Clunky gearbox

[richiel_7]

Hi,

Am new to this so first of all, hi all!!

I'm hoping some of you Merc boffins may be able to help.

I recently bought a Merc 2000 plate A160.

Usually when buying a car I'm very meticulous but was having an off day and have been stung by not doing the correct checks. Firstly I've recently found out that the car is a Cat D having been shown a fake hpi report (now i know why they couldn't find it when car was handed over)

Secondly, I stupidly did all the checks but never actually test drove the car (i know, I know - stupid). I checked all around, engine, fluids and gearchanges while stationary and all seemed well. Drove the car home and noticed a very bad clunk when changing down from 2 to 1. It's hardly noticeable if I have stopped the car before change down, but if the car is moving, it's an immense clunk.

I'm hoping someone will tell me that the gearbox hasn't gone and it's a simple fix (I'm no mechanic) but am guessing it's a new gearbox job.

Any opinions gratefully received, along with potential costs.

Thanks all!

Oh can I also add that the V5 says the car is an auto, so clearly it's been changed over at some point. Is this legal?
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=846902

 

[BlackC55]

So it's s manual?

 

[richiel_7]

Sorry. yeah, it's a manual....

 

[BlackC55]

Does the clunk occur when the clutch pedal is depressed?

 

[richiel_7]

Yes it does. It feels fairly smooth on up changes, it's only from second down to first when car is in motion... eg slowing to a junction. If I come to a junction and leave car in second and depress the clutch until I stop and then change down to first it is ok.

Oh, and when I say a clunk..... it is an almighty car shaking clunk!

 

[BlackC55]

It could be a clutch fault. It needs some proper diagnosis. Have a look at the engine mounts too. Worn mounts can cause s clunk

 

[richiel_7]

Ok, thanks for your replies!

I'll get it into my local to see what they reckon...

 

[richiel_7]

Ok. I've taken the car to two garages and it looks like one of the engine mounts has gone which is making the clunk worse. The reason I say worse is because hey also tell me that the clunk is normal on theses mercs as the first gear is for maneuvering only, so when changing down gears the vehicle should be stationery before going from 2nd to 1st.

Is this correct? My gut feeling is no but two unrelated people have said it to me now??

 

[donubenz]

Not sure why you want to change from 2 to 1 when stopping. I was told brakes are for stopping gears are for going so maybe you need to change your technique?
Putting a car in first has a ratio similar to reverse gear and 2 is usually much higher. The bigger mercs don't even start in gear 1 unless you choose S mode to get the max acceleration. I am sure its the shock in system caused by the mount that gives you the clunk when you change down. All should be well when its fixed and hopefully not a box change. Use 1 to accelerate from a stop and try to avoid using the box to slow, changing brakes is cheaper than a clutch or gear box!
Don

 

[DSM10000]

Take the car back and get a refund, You say that you were given a falsified HPI report and that the car is a non declared Cat D, HPI thremselves can confirm this so you already have grounds to reject the car and claim compensation.

 

[danclyon]

Secondly, I stupidly did all the checks but never actually test drove the car (i know, I know - stupid). I checked all around, engine, fluids and gearchanges while stationary and all seemed well. Drove the car home and noticed a very bad clunk when changing down from 2 to 1. It's hardly noticeable if I have stopped the car before change down, but if the car is moving, it's an immense clunk.

My driving instructor always told me never go 2 to 1. 1 is really a gear for moving a stationary object - you just shouldn't use it in that way - bottom of the revs in 2nd, depress clutch and come to a halt.

Just my $0.02.

Cheers,
Dan.

 

[bolide]

Assuming you bought it from a trader or garage I'd take legal advice & return it for a refund

Nick Froome

 

[richiel_7]

Thanks for all your input guys. Unfortunately it was a private sale. I was really having an off day as I trusted the guy when he told me it was hpi clear.

The mount has been changed and 2 to 1 still clunks. I am now driving without dropping into 1st until I'm at standstill to avoid the noise and grind.

From what I have been told it is probably the synchromesh that has worn on 1st. The car should be able to to engage silently whilst on the move at low speeds without a clunk even if the correct driving style means you shouldn't need to.

Repair costs will probably exceed the car value so I guess I'll live with it.....

 

[andavaka]

Sounds like the clutch for sure.

 

[jay1983]

Most manufacturers make it difficult to put the car in 1st gear whilst vehicle moving. I've been told its to protect engine and gear box and fly wheel if fitted from premature wear.
Bmws are notorious for this. On the 3 that I have owned its nearly impossible to put into 1st while vehicle moving.
The engine mounts should make gear changes smoother once replaced.
As regards to the way the car was sold, if it was sold knowingly with a false hpi report then this is misrepresentation and is fraud. But your stumbling block would be proving the seller willingly sold it to you knowing the hpi report was false.
As usual it's a case of buyer beware I'm afraid. I wish you all the best and hope you get the outcome you want

 

[richiel_7]

Thanks everyone, I think I'll have to live with it as a gearbox rebuild will probably cost more than the car is worth!!

Onwards and Upwards!

 

[paultredgett]

...Every car I have ever driven that is manual gear change allows you to change into first gear when either coming to a stop or slowly approaching a junction etc.
In my experience where you get missed down changes then either the clutch cable/linkage is worn and needs replacing (they do wear!!) or the gear selector barrel/forks are worn, with the history of the car then In would just simply replace the gearbox.....£250 all done is the best fix for a new gear box and cables etc from where I am sitting!

 

[Black c320]

If the gears are changing up and down ok apart from baulking going into first while moving then it is a sure sign the synchro has gone on first, The effect would be like changing gear without using the clutch, It's not realy a major issue,just bring the car to a stop before changing into first.

That was the way to do if when i learnt to drive, It was years before cars were fitted with synchro on first gear.