W124 auto: slight kick on downshift

[manalishi]

I have a '93 280E with a 4-speed auto that's pretty well-behaved generally. But I've noticed that when coming to a stop (e.g. at a junction) from a moderate speed, there's a noticeable kick from the transmission at the point it changes down (presumably into 2nd gear). Not very refined and can't be the way it's supposed to work.

Having browsed through various auto transmission threads here, it seems that there are some potential causes that I might be able to check/fix myself (e.g. postings about various vacuum hoses).

Anyone got any thoughts?

 

[Will]

If it's not a vacuum/box issue, it could be worn propshaft couplings/engine or gearbox mounts etc.

Does it clunk much between forward and reverse gears?

Will

 

[manalishi]

Hi Will - not to any significant degree (as far as I can tell). I've not driven it for a week or so, so I'll need to remind myself.

 

[Number_Cruncher]

Which downchange is clunking? 4 to 3?, 3 to 2?, or, 2 to 1?

 

[imbck666]

He states 2nd gear...

I had same problem, and I changed Gearbox oil, put a new fiilter as well..
changes like brand new now..

I think a simple service of the gearbox would need doing.. as it cleared the same problem I had

 

[manalishi]

Thanks chaps. It's definitely the downshift that occurs as I'm down to perhaps 10mph - which is why I assumed it was shifting into 2nd, as I'm in E mode on the gearbox). If I'm still on the brake at the time that it happens I seem to get a significant bump, but if I've released the brake before this point (i.e. as if I'm just using engine braking for the last few yards), I can avoid (or at least minimise) the bump.

I've been speaking to a forum member (nearby MB specialist) about getting this niggle seen to, so hopefully it is as simple as a service.

 

[imbck666]

yeah.. as i said i had the same problem.. and a simple service cured it..
hopefully the same can be done for your problem...
best of luck..