W123 4speed auto?

[DVF]

Hi,

While driving around in my new 1986 280TE Auto I noticed the engine speed seemed a bit high for the road speed. About 3000rpm for 60mph in 3rd (top). I asked my local Mercedes specialist, they informed me that my gearbox was a 3 speed, I'd just have to put up with it.

I then inquired about it elsewhere to be informed that it should be a 4 speed as it was made after 1982. I was told the easy way to work out which gearbox I have is to check whether the sump on it has 4 or 6 bolts, 4 for 3 speed, 6 for 4 speed. I checked, it's got 6.

I'm now left with a dilemma.

If it is a 4 speed is it broken or is there something else that could be stopping it from going into 4th gear?

If it's a 3 speed is it an easy job to swap for a 4 speed or will I need to swap half the drivetrain too?

Thanks,

Dave.

 

[andy_k]

those revs seem about right - our W124 230TE does just under 3000 at 60, about 3300 at 75 etc. Our W123 used to be virtually the same. 3000 is about 65.

You can listen to the gear changing - remember it pulls away in second (unless you really floor it) so you are only listening for 2 changes.

HTH

Andy

 

[DVF]

Thanks, it does only change twice when pulling away. I'll give it some stick later to try and find first.

 

[Arnie]

Does it have P, R, N, D, 3, 2, B inscribed next to the selector lever?

 

[andy_k]

you can "force" a first gear start by selecting 2 then D before pulling away - 1st gear is a very short gear and the car will take off very quickly

Andy

 

[DVF]

Sorry for the delay in replying. I lost the url for this place and its not the easiest thing to find on Google any more, I think there's a problem with that Google.

Anyway, as far as I can gather from the replies and pther posts on the forum, theres nothing wrong with my gearbox, it's just low geared compared to what I'm used to.

The selector is marked P,R,N,D,S,L. Does that mean I've got a switchable sports box that I keep seeing mentioned in relation to the W124's?

Since I started to assume the S means Sport, I've been using it in conjunction with the L to embarrass boy racers at traffic lights. So much fun! It takes off like a rocket.

Thanks for the infos, I'll try the other methods too.

Now, back to the low gearedness, I've had an idea. New post for that I think.

 

[andy_k]

the "switchable sport box" isn't actually a switchable sport box at all

There is a switch to the side of your gear shift (actually a little slider) marked "S" and "E" - the "S" means standard and the "E" means economy and makes the car change gear a little earlier.

As for pulling away quickly, as you have found, manually moving the lever into first then back into drive forces the car to pull away in first gear. Flooring the throttle does the same thing.

Andy

 

[DVF]

Had a look at the selector there, no lever at the side. It's got a zig-zag gate on it.

Gave me an idea though. How about reading the instruction manual. Lo and behold, all the info I need is there. Doh!

To quote the book:

L=Low. Changes up to 2nd gear only, starts in first. For driving up steep mountain passes etc. etc. Has a braking position on extramely steep declines.

S=Slope. Changes up to 3rd only. Medium slopes etc. Allows engine braking.

D=Drive. Normal stuff.

Now the interesting bit;

200T, 230TE: With the selector in D or S, the vehicle will start off in 1st gear only if the accelerator is depressed by at least 3/4 of its travel.

Apparently this will not happen on my 280.

Oh well...