w203 / cl203 manual gearbox issue

[tommyrelive]

Hello there

I have recently been experiencing some issues with my 2005 cl203 6 speed manual cdi.

When the engine is first started that day (when cold) the gearbox tends to feel really tight changing into 2nd for the first time only. Occasionally it also makes a strange noise as i pull it out of 1st and feels like something hits the gearstick. However once warm it seems fine? No problems changing any other gears either.

any advice would be largely appreciated

 

[xxvodkakingxx]

Could be the syncros but an oil change on the box may solve your issue. If the oils never been changed that you know of then i would be inclined to try that first.

 

[Dave Richardson]

Appreciate not of much help to you however, my car is the same being stiff to change from 1st into 2nd when the engine is cold, I did a gearbox oil change with Castrol oil and it seemed a little better,

The oil change is a real pain though, I found it better to use a long plastic pipe fed down through the engine bay into the gearbox filler hole & then I use a large syringe to get the oil into the tube & gearbox. Never again!!!!! I'd take the car to a decent indie

 

[tommyrelive]

Thanks for the replies. I will try an oil change in that case. Where can I find out what oil and level is best for my gearbox? Are the synchros an expensive thing to have looked into? Kind regards

 

[Ted]

They are all baulky first to second when cold.
Change the oil to Redline MTL and that should improve things.

 

[Ted]

Here.
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/parts-maintenance-servicing/128374-notchy-gear-change-slk230.html

 

[carat 3.6]

There was also a service bulletin about these gearbox'es, regarding reducing the oil level to 1.2 liters to improve selecting first and second gear when cold.