Good Manchester garage for W124 gearbox issues

[Hyena]

The fluid was checked by SPR and apparently looked OK. Their opinion was that a refurbishment would be a waste of money. But you're right, other tests should be done before swapping the box - I'll ask Ian to do these on Monday. The main issues seem to be not going into reverse unless revved, and a general lazyness on the move (especially not dropping down a gear under acceleration).

 

[redbaron]

I have no doubt Ian will check the car over before commiting surgery.... Dont worry - you will be looked after.

 

[Ian B Walker]

I have no doubt Ian will check the car over before committing surgery.... Dont worry - you will be looked after.

Thanks Paul, I am not going to spend the customers money if I dont have to.

 

[Hyena]

Well the old 5-speed box was beyond repair, but I'm happy to say Ian Walker at TMS did a great job of sourcing and fitting a 4-speed box. The car is now running well, with smooth gear changes (and a reverse gear that works, which is nice!).

Hotrodder: you're right, the engine has higher revs now. At 70mph it does 3500 rpm. Most of the time the car will be on A/B roads so it isn't a big issue, but in time I may ask Ian W. to fit a 4-speed differential to it.

Unfortunately there were a few other things wrong with the car as diagnosed by Ian W. at TMS (and by SPR in Stockport). Ian did the required work at a very reasonable price, and from my experience I'd be happy to recommend both garages. I'm also quite smitten with driving a W124, much nicer than my 18 month old C220 cdi!

 

[jaymanek]

Its a shame that you had to bin the 5 speed... whilst they are prone to slippage etc, its fantastic having that extra gear to change up into at high motorway speeds.

 

[Hyena]

Yeah it would have been nice to keep it, but the purchase cost of the car didn't justify a gearbox refurbishment. (I bought it as a cheap 4th car for day to day running around in).

 

[hotrodder]

Its a shame that you had to bin the 5 speed... whilst they are prone to slippage etc, its fantastic having that extra gear to change up into at high motorway speeds.

Yeah, for the 6 pot petrols at least the gearing with a 4 spd box is the biggest let down with them imo. If they were geared to make proper use of first gear combined with say a longer final drive i think the 4 speed would be great.