transmission & rumble problem

[romanyjohn]

Recently brought a 1996 E200, it’s had a mistreated life so in the process of getting it back to a good reliable condition. I have a number of questions I would like to ask before i spend to much or more then i need.
1. Had a problem with the auto gearbox that had a very harsh 1st gear change & soft change for the rest. This was fixed & gearbox flushed but there’s one thing that dos seem strange & I would like too no if I still have a problem, that’s on pulling away at normal speed the change is smooth, but when in traffic & going slow the 1st change is harsh not as bad has before it was fixed but still there.
The vacuum was not set up after the fix but the person I brought the car from said he had it adjusted to try & fix the harsh gear change, I did not know this before the fix, the car needs plugs etc as it sometime idols poorly do you think this could be the reason? for the 1st gear change when in traffic or combination.
2. I have a rumble in the car that I start to notice around 60 to 100ks it is still there after 100km but reduced. Had the tyres balanced with some improvement, I think this could be related to a knocking under the car when going over bumps?
Also have a leak in the power steering this will be looked at by the mechanic that I use when he come back from holiday in around 2 weeks I think its leaking from the steering rack?.
3. power window on the drivers side will not work, I think I can hear a noise from the door when pressing the button but my be my imagination.
I like the car so hoping it’s not too much to put right. Any advice would be welcome I know its hard to give considering you have not seen the car but hoping your experience with Mercedes will give me a better idea of what I have taken on. Thanks John

 

[spectre]

Your MAF might be on its way out.
This is the airflow unit just after the air filter box.
Clean it with PANEL WIPE; the stuff a bodyshop would use to clean the wax and grease off a pannel before they paint it, not to be confused with paint thinners) Refit it and star the engine, while someone accellerates hadr, spray wd40 into it; the engine will try to cut out and splutter, but thats ok. turn off the engine, reassemble the airbox and leave it for half an hour or so.

My E280 had the same trouble 3 months back. I had it checked on the diagnostic and it came back with MAF fault. I didnt think it would be related but the gearbox is electronic on these models and touch-wood, so far its been perfect since I cleaned the unit. A replacement one isn't cheap, £70 to £150, so try that 1st and see how you get on.
Good luck
Dave

 

[Blobcat]

As per previous WD40 is not recommended for spraying into the MAS. Pls see attached http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=17634

 

[spectre]

Many thanks Blobcat. The main part of panel wipe is Isopropyl alcohol, but you're right WD40 contains other agents. I've been lucky with mine then! Phew! Thanks... I'm off to Maplins in the morning! Cheers!
Dave

 

[Parrot of Doom]

The rumble could be worn wheel bearings. Try jacking the car up and moving the wheels from top to bottom, see if theres any play. Bearings are around £35 per corner.

Knocking on the suspension is almost certainly drop links at the front, common fault and cheap to replace (£6 a side IIRC)

 

[romanyjohn]

Thanks guys for your advice, I live in New Zealand so will go to a chemist to get the Isopropyl alcohol.
Couple of questions before I start to make an idiot of myself & the wife starts to moan that I should of brought a Lexus/Toyota “they just don’t understand why & trying to explain gets frustrating” what’s a MAF & can I take it apart to clean & if so how?
It’s my 1st Mercedes love the car but still nervous when working on it.
And again thanks for the advice John

 

[Blobcat]

MAS or MAF = Air Flow Meter
Have a look at the attached thread http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=17388&highlight=air+flow+meter

You can take it apart, however they can become contaminated very easily. You will probably find it easier just to replace it.

 

[jimsinessex]

Blobcat,

Do you know what type of screw holds the actual MAF sensor in the housing,
It looks like a "security" Torx type (that is with the pin in the centre) but my security Torx bit has a hole that is too small to fit over the pin, also the star of the screwhead has square edges instead of the sharp points of the usual Torx screw. My CLK 230K is suffering from oil in the air intake (see separate thread) so until it is fixed I expect to be regularly cleaning the MAF sensor and would like to remove it from the housing to do a more thorough job.

Jim

 

[Blobcat]

Mine is normal Torx, rather than security. Worth having a read of the attached thread put together by Parrot of Doom http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=18298

 

[jimsinessex]

Parrot's MAF Sensor is held in the housing by very different screws to mine. I think I will clean it in situ in the housing until I come across a bit that will fit properly.

If I have to replace the sensor then that will be the time to drill the screws out and replace with ones I recognise!

Jim