Shift from P to D or P to R, it takes like 3 full seconds to engage the wheels. IS THIS COMMON among older 126's at mid-mileage levels? Mine is a well cared for '88 420SEL w/151k on the clock. I'm told by local independant MB mechanic it's "common" for this class of car, and the time to engage tranny becomes longer and longer. 'Also read our trannies are prone to failure earlier than some. 'Wondering if this is the "beginning of the end," or if it's just worn out parts...?
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'88 420 SEL Daily Driver
'83 240D (Manual) SOLD, but always remembered
'83 240D (Auto) SOLD (parts car)
the differances of opinions from MB Mech's. I also have notice this lag, although it acts (at least on mine)as though there is a "soft start" rather then a harsh jolt when engaging any gear from part or N. I had both a good tranny shop and my MB guru look at it and the replies where identical, "no problem, normal behavior" there is nothing weak about the trannies with 300K + miles not unreasonable to expect wtih routine service. Especially in a 420 as the same unit is used in the 560 with higher output.
Go into any reputable trans. shop and look around the shope at all the late model anythings getting rebuilds with less then 125K on the clock. Then ask the chap "how many MB's have you done?
Litton
'90 420SEL
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Litton
'72 280 SEL 4.5
'90 420 SEL
'98 ML 320
'86 560 SL
I had a 115 gray market 72 250/8 sedan before my 126 gray market 83 500sel and I am amazed at how many similarities both cars shared despite the 11 year difference. One of them is the way the transmission behaved. Shifting to R or D required 2 to 3 seconds at a standstill before the car actually engaged.
The instrument lights are also unreliable because of the trip odometer/dimmer switch. If the 72 tranny behaved that way, I'm not too worried about my 83.
I had the tranny fluid and filter changed and it didn't really change anything.
Yeah, the tranny lag a lot. However, they were intented to last only about 120,000 miles...
Yeah, the tranny lag a lot. However, they were intented to last only about 120,000 miles from what I've heard. I dunno to many people that last for only tha long. Mine last 160,000 and i was pretty damn hard on it.
MB transissions are not as reliable as their V8 motors. I have stripped and rebuilt many.
The only faults i have ever found though is the brake bands inside them. They either begin to slip or snap.
If they begin to slip, you can identify this by checking the oil on the dipstick. If the tranny is good, the oil will be red, if it is slipping, it will be black and smell burnt, plus you may find bits of iron filings in it if you rub it between your fingers.
If they snap however, you lose drive or reverse.
Your symptons sound typical of an older merc and there is probably nothing to worry about.
[;)]
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Work is the curse of the drinking class!
Spanners,
THANK YOU for your excellent description of the 126 tranny. Your few lines o...
Spanners,
THANK YOU for your excellent description of the 126 tranny. Your few lines of descriptive help me look at the whole picture. I understand exactly what you're saying with regards to color of ATF on dipstick. I hope to God I don't have any metal filings this soon! (I presume you check the dipstick w/engine running in N)
[:)][:)]
Check the dip stick when the engine is running and warm and with it in "P". You can check it in "N" but there is always the chance it may accidently get knocked into "D" and run you over.
[:(!]
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