[john_p]

Hi guys. I have recently restored a W108 250SE with an auto column shift tranny. When i drove it this yesterday for the first time the transmission would not shift to higher gear. Drove it again this morning and no changes.
Any inputs on where to start? Did the fluid and filter replacement already but still the same.
Look underneath, it has 16 bolts on its pan.
Could anyone also give me info how many inches should the front and rear bumpers from the ground be? I think mine sags a litlle on the rear.

TIA

 

[kdjones99]

Is the tranny not shifting at all or do you think it's missing 4th gear? These 4 speeds start in 2nd, so you will only notice two shift points. They shift rather early and will have high rpms at highway speeds, but that's normal. To test it, just start in 2nd and shift manually into 3'rd then 4th.
As for the rear end sagging, are the tires bowed in at the top? If so, it could be the hydro compensator on to of the rear axle has gone.

 

[john_p]

It doesnt up shift at all from 2nd gear even if i put it at 3 or 4.
The rear wheels are straight. I think the springs or shocks are already worn. Do you have measurements from ground to bumper?

 

[bostosh]

heigth

I measured 15.25 to the bottom center of the rear bumper
and 11.875 to the center of the front bumper.
W108 280SE
I have never replaced a mercedes spring, it is usually something other than springs.

 

[john_p]

I presume your measurement is in inches. So the rear should sit higher than the front.

Hmmm probably the shocks are worn. Looked underneath i couldn't see any spring shims like the one found on 123/124/126.

That was a very big help.

Thanks Brian.

 

[ktmripper]

He's right about only noticing two shift points, unless you stand on the kick down switch upon take off. My tranny doesn't shift into 4th until 45 mph. pics?

 

[bostosh]

There should be rubber between tops and bottoms of all springs. Top rear has different sizes and the bottom spring perch has different positions for height and rear caster adjustment.

 

[RadioTek]

As to the shifting problem: Does your transmission have the vacuum controlled Shift Modulator? If so, you could have a vacuum or adjustment issue.

Depending on your specific set-up, there could also be a mechanical linkage from the throttle linkage to the transmission.

 

[wbain]

The earlier swing axle in the W110/W111 used a horizontal compensating spring. The later W108 used a hydropneumatic compensating spring to keep the rear level when the trunk was loaded. If car still has its stock hydro spring, it is or has gone bad. There is a replacement spring and bracket available to replace the very expensive stock one.

As for the shifting problem, make sure the shift rod bushings are in good shape. They are still available and easily replaced. See the EPC for your car. You will need the body type, 108.012.

 

[john_p]

Shifter bushings are new. Going to adjust the rods next week. Hope this solves it. And oh, when I re carpeted we forgot to put a hole where the kickdown switch was. Grabbed a blade and made that hole.

My rear suspension isn't pneumatic. Just a regular shock and spring combination.

Rear height is at 16" and front at 18". Something's wrong???

 

[Dubai classic]

Dubai classic
BenzWorld Newbie

Hi guys, i have w112 300se 1964 my trany use to shift when i let go of the accelerator and it was shifting hard, i removed the transm.. I found that the linke to the vacume box was jamed. After buting the trany back the trany shift so hard around 45mph and stay at high gear. Any suggestion please

 

[Dubai classic]

Hi guys,
Any advice for swaping w112 300se transmission with w108 the work shop told me that my w112 modulator diaphragm is bad

 

[wbain]

Modulator diaphragm are available. get one from the dealer. They will have to be ordered. The service manual on CD for the W111/W112 transmissions is on the CD and has the teardown and rebuild procedures. You do not need to swap transmissions.

BTW, if the is bad, the engine vacuum will suck the ATF from the trans and burn it.

 

[john_p]

Sorry for the very much delayed reply. It was until last week when I had time to play with my car. Saw that mine has the modulator. So I went on to adjust it. Viola the car now shifts better. Though it needs to get to a high rpm before it shifts but its not harsh anymore. I also replaced bushings that hold the differential. Two seems to be like 2 donuts fused together and two more that looks like a hat with a hole in the middle.

Thanks for all your inputs.

Now I need to find out the timing for the distributor. My spark plugs keep getting black.