjusting my cables, but I know its not that bad comparatively.
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1987 300E
Yeah I just finished calculating everything and it's a little less than 22mpg (using the ODO and my receipt for calculations) with 40% city and 60% highway - so fairly mixed driving.
Is that about what you're getting?
Is that about what you're getting?
Last edited by GB300E; Feb 16, 2014 at 09:41 AM.
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1987 300E
Quick update: I think this is what you're talking about?
And I changed it to this:
So, no arrows, but I'm fairly sure that's what you're talking about. And it was a small adjustment so let's hope that was it!
Also, because I know the opinions on these are the entirety of the bell-curve on here:
New Projectors with HID @ 5000k!
I admit, they aren't the most beautiful things out there, but the light output is incredible compared to the stockers!
And I changed it to this:
So, no arrows, but I'm fairly sure that's what you're talking about. And it was a small adjustment so let's hope that was it!
Also, because I know the opinions on these are the entirety of the bell-curve on here:
New Projectors with HID @ 5000k!
I admit, they aren't the most beautiful things out there, but the light output is incredible compared to the stockers!
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From: OR
1990 300e, 1985 635csi
I honestly don't think the arrows need to line up. If you think about it, it can spin multiple times before being fully adjusted either way, so then that would make for several "correct" positions.
I need to do the same to get an accurate mpg reading. I'll post up the results. But the gauge is always in the read barely, even when coasting downhill. Is that normal?
Your car is coming along nicely, I like the side markers and the projector lights (outer) what are the lights closer to the grill? Fogs?
I need to do the same to get an accurate mpg reading. I'll post up the results. But the gauge is always in the read barely, even when coasting downhill. Is that normal?
Your car is coming along nicely, I like the side markers and the projector lights (outer) what are the lights closer to the grill? Fogs?
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1987 300E
I honestly don't think the arrows need to line up. If you think about it, it can spin multiple times before being fully adjusted either way, so then that would make for several "correct" positions.
I need to do the same to get an accurate mpg reading. I'll post up the results. But the gauge is always in the read barely, even when coasting downhill. Is that normal?
Your car is coming along nicely, I like the side markers and the projector lights (outer) what are the lights closer to the grill? Fogs?
I need to do the same to get an accurate mpg reading. I'll post up the results. But the gauge is always in the read barely, even when coasting downhill. Is that normal?
Your car is coming along nicely, I like the side markers and the projector lights (outer) what are the lights closer to the grill? Fogs?
Yeah to be honest I'm not sure either! I just finished 180 miles today from Asheville to Athens GA and the trans issue is largely gone! Crazy, huh? Only one very minor occurrence of surge - and it was over shortly. So I guess the adjustment worked.
Definitely only used 1/2 a tank to get here - so ~ 25.7MPG. @ avg of 75mpg
The lights closest to the grill on the bottom are the parking lights, and the upper is the high-beams. I freaking love them! The light output is incredible. Not as clean as projectors I have had in the past, but about 350% better than stock. And I got them on eBay for $120 shipped
(found a heck of a deal on them and won with the 1st and only bid)
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From: OR
1990 300e, 1985 635csi
Wow that is a great deal. The DOT headlights are terrible, just upgrading to the euros doubled my light output. It may just be me, but I think it would look even better if the inner reflectors were yellow. Then again I'm biased and would run the DOTs with just the actual glass lense yellow if my states laws allowed.
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1987 300E
For sure dude; if I weren't so lazy I would uninstall them and open them up to modify like crazy - but as they do their job pretty well and I have almost zero free time these days, I'm going to reserve my mod time to things like this:
Hopefully tomorrow in-between practice and heading back to Athens (hopefully! fingers crossed my scores were good enough). I think I'll attempt the timing cover seal whilst I'm at it. *gulp*
Hopefully tomorrow in-between practice and heading back to Athens (hopefully! fingers crossed my scores were good enough). I think I'll attempt the timing cover seal whilst I'm at it. *gulp*
Last edited by GB300E; Feb 17, 2014 at 10:14 PM.
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1987 300E
Hit some unsustainable complete fall-flat-on-face stuttering in stop and go traffic. Had to reset the trans/throttle cables. Worked greatly - though still ever so minor hesitation.
I can't tell if the trans is slipping/or hesitating. It is pretty old - 175K
Negative bromosexual - my gauge is only in the red on initial takeoff. Otherwise it's mostly halfway, or completely on the black end. Even doing 70mph, barely off the black end of the needle.
I can't tell if the trans is slipping/or hesitating. It is pretty old - 175K
Negative bromosexual - my gauge is only in the red on initial takeoff. Otherwise it's mostly halfway, or completely on the black end. Even doing 70mph, barely off the black end of the needle.
Last edited by GB300E; Feb 21, 2014 at 12:40 PM.
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From: OR
1990 300e, 1985 635csi
After researching, I found out that the econ gauge is run via vacuum, so I'm thinking the closer to red it reads at idle the bigger the leak in your vacuum system.
Stuttering and hesistation? Try this if you can http:// http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w124-e-ce-d-td-class/1231077-fuel-mixture-adjustment.html
I did it last night, and driving to an out of town dance competition (
) I noticed an increase in mpg, a pretty significant one considering I didn't even go that far and it was pretty noticable.
Stuttering and hesistation? Try this if you can http:// http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w124-e-ce-d-td-class/1231077-fuel-mixture-adjustment.html
I did it last night, and driving to an out of town dance competition (
) I noticed an increase in mpg, a pretty significant one considering I didn't even go that far and it was pretty noticable.
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1987 300E
Update for the day:
Got underneath the old girl and changed out the front flex disk. Thanks be to the forums for all the helpful info. I would have been largely f*cked without it.
Anywho onto the pictures -
New Lemfoerder unit, all shiny and pretty up in there
The old unit was banging around almost every shift, the bearings were so loose they were slopping around in there with only hand-force, and oh hey would you look at that. A gigantic crack which could have caused it to grenade and ruin my bellhousing.
Other than that, I'm narrowing down on the right trans setup for me - I'm about 95% satisfied with how it runs and it's all minutia from here on out.
Happy MB owner, for now
Got underneath the old girl and changed out the front flex disk. Thanks be to the forums for all the helpful info. I would have been largely f*cked without it.
Anywho onto the pictures -
New Lemfoerder unit, all shiny and pretty up in there
The old unit was banging around almost every shift, the bearings were so loose they were slopping around in there with only hand-force, and oh hey would you look at that. A gigantic crack which could have caused it to grenade and ruin my bellhousing.
Other than that, I'm narrowing down on the right trans setup for me - I'm about 95% satisfied with how it runs and it's all minutia from here on out.
Happy MB owner, for now
