SL/R107: New member, couple of questions.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2
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From: Chicago, IL
1982 280SL
New member, couple of questions.
Just got the latest project, a 1982 euro spec 280sl. The car is in fair shape with high miles - about 150k. It runs good but I think needs a decent tune up. This is my first Mercedes, but am familiar with european cars - mostly BMW's but also Jaguars.
Questions - and I did look through the older posts on the board first.
1) Service manual - I looked on e-bay and there a various versions on CD, from the descriptions some look similar, some look different and there is a wide range in price. Is there any particular disc to look for that you have had success with, or any to avoid??
2) The transmission seems sluggish, both in engaging and (not as much) in shifting. Is this a know problem and is there an easy fix. With the BMW's they say if the trans has not had regular maintenance or if you don't know you can do more harm than good with a fluid & filter change. Does the same hold true for Mercedes??
Thanks in advance for any input.
BTW - first thing I did was to crack one of the glass euro headlight lenses. I was able to find a great price at carparts4you.com if anyone is looking for a good supplier.
Questions - and I did look through the older posts on the board first.
1) Service manual - I looked on e-bay and there a various versions on CD, from the descriptions some look similar, some look different and there is a wide range in price. Is there any particular disc to look for that you have had success with, or any to avoid??
2) The transmission seems sluggish, both in engaging and (not as much) in shifting. Is this a know problem and is there an easy fix. With the BMW's they say if the trans has not had regular maintenance or if you don't know you can do more harm than good with a fluid & filter change. Does the same hold true for Mercedes??
Thanks in advance for any input.
BTW - first thing I did was to crack one of the glass euro headlight lenses. I was able to find a great price at carparts4you.com if anyone is looking for a good supplier.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20
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Did I understand you to mean that you will not change transmission fluid and filter because BMW does not recommend such if there has been little or no transmission maintenance? 
While I dont doubt what you may have heard, and I dont know BMW, but this sounds ludicrous to me and by not changing fluid and filter will guarantee a shorter life anyway as transmission fluid gets old, it also looses it's ability to lubricate as well. I have never heard anyone on any of the MB forums speak of such related to MB.
Change your tranny fluid and filter. Dont forget that you will need also to drain the torque converter as well. You will find a plastic removable screen on the bottom of the bell housing. With a screw driver you should be able to turn the converter until you see the small hex drain plug come into view.
If you plan to keep this car for a long time, I recommend that you use synthetic type transmission fluid, and while your at it, change the rear end differential oil as well and also with synthetic Mobile One diff oil. It is a known fact that synthetic oils are superior to dino oils and with a high milage car, it will help things last longer. You should also change power steering fluid, (note: there is a filter in the power steering pump you should change also) and you should do a complete brake fluid flush every two years.
Good Luck........DB
While I dont doubt what you may have heard, and I dont know BMW, but this sounds ludicrous to me and by not changing fluid and filter will guarantee a shorter life anyway as transmission fluid gets old, it also looses it's ability to lubricate as well. I have never heard anyone on any of the MB forums speak of such related to MB.
Change your tranny fluid and filter. Dont forget that you will need also to drain the torque converter as well. You will find a plastic removable screen on the bottom of the bell housing. With a screw driver you should be able to turn the converter until you see the small hex drain plug come into view.
If you plan to keep this car for a long time, I recommend that you use synthetic type transmission fluid, and while your at it, change the rear end differential oil as well and also with synthetic Mobile One diff oil. It is a known fact that synthetic oils are superior to dino oils and with a high milage car, it will help things last longer. You should also change power steering fluid, (note: there is a filter in the power steering pump you should change also) and you should do a complete brake fluid flush every two years.
Good Luck........DB
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
1982 280SL
Yes, the newer BMW's that I have had for the last 10 years come with "lifetime transmission fluid", now while many enthusiasts dispute this the conventional wisdom is that if you don't do regular maintenance, then a high milage (75k+) flush & new fluid may dislodge deposits and create more problems that it prevents. As always opinions are split 50/50 on what to do.
On the 280SL I think I'll follow your recommendation and refill with synthetic fluid.
Thanks also for your tip on the drain plug for the torque converter, I never would have know about that.
On the 280SL I think I'll follow your recommendation and refill with synthetic fluid.
Thanks also for your tip on the drain plug for the torque converter, I never would have know about that.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2004
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'81 380SL/dual cam chain-LT4 vette-Z06 ('03) vette-I need a bigger garage....
There is a little modulator adjustment 'doo-hicky' on the side of the transmission. I believe it is under a small cover. One simply uses a screwdriver, if I remember correctly, to turn the stem CW or CCW to shift firmer or softer. I have done it a couple of times but I can't remember the exact location.
