W123 230e Automatic transmission

[cdc02254]

My automatic transmission seems to be a bit clunky on my W123 230e and I am not sure when the transmission oil and filter were last changed.

Has anyone done this before and is it straight forward?

 

[jaymanek]

Its a case of draining the sump and the torque convertor. You will need 5mm allen key and 10mm socket.

I would replace the sump seals and filter at the same time.

You re fill from the dipstick tube and check the level whilst running at full temperature.

Re check after going for a drive.

In all honesty, W123 gearboxes are normally a little clunky.. There is a vacuum modulator on the side of the gearbox, this can be adjusted to give a smoother shift, but it takes a lot of trial and error. Also if you over adjust, you will wear the box out.
If this doesnt work, then the fault will be a tired valve body - this can be refurbished for around £200.

Remember you can buy second hand gearboxes for these for only around £150!

 

[Grahamcol]

In all honesty, W123 gearboxes are normally a little clunky.. There is a vacuum modulator on the side of the gearbox, this can be adjusted to give a smoother shift, but it takes a lot of trial and error. Also if you over adjust, you will wear the box out.
If this doesnt work, then the fault will be a tired valve body - this can be refurbished for around £200.

Remember you can buy second hand gearboxes for these for only around £150!

Question for Jay please. Does this also apply to the W201 ? I have a beautiful 190 carb, 1988, 90k miles & fully serviced etc. However, it definately is inclined to clunk / jerk when selecting D or R. Not always but quite often. Sometimes too with light throttle only from 2 to 3. I thought it might be engine/box mounts and / or propshaft flexible couplings but am not certain just how much the box is natually clunky ???????

 

[jaymanek]

Yes my W123 coupe does the same under light throttle... Its the vacuum modulator that needs adjustment normally.

 

[Grahamcol]

Thanks for that Jay. I'll try to sort it next time I get it out - maybe over the Bank Holiday.

 

[big Daniele]

W123 E200 automatic transmission problems

Hi guys,

I'm Daniele from Italy and I'm trying to get some help for problems with an automatic transmission on a W123 (1978).

Here the problems:

- The shift between 2nd to 3rd and from 3rd to 4th switch with big delay (over normal rpm).

- The switch from neutral to gear comes hard (not smooth has before).

- around 2500 rpm the engine give some vibration (all engine supports have been swapped).

DO you have any suggestion or manual to troubleshhot it?

Many thanks to all in advance!!!

 

[TomJones]

Online pdf to change transmission oil:

http://mb.bolinko.org/wis/w123/CD01/Maintenance/MY81/2702.pdf

 

[jaymanek]

honestly? Not worth rebuilding, just find a used one.