Help have i bought a lemon 300te

[bis5]

Hi
just brought a 300te had it about a week 200,000 miles yes 200,000 the autobox seemed ok when i test drove the car but now it takes a long time to change up from 1st to 2nd but sometimes it`s ok i`ve only tryed it in E mode .
i`m not sure if it`s the way i`m driving it as some times if i take my foot off the gas it will change up.
is it worth changing the auto fluid and has it a filter.
any help please

 

[NormanB]

Hi bis 5....................

and welcome to the forum.

However I think the terms '200,000' miles and 'lemon' together form an oxymoron. Most other makes would be reverting to dust by now. But I take it you were joking!

There is absolutely no substitute to having an expert look at this problem. If you are anyway near Andy (Birmingham area) who contributes to this forum - I would give him a call.

I suppose the simplest thing to check in advance would be the state of the auto fluid in terms of colour and level. It is not straightforward to check the oil level and you need to follow the instructions in the owners manual very carefully.

I believe the transmission has a filter, but it is in the pan - I think (need to check the book myself on this one!).

Good luck!!

PS: It is quite normal for the auto box to change up as you ease off the gas following a period of acceleration - have you had an auto box before?

 

[bis5]

Hello Norman
Thanks for your reply .
yes was joking about the mileage as been told these go on for ever and only other auto i`ve driven was an old ford granada.
went to an auto box garage yesterday and without looking at the car was told i needed a new box ? i thought i would ask on this forum before i did anything.
Thanks Bis5

 

[Richard Moakes]

Do the engine revs rise whilst it is delaying the change from 1st to 2nd, or is it holding onto 1st longer than you expect.

If it is 'flaring', i.e. disengages 1st, revs rise, then engages 2nd, you may well have a problem that needs some specialist attention, although my first reaction would be to have the fluid and filter changes immediately.

When it changes, does it seem to slur or is the change rapid with a jolt?

Most importantly, go easy on it for a while, back off when you think it is about to change, get the fluid and filter changed, and then seek assistance from someone who knows these transmissions, not some profit hungry, component swapping shop.

These transmissions are very sensitive to vacuum leaks and adjustment of the cable links, so that would be the next port of call if fluid and filter don't help.

I might seem to be breaking my own rules by saying change fluid and filter first, but it can do NO harm to have this done, and is generally neglected by most owners.

Best of luck,

Richard
1989 W124 300E

 

[NormanB]

Hello Norman
Thanks for your reply .
yes was joking about the mileage as been told these go on for ever and only other auto i`ve driven was an old ford granada.
went to an auto box garage yesterday and without looking at the car was told i needed a new box ? i thought i would ask on this forum before i did anything.
Thanks Bis5

Hi again

I fully support Richards post.

The word 'auto' in the phrase 'auto box garage' actually means 'Whatever is wrong with your transmission we will recommend automatically, that you need a new unit'. :wink:

At the end of the day you may well need major work but first do the simple things and then consult reputable expert.

Merry Christmas

PS: Keep us posted on developments with this one - its how we learn!

 

[bis5]

Hello Richard
Thanks for your reply
i`m going to buy a manual and replace the fliud and filter next week and see if that makes it any better but i just think it could be the way i drive as sometimes it will rev to about 2500 and change nice and smoothly and other times it revs over 3500 and change with a jolt but all the other gear changes are smooth.
must admit i love driving this car .
Regard bis5

 

[MarkSL]

As you are in London - I would try George Fraser - he is an MB trained independant who specialises in Auto boxes

There are a lot of very satisfied GF customers out there - and he doesnt break the bank!

http://www.georgefrasergarage.co.uk/index.php

Mark

 

[bis5]

Thanks Mark.
Regards Bis5