New owner 230TE

cybersayer

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Hi
I have just joined with the acquisition of a 1983 230TE Wagon and am new to the breed. The transmission take a few seconds to make the change from reverse to 1 after the lever is moved it continues to move backwards for a 2-4 seconds , is this normal?

Also when starting cold the transmission seems to be having a hard time selecting first gear with the revs rising and falling without the sensation of positive power being delivered to the drive and it will, at times, fail to climb a steep gradient without a runup. This is far less noticeable with after 10 minutes or so.

Is this also a normal phenomenon?

Any advice or informed comments most appreciated
 

andy_k

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welcome to the TE owners club :)

It's not normal behavious and sounds like your autobox has a few issues - I'd start with a fluid and filter change for it - make sure you use the right grade fluid and don't overfill it. This may or may not cure the problem but it's the cheapest option so it's worth a try.

if it fails then you are looking at a gearbox overhaul or replacement. depending on where you are in the country i know of a couple of boxes that are available for sensible money (well, knowing the guy who has them for sale they will be reasonably priced).

HTH

Andy
 
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cybersayer

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Thanks

Thanks for that - I have scheduled fluid replacement and I guess it is a matter of seeing if the behaviour persists after that. I appreciate the offer of help with a replacement transmission but as I am in Australia and I think you are in Europe (could be wrong) I suspect freight costs would destroy that option - thanks anyway
 

TimN

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Sold a 230TE auto with a beautiful gearbox, interior and a host of reconditioned parts on ebay for £275 so don't discount buying a doner vehicle if you have the room and inclination.

Remember to check the fluid level with the engine running so that the fluid clutch is full.

Check that the vacuum connection hose is still connected. It can be found just behind the oil filter.
 

Bolide

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BMW 525 Diesel Touring
Gearbox

This may seem harsh, but...

I wouldn't waste £100 on a filter & replacement fluid for a box that is, more than likely, knackered

I'd locate a replacement box, have it fitted (4 hours on a W124, probably similar on a W123) and change the filter & fluid

That way you know it will be OK in the long run. The existing box is worn and will need replacing at some point. Do it now & get the benefit

Of course you should get expert advice first as to the state of the box


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk
 

turnipsock

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...since when did a filter and oil cost £100?

Nobody has mentioned checking the colour of the fluid yet. If it's brown then the box is on it's way out. (red is good)

However, the symtoms that you describe sound more like a vacuum problem. Check all the pipes. These are plastic and become brittle with age. Check the pipe in around the battery box as this can wear through.

I had my box rebuilt about six months ago. It's running great now and if ever I scrap the car, i'll have a known good box.
 

Bolide

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Gearbox filter & fluid

The last car I did (a month ago) cost around £100 for a Mercedes filter and gasket plus generic fluid. That didn't include labour

But the main thing is to get a professional view of the problem before spending anything - we agree on that!


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk
 

flagstaff

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you're buying parts at the wrong place, bud! filter from gs&f online is £6.50 + VAT, and the oil should set you back no more than £20.
 

andy_k

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fluid costs depends on the box, if it's a 5 speeed auto then you should only use the MB approved fluid, no other one matches the spec, yes, it's very probably a variant of Dexron III but it is a different spec. the four speed autos are less fussy but you wouldn't catch me filling one with £20 worth of non branded oil

The MB gearbox gasket which is a big thick rubber thing costs about £15 and I thought the filter was about the same - or at least it was last time I changed mine. Bear in mind that prices do vary from dealer to dealer

HTH

Andy
 
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Bolide

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Parts

I only buy parts from the main dealer. Even with my discount the filter's about £40, the gasket about a fiver and the fluid's not cheap even from a factor. Add VAT = £100. Always is, it seems!


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk
 


ACMS Mercedes Ltd is an independent Mercedes-Benz service specialist based in Walsall. The company provides high levels of customer service and quality workmanship, at competitive prices. Call Mark on 01922 634666 or 07530 456000
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