c250td auto, gear shift issues

[zebs]

just bought a c250td 1998. has run fine for about 1000miles and then a little issue has showed it self.

when pulling off sometimes the gear box has issues finding 1st or 2nd in drive, also sometimes fails to find 5 gear when driving. seams to find it after you knock it in to nuetral and then back in to drive

engine seams fine and pulls well.

im not a mechanic so dont really know where to start

any help would be great

zeb

 

[Stratman]

Welcome to the forums.

The first thing I would check is the gearbox fluid level.

 

[zebs]

lol this might sound stupid, but how do i do that? ive seen what looks liek a dip stick pipe towards teh back of the engine, but there isnt a dipstick there. ive been ina company car for 8 years and thsi is pretty much teh fisrt time ive even lifted a bonet for anything apart from washer fluid

 

[Stratman]

Ah, the famous MB 'where's the dipstick' question.

As you've spotted, it doesn't have one. You have to buy one from Mercedes (honest!) together with a replacement tamper-proof cap. Their thinking was the gearboxes are supposedly sealed for life so a dipstick was a waste of money.

Don't be tempted to just add some fluid and hope that cures it. The correct level is very important, and too much can cause damage, so I've been told.

Beg, buy, borrow or steal a dipstick, get the fluid up to operating temperature, make sure the car is on level ground with the gearbox in park and engine running and check the level. It is essential that you use only the specified fluid to top it up. The wrong fluid will damage the box. It should be the colour of cherryade. If it's brown and burnt smelling then budget for a fluid and filter change, about £175 from a good independent MB specialist.

Where are you located? Some good indy suggestions may well follow.

 

[momomo]

You will need to acquire a gearbox dipstick. This can be bought from dealers, some will sell it to you, some won't want to. You may also borrow one form a member if they are near by and willing.

You are correct, the tube on the right side (looking at the engine bay from the front) of the engine at the back is the tube used to check the level. It will have a black cap and red tab locking it on.

Once you have a dipstick you need to take the car for a drive to warm it up properly. After it is up to operating temperature park up on flat ground, cycle through the gears a few times while leaving it in each gear for a moment.

Now you can check the level, with the engine running and gearbox in P. The oil level should be in between the 80 degrees min and max markings. If low top it up with ATF from dealers.

If its never had a gearbox oil change, it would be a better idea to get it done. The oil and filter will be changed and it will feel like new afterwards.

 

[momomo]

Too slow

 

[zebs]

glad to know im not that much of a idiot, was worried there for a moment

im located in lincoln, first stop this morning is the merc garage then

 

[Stratman]

Have a look at these threads for indys around your area:-

here
here
and here

 

[zebs]

thanks for the info, took it to the dealership and tbh they were helpfull inspected the car and showed me what was wrong.
its got a speed sensor than needs replacing, head and gearbox oil leak plus front ball joint. last time i buy a car without getting underneeth it, dam the rain next time...lol

all in they want 1850, car just inst worth it so will give the guys listed a call to see if i can get that figure down a touch. 1000 less would be nice...lol

 

[momomo]

Yep you should get it down a lot less than £1000. That quote from the dealership is ridiculous.

 

[spock500]

I bt one of these which seems to work ok

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/spotted-ebay/80535-auto-gearbox-dipstick.html

You can carefully remove the red tab by pushing from underneath and re-sue the cap afterwards - fits quite tightly as there's a 'O' inside.

Chances are it's never had a change of ATF so the fluid will be brown and need changing anyway, I would be inclined to do this then see how it shifts

 

[oldskoolmercs]

Oil might need changing, if the gearbox oil smells burn't then you might need to change the oil asap or it will ruin the whole gear box