mj2k
Active Member
I've got a 300TD S210 estate and an E320 W210 saloon, and they feel incredibly different to drive, even though the transmissions are all-but identical. The 300TD feels old and worn on 173k, whereas the E320 feels like a different car on 155k, with instant take-up and smooth changes.
Part of the problem is the estate's transmission 'slips' on startup, on the way up hills below 40 mph until it's warm, and also slips when accelerating hard before 5th gear lock has engaged, with harsh kickdowns even when warm.
It had been used for towing a horsebox for a couple of years (whilst being neglected) so my initial thoughts are the clutch packs are worn, but are any of the below more likely to be the culprit?
I'm loath to change the transmission fluid 'just in case' because if I need to replace the box or solenoids I'll just be throwing away the money I spent on changing the fluid, and with W210 spare prices how they are, two fluid changes are likely to cost more than a replacement box.
My thoughts are:
If it's (6) it'll either be getting a manual conversion or will soon be appearing on Autotrader
Part of the problem is the estate's transmission 'slips' on startup, on the way up hills below 40 mph until it's warm, and also slips when accelerating hard before 5th gear lock has engaged, with harsh kickdowns even when warm.
It had been used for towing a horsebox for a couple of years (whilst being neglected) so my initial thoughts are the clutch packs are worn, but are any of the below more likely to be the culprit?
I'm loath to change the transmission fluid 'just in case' because if I need to replace the box or solenoids I'll just be throwing away the money I spent on changing the fluid, and with W210 spare prices how they are, two fluid changes are likely to cost more than a replacement box.
My thoughts are:
- Clutch packs worn
- Low / bad transmission fluid
- Solenoids sticking
- control module's on it's way out
- Transmission has 'learnt' to behave badly thanks to the horsebox
- It's a 300TD estate. They're meant to do that
If it's (6) it'll either be getting a manual conversion or will soon be appearing on Autotrader