1999 sprinter with auto gearbox

[haggis2768]

Does anyone have any advice re a 1999 sprinter 312 with an auto g/box?
It's the auto box I'm interested in hearing about?
Thanks.

 

[Giantvanman]

Would that gearbox be the five speed? If it is, I have that in my Vito. From what I gather, it is pretty bomb proof and was put in many cars/vehicles because it could handle the power and torque from AMG/large capacity engines as well as the diesel engines. Mine changes very smoothly.

 

[guydewdney]

I had a 312d auto. The modulator cable was not connected when we got it and it always did 'mushy' gearchanges. Reconnected, and it was better, but that had killed the clutches due to slipping at all throttle openings. Had to get a new box.


It topped out at 120mph.....

 

[haggis2768]

It's a four speed. It's in an A class camper so probably won't be that fast!!
Cheers.
How much did the new box cost???

 

[guydewdney]

Found one at a breakers in a place called, of all things, temple cloud. They break a lot of vans. Its a dumb mechanical box, so anything will work up to a point. If you can find one from a similar vito im sure it will be fine as it will have a similar very low first gear?

you still havent indicated whats wrong with it.

 

[haggis2768]

Don't know if anything wrong yet,never heard anything about these so am hoping it's not a known weak spot, am going to see the van this week and wanted to be forewarned about any possible problems.
Trawling the web didn't turn anything up,but as ever members here are most helpful.
Thanks.

 

[guydewdney]

No, its not a weak spot. Check for 'flaring' during gear changes, ie revs up slightly before changing gear up. But its rare.

Suspension ball joints get eaten for breakfast on lower front arms. Heavy motorjomes spank brakes, but thats just a service item. Being 'a' class it doesn't have bodywork to worry about, that IS a weak spot.

 

[revpermin]

auto gearbox

I have a 1997 412 sprinter with a 4 speed box.
when I was looking for one I didn't come across any known probs with these boxes.

I'm quite pleased with the way it changes up quickly, It hits 4th by around 25mph.

Atb Phill.