Gear change problem on my 1996-Manual-C230

[MercMart0802]

Hello everyone, I am a newbie and I need your assistance asap...

I bought my C230 elegance estate a week ago, It has done 162k miles but with full mb history that didn't concern me, as i picked up the car for a mere £485, just because it'd been sitting for sometime. However, the guy i bought the car off, said that when thay went to move yard location, the C230 clutch went, so they replaced it, and since then not moved.

My new baby fired up no probs, and everything works.. bit of tlc etc required... I've done over 700 miles in her already.... Tonight, she developed a problem.. I had noticed when in gear alot of movement in the gearstick, but gears selected no problem, drives smooth no noises...

Then tonight, I pulled off from a junction (in first), then 2nd no probs, but when i tried to shift to 3rd gear stick appeared to move into neutrel arrear but would not select 3rd? when i took my foot off clutch, it was still in 2nd? i since found as i needed to get around, that if i skip 2nd now, go to 3rd,4th & 5th is no problem, into 2nd is no problem, getting out again apart from to 1st, won't happen? any help? as i said gears are smooth and clutch feels fine?

I'm hoping its not a replacement gearbox because, i've fallen for my 1st merc, please help asap!!!

 

[BlackC55]

This will be a cheap fix. The bushes on the selector rods just need replacing.

 

[television]

As always Black knows that one,, just new bushes on a shaft, thats all that needs doing

 

[MercMart0802]

Ah, thanks guys... Great to here it, had car a week, but love it... How easy or accesible are they? is it a case of taking off gear stick and gater? or... any suggestions on doing it myself, if poss, would be great Cheers for getting back to me so quick too black & Malcolm.

Martin

 

[MercMart0802]

And best place to get them?? Dealership? Or available elsewhere?
Martin

 

[television]

Parts only from MB

I may be able to print off the work sheet

 

[MercMart0802]

that'd be excellent if ya could. Thankyou again

 

[MercMart0802]

ANy joy with the worksheet?

MercMart0802

 

[MercMart0802]

Hello, for anyone suffering the same problem.. Bushes 98p each from dealer, I made mistake of dismantling the top gear stick and all, easiest way is from underneath. however now these are changed, i have a new problem.. I can't use 1st at all, as if rod is not reaching, 2nd just about useable... So i am going back under car tomorrow to see if bush on other end of rod is worn too... if anyone knows of this prob please advise.. ta.

 

[MercMart0802]

Right, unbeleivably simple problem after all this!!!
The allen key headed screw which attaches arm to gearbox was loose!!! fixed in 5 mins!! its 6mm Allen Key...
Problem solved!!

 

[television]

Sorry that I let you down with the work sheet, too much sometimes.

So pleased that its fixed and this has been up before, once late last year. I must remember that one,,thanks for posting back.

 

[type49]

Make sure the 3 rods are perfectly lined up. In neutral, you should be able to pass a 3mm (I think) drill/allen key through the links comming from the bottom of the gearstick. (from underneath the car) This can make a big difference to gearchanges.

 

[BlackC55]

Excellent!