[W126 Coupe] Transmission issue

[Jonathan]

Hello Gordon,

Does this happen all the time, ie when you first start driving the car 
or does it take some driving before it acts up?   I would change the 
fluid/filter first to see if that does anything for you...  However, 
from the sound of things I would wager there is an internal leak causing 
your issue in that the leak is preventing the requisite amount of 
pressure necessary to keep the clutches engaged/car in gear. 

Now you could have a clogged filter preventing said pressure from 
building but given the mileage and the fact your fluid looks good I'd be 
very surprised to find that to be the case.  You may also have a front 
pump which is failing, which again would prevent the necessary pressure 
from building.

The Euro transmissions as my understanding goes have a marginally 
steeper first gear in which case I would recommend having your unit 
rebuilt.   Should you have interest we are rebuilding our boxes w/ 
Kevlar bands and a high performance/CF bands which should take quite a 
bit of abuse as well as provide you with a long service life.

I'll be curious to hear how you make out with the fluid/filter change.  
If you have any questions feel free to email me or give a ring, 404 805 
1357.

Jonathan
http://blueridgemb.com/?p=85

Gordon Opp wrote:

> My 1989 coupe with only 66,000 miles on it has had a problem 

> shifting.  For no reason it will drop down to 3rd gear and stay 

> there.  It will even drop down to 2nd gear at speeds around 55 or 60 

> for no reason.  If I come to a stop and proceed again it may go 

> through the gears correctly or it may not.  I have the first gear 

> start module in it and I have disconnected the kick down wire, but 

> still have the problem.  My usual MB mechanic has never heard of this 

> problem before and doesn't want to work on it.  I would never take it 

> to our local dealer.

>  

> Fluid looks and smells good and level is proper.  I have a lead on a 

> MB mechanic about 60 miles away and will follow up on that.

>  

> I was wondering however if I end up having to replace the 

> transmission, does anyone know if a Euro transmission is available and 

> if there is much advantage to them?  I'm also open to anyone's 

> suggestion of an easier fix.

>  

> Gordon Opp

> Lincoln, NE

> 89 560 SEC

>

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1996 S600 Euro "Scharnhorst"
1991 560 SEC Euro ECE Conv. (for sale)
1991 560 SEC 226Hp/271ft/lbs (TT conversion IP)
1989 560 SEC Euro ECE *Parts*
1988 300 TE
1989 560 SEC AMG (Mech.lifter/radical cam conv.)
1987 AMG Hammer 6.0L 32V
1986 560 SEL 6.0L 32V AMG
1980 280 SE Euro
2006 Z4 3.0Si M-Spec

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