Shift Point

[joefer]

I am now the proud owner of a 1969 280SL with automatic transmission.  The car seems to run very well, but I have not been able to get it into 4th gear.  I have taken the car up to about 50 mph.  At what speed/rev level should I expect it to hit 4th?

Thanks in advance,

Joe

[Douglas]

Hi Joe,

Congrats on the new Pagoda. Are you aware that the car starts off in second gear?  Also, the 1969 US-spec models tend to rev higher because they were delivered with a 4:08 differential, so I'm guessing you're experiencing normal Pagoda revvy driving.

As they said in an issue of "The Star' years ago, "this is a revving six, not a lumbering eight." Enjoy!

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[mdsalemi]

Hey Joe,

Congratulations.

You indeed have been able to get it into 4th; most likely if everything is working, you start it in 2nd gear like everyone else.  Just one of those reasons why we love this car and its idiosyncrasies.

Don't ask why, but that auto transmission starts in 2nd, and goes only 2-3-4.  1st gear is when you need to tow the caravan up the Alps, when the trunk is full and the roof rack loaded as well.  I've never used it (other then testing to see its there), it's simply way too low.

If you do a rolling start in 2nd, and then stomp on it so the switch under the accelerator kicks in, I think you can get it to first.  Makes a lot of noise in the process.  Try it once for fun and savor the memory.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[joefer]

Wow.  Quick responses!  I was not aware that the car starts in second.

Many thanks.

Joe

[Buz]

Is it possible to modify the valve body so that the transmission starts in 1st gear?  The later W123 cars started in 1st instead of second.  This would be a good change if a 3.69 or 3.27 rear end is used.

[TheEngineer]

Shift points change - happen at higher speeds - as you drive harder. At regular driving all up-shifts happen at about 2500 RPM. In high gear - 4th gear - the tachometer needle and the speedometer needle are parallel. You can select to start  out in first gear by putting the gear shift selector in "2". Upshift from 1 to 2 happens quickly, you must then move the shift lever to 3 or 4 to obtain the higher  gears. 4th gear is 1:1. Years ago, I installed a 3.27 rear axle: It has proven to be real improvement. At freeway speeds (65MPH) the engine turns just a little over 3000RPM. Very pleasant. The acceleration appears not to have been affected, I just stay in a lower gear longer. Sometimes, and I don't drive that way very often, I'm at a stoplight on a multi-lane street and I want to beat the other cars when the light changes to green. I do this starting in 1st. Works most every time. The car seems to out accelerate most regular cars on the road

'69 280SL,Signal Red,Automatic,retired engineer, West-Seattle,WA

[Cees Klumper]

I changed my US spec 4.08 differential to a 3.69 to cut down on the revs. The engine is still strong enough to pull away in second just fine (there seems to be some 'limited slip' when you pull away, allowing for extra revs and torque). When I floor it like Mike says, to engage first gear, it lasts for a very short time and engaging second can make the tires chirp. Not the kind of getaway that fits this car! So even with the 3.69 differential, I just pull away gently but strong in second.

When I returned from my first ever test drive in my current Pagoda, I asked the seller the same question: "so when does fourth gear ever kick in?".

I know some who installed a 3.27 differential, and a 'manual kick-down' switch in the console between the seats, for those occasions where the little extra oomph of first gear is helpful.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic