5 speed box on 96 320 coupe

[adamcc]

I bought a 1996 320 coope in January (110k mls) and I now have a problem with the 5 speed auto. It will not change into 5th and when i approach a junction/roundabout it may stall . Any thoughts and who can i contact locally (Salisbury/Shaftesbury)? I appreciate that i may have to go to Mercedes Salisbury, but I am fearful it may result in a new box from MB costing more than I paid for the car!!! Thanks, Adam (ac@pcse.co.uk

 

[kth286]

Adam

Has it just started to play up. Have you been using the car much - how many miles have you personally done in the car ?

Is it just when the car is hot ?

What jobs/tinkering have been done to the car since you had it.

Just trying to get a fuller picture. No problems when you drove it home from initial purchase ?

Any warranty or private sale ?

My feeling is that you have been tinkering and pulled or split a brittle vacuum pipe somewhere.

Great cars though arent they.

Have a look around and if you are still stuck very happy to look for you.

 

[FELLOW]

Hmm I don't understand?

Approaching an island and finding 5th not changing down to 1st?

Does the car manually select normally on the J gate?

Does the car stall and occasionally not restart?

Are the gear changes lumpy?

Has anyone opened the "closed for life gearbox" and changed the oil?

Fith is a funy old gear - or at least mine is!

Have the Crank shaft sensor or MAF unit been replaced? Have you hooked up to diagnostic??

If it was me and playing up I'd call previous owners and garages to find the history, then find a good "independent" run diagnostics check change the CSS/MAF/Leads as required before playing with the box....if the box is the problem...I'm sure someone will be a long with a good gearbox centre...

 

[kth286]

FELLOW

It is an older generation car.

It is not the computer controlled box and it does have a dipstick.

All changes are controlled mechanically and fith is an electrical solenoid.

 

[rayhennig]

I agree

Yes, it is an older box similar or the same as that on my 300ce.

If the thing's cream crackered, try Colin Ferns in Richmond. He may still have a rather interesting, restored, start-in-first-gear replacement box for a reasonable price.

Do remember me to him!

RayH