W123 230 hard shifting R to P

[TotallyImpractical]

I have a 1985 230E auto with 146,000 miles, full service history and just had major serivce at 145k.

When driving, the shifting is smooth, kicks down when asked, no trouble at all.

When shifting into R from D or P, the shift is abrupt, to say the least. If I hold the brake pedal down or even add the parking brake when shifting into R, the abruptness is mediated but still not "normal".

However, when shifting back from R to D, the abruptness is such that I expect to hear the sound of metal hitting the pavment! It is a hard, clunky, noisy jolt. Once in gear, no troubles.

Interestingly perhaps, shifting from R to P, there is no such clunkiness.

Any suggestions? I am happy to supply more information if that would help.

I've driven older Mercedes all my life so I expect eccentricity but worry that this may be a bit more than that.

Thanks!

 

[Number_Cruncher]

First thing to check is the condition of both rubber drive flanges on the prop shaft, and the condition of the engine & gearbox mountings.

 

[television]

In addition to number crunches post, is the idle too high, or maybe a vacuum pipe off or split

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...122&VIN=*&CT=GA&cat=09X&SID=27&SGR=001&SGN=01

 

[TotallyImpractical]

Well I don't really want to think a lot about the vacuum system just yet. She needs to get me back home to England in a few months first. Thus far the vacuum locks work perfectly.

The idle is fine and when driving, the shifting is smooth and apparently normal.

I had not considered engine or gearbox mountings so will get them checked out unless I can take a look at them myself?