First Mercedes and some advice please

[Howard1]

Hi, I have posted one question and awaiting a reply, but I thought that someone might be able to help a first time buyer. I bought a 190E about two months ago. It's a 'K' reg, Red and nearly imaculate. Apart from th eproblem with the Seat belt lights, it seems to be fine. However, I was reading a note from someone on here, who said that you had to get used to the gear box. What did he mean? I have noticed that I get a sort of 'Clunk' when I release the clutch, not every time and usually when changing from first to second. Does the transmission need oil? If so, I have a Haynes Manual, but my problem is knowing where the oil box is, in relation to the engine, where do I find it? The book tells me what to do, but does not show where these places are. I know that the engine is under the bonnet, but there is no indication of what to look for or where it is situated. Can someone help? Up to now, I have only ever changed a wheel and put oil and water in a car.
Thanks Howard

 

[Arnie]

Hello,

The "clunk" can be a number of things and it is not possible to diagnose without a test-drive and possibly a car-ramp to be able to look underneath. The clunk could even be due to worn prop-shaft joints or the support bearing, which is why you really need to look underneath.

The gearbox lies directly under the gearstick, in the transmission-tunnel and you will need to lift the car to be able to get under there, where you will then find the fill-plug and the drain-plug for the oil. It's not a nice job, particularly if you've not done it before, as the fill plug is not very accessible and unless you have a pump, getting the oil in with the standard filler bottle is messy. Try to remove the filler-plug before the drain-plug, incase it's stuck.

I suppose that "getting used to the gearbox" means that it's not a BMW. While their autos are second-to none, MB were never much good at making a smooth-shifting manual box.

 

[Howard1]

first mercedes

Thankyou Arnie for your help. As I have spinal arthritis, I do not think I will be able to even attempt the jobs as they appear to involve getting underneath and I have no pit or lifting gear. Thanks anyway and I will try to explain to whoever is willing to try it.
Warmest regards Howard

 

[Arnie]

Howard,

No, Problem.

Hopefully, you will find it's nothing much, as the cars are quite robust.

There are also some good independant garages that are often mentioned on this forum and it may be worth going to one of those.

Regards
Arnold.

 

[willydog]

hi howard

mine goes clunck as well when you change from 1st - 2nd, i think it
is due to wear with prop-shaft as mine has done over 100k.

my mechanic has just left it as i have learnt to live with it.