Hey folks,
I posted a few days ago but didn't get any clear answer so here we go:

My 96 E320 transmission shifts really late out of second gear unless the car is warmed up for a while and even then gears 2 and 3 are a little rough. the car has 250,000 miles. Anyway, I anticipate I'll have to change the transmission some time soon.

I found a transmission on a 88 300E at Pull-A-Part and could take it apart and buy for 60 dollars. the number on that transmission is 722 320 and mine is 722 329.
Are these transmissions interchangeable? would I be able to use with my 104 engine?

Please help. Thanks

 

Not sure what trans you have in that car, but the symptoms are the same as those on a 126 with a vacuum leak, misadjusted or bad modulator, misadjusted bowdon cable, bad k1 spring kit, bad B2 pistion kit.

I'd start with making sure you have engine vacuum at the modulator valve first and fix any vacuum leaks, and adjust the Bowden.

Of course, if you have a different trans, all of this is probably useless info.

 

well, forgive the stupid questions but where should this modulator be? how would I know if it's bad or misadjusted and how do I adjust it?

I also recently noticed that the shifter has become real light to move unlike before. it's like waving a stick through air. is that an indicator of something?

 

So maybe all you need is shifter bushings if the shifter seems loose. All you need is small hands to replace the ones at the trans. and maybe in the shifter itself.

As for the modulator - on the side of the tyrans - you will see a small tube going to. Simply slide it off its fitting. No tools needed on this hose. If oil comes out, you need a modulator. But you may also have more wrong.

With your lack of knowledge, may be best to find a reasonable Indendent mechanic to assess your issue.

 

Don't quote me on this but I believe the car holds onto second for longer when cold deliberately.

 

Thanks folks.

the modulator didn't spew any oil so I guess it's good.
second gear has always been a little late when the car is cold but it used to go away once the car is warmed up. now it doesn't go away and third gear is starting to act like it.