230ce auto box

[MikeC3008]

Hi

I'm new to the forum and hope I can find someone who can help me.

My 230ce doesn't drive in reverse. I've been told this is a common problem and I'm looking to swap the auto 'box with one from a scrapper.

The questions are;
Can I remove the box from the car leaving the torque converter, bell-housing etc attached to the engine?
Will this retain the transmission fluid in the converter?
Do I need any special tools to complete the job?

Merry Xmas

 

[nick mercedes]

Hi

I'm new to the forum and hope I can find someone who can help me.

My 230ce doesn't drive in reverse. I've been told this is a common problem and I'm looking to swap the auto 'box with one from a scrapper.

The questions are;
Can I remove the box from the car leaving the torque converter, bell-housing etc attached to the engine?
Will this retain the transmission fluid in the converter?
Do I need any special tools to complete the job?

Merry Xmas

Always take the torque converter off with the gearbox.

The bell housing is part of the box.

I can't help thinking you might be better off getting a garage to do the swap for you.

 

[MikeC3008]

Hi

Thanks for your quick response.

I have tried to find a garage to give me a price for swapping the 'boxes over, but when I mention the word Mercedes, their eyes light up and I can see the money piling up, but then when I mention the word automatic, they back away and say it's a specialised job.

Surely you just disconnect the linkages, propshaft and cross-member and drop the bell-housing off the engine? (OK, you may have to move the exhaust and a few ancilliaries first) I've done it before on other make manual jobbies.

The problem for DIYers is usually ramp access.

The reason I asked if I could split the box and bell-housing is that I'm sure one of the breakers I spoke to said it was th ebest way to go about it, as you don't have to drain the transmission fluid.

 

[nick mercedes]

Hi

Thanks for your quick response.

I have tried to find a garage to give me a price for swapping the 'boxes over, but when I mention the word Mercedes, their eyes light up and I can see the money piling up, but then when I mention the word automatic, they back away and say it's a specialised job.

Surely you just disconnect the linkages, propshaft and cross-member and drop the bell-housing off the engine? (OK, you may have to move the exhaust and a few ancilliaries first) I've done it before on other make manual jobbies.

The problem for DIYers is usually ramp access.

The reason I asked if I could split the box and bell-housing is that I'm sure one of the breakers I spoke to said it was th ebest way to go about it, as you don't have to drain the transmission fluid.

Ignore the breaker who told you that you can split the box, they're clearly a dope.

You can leave the exhaust, 6 bolts on the TC, bell housing bolts, a few electrical plugs, speedo drive, linkage, filler, x-member and prop doughnut are all you need to take off.

Should cost around £150 for a garage to do it.

Big of a mission without a ramp, but can be done, box is heavy though.

 

[Will]

Does the 230CE have a gearbox cooler built in to the radiator (I'm guessing it does)?

If so - there'll be pipes to/from the gearbox full of ATF.

Bearing in mind that you'll be taking a secondhand box off a unknown car, in view of the work involved etc wouldn't it be worthwhile sticking a new filter and fresh ATF in as well

Will

 

[MikeC3008]

Thanks for your help Nick, much appreciated.

Thanks to you too Will, I guess you're right, it will be worth changing the atf and filters too.

The other option I suppose, is once I have the 'box off, repair it instead of swapping it with, as you rightly say, one from an unknown doner.

At least if the "new" one doesn't work, I'll know how to take it off, lol!

 

[jaymanek]

Where in the country are you?

Lack of reverse could be something very simple. I would get the car to an auto specialist.

If you are in the midlands I recommend Transmission Technology of knowle.. They have just done my 280CE for me and didnt charge a penny for diagnosis.