4 speed auto

[n/a]

My 280sl has a 4 speed auto box, were they all 4 speed?
and when I pull away on kick down I get a clank, clank.
The guy I bought my car off told me (when I took it for a test
drive) that it was the exhust underneath & the rubber rings
mounting the center box were missing and he was right but it
has a bungee holding it in place and I now have the rings but
have not had the time to fit them should the exhust knock
or is it a transmition problem? also is there an adjustment
for the auto stick cos when I go from neutral to engauage
in drive 4th it need nudging towards 3rd by about 1/2" otherwise
it stays in neutral, has anybody else had this prob.

 Pagoda Red

red kelly

[rwmastel]

Red,

All the automatics were 4-speed.  There was a rare 5-speed manual transmission made by ZF.

Do a search on "shift bushing".  You'll find info on the plastic parts that keep the shift lever held tight to the shift linkage.  It's a common problem and supposedly easy to fix yourself (I have not done it my self).

Regarding your "clank" at takeoff using the kick-down, I think you will have to have some experienced ears listen to it.  Noises are hard to describe with the written word.  Perhaps one of our other UK members could meet you and help you out.  At least they could recommend a good quality W113 service center in your area.  You should not only look at how your exhaust is installed and suspended, but examine the motor mounts and transmission mount.  If the "clunk" only happens when you use the kick-down, it could be because the motor is moving on it's mounts!  It could also be one of a hundred other things.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[hands_aus]

Hi Red,

Sometimes a clunk is heard and felt when taking off and changing gears while driving caused by the rear axle suspension rubbers being worn out.

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[knirk]

Bob,
I haven't done my rear axle yet. Can you tell me how many rubber suspensions there are?

Per G. Birkeland
69 280 sl aut 834
Norway

[rwmastel]

Per,

I've not rebuilt one either, but here are the rubber components that I can think of:

Trailing Arms to Body
Trailing Arms to Axle
Upper Spring Pads
Lower Spring Pads
Differential Mount
Axle Boot Cover

OK experts, what did I miss?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[rwmastel]

Per,

I've not rebuilt one either, but here are the rubber components that I can think of:

Trailing Arms to Body
Trailing Arms to Axle
Upper Spring Pads
Lower Spring Pads
Differential Mount
Axle Boot Cover

OK experts, what did I miss?   :?:

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[ja17]

Good start Rodd,
The center differential mount actually has three rubber bushings, one in the trunk one under the trunk and one where the verticle arm mounts to the differential gear box.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[n/a]

Thanks All, but it looks like it is the exhust and not big
a problem now, I hope.

Pagoda Red

red kelly

[hands_aus]

Hey Joe and Rodd,
Joe
The one under the trunk, it that the locating strut?

Rodd,
what about compensating spring rubber pads?

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto