Drive

[Richard]

Can anyone help please.

My 230 Auto doesn’t appear to be engaging gears. The engine is running ok but when you select drive it feels like the clutch is slipping and it only goes 5mph.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Peter van Es]

Check if you have sufficient oil (ATF) in the transmission. Not having enough leads to these sort of symptoms.

[Pawel66]

Just in case: you do it when engine is warm and running...

[Paul & Dolly]

Hi Richard,

Redcastle Classics in Caerphilly, and Stuttgart Garage in Pontypridd are not too far from you if needed.

Paul

[Richard]

Many thanks all. The oil seems to be one.

Those garages are fully booked for a month or two!

Any other tips please?

[Peter van Es]

Just buy ATF (Type A) and slowly and carefully fill it via the dipstick line. Try not to overfill.
Capacity: 4L of ATF. But that's only if you've fully drained the transmission of ATF.

See https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Automatic/Start

[WRe]

Hi Richard,
I don't want alarm you but when your transmission already slipped the likelyhood of burned clutch coverings is high because they are very thin only coated like paint. See https://www.sls-hh-shop.de/main/en/mercedes-230-280sl-w113-/27-automatic-gearbox/27-i-info-belagzustand.
You should check your oil (on the dipstick, better oil change) for colour (dark red or burned brown) and for smell (oily or burned).
...WRe

[Benz Dr.]

Just buy ATF (Type A) and slowly and carefully fill it via the dipstick line. Try not to overfill.
Capacity: 4L of ATF. But that's only if you've fully drained the transmission of ATF.

See https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Automatic/Start

Kind of depends. If you drain the torque converter ( which you should anyway ) it will hold several liters. Make a note that the amount between the add and full line is only about 300 ml.