Info' Please...230SL auto transmission.

[Wolfmann]

Hello,

Probably a bit of a silly question but mine is the only 230SL I have ever driven. The transmission was not locked when in "P". It has just come back from rebuild and is being re-fitted - I assume that the "P" position is meant to lock the trans' as in later cars and that it should now do so after repair/rebuild ??

Thanks in advance,

Steven.

[merrill]

Stephen,
I believe it should lock when in "p".  I will verify today.

have you checked your linkage and bushings?

also, if the transmission is out of the car, you might be able to move the selector into p by hand (I think it would be in the rear most position) and then see if the if it locks....

not sure if it not locking = rebuild.
you could send these guys a note   http://www.mercedesdismantlers.com/.  they have rebuilt two mb transmissions for me and are very helpful.

[Wolfmann]

Thanks Merrill, I had the trans' rebuilt with every other major (and some minor) system of the car hopefully to save down time at the mechanics in the future! I didn't have it rebuilt purely because of the P issue.

Thanks for the info and I will be sure to have them check the linkage and bushings.

Steven.

[Wolfmann]

Can anyone please give me an answer about the P position? Should it lock ?

[Larry & Norma]

Yes it should lock but is a fairly simple mechanism inwhich a pin drops into one of a series
of grooves around the circumpherence of a cylinder internally. I can sometimes hear/feel mine trying to engage
as the car rolls a little until it does engage.
A very simplistic description but i hope conveys the operation.

[Wolfmann]

Thank you Sir !!

Steve.

[Manfred Wicht]

Just rebuild my Automatic transmission on my 65 230SL.  Was a learning curve since I purchased the car with the transmission removed and dismantled.  But now in the car again it is shifting nicely and everything is good again.  Yes  the transmission should lock in P.  The parking pawl will engage into a "gear" on the output shaft and lock the drive shaft.  The parking pawl is applied by the tension of a spring.  If it does not engage and the lever adjustment is right you have an internal problem. 

Manfred

[Dave]

Hi Manfred
I have similar problem.  My 67 230sl doesn't lock in park, and wants to roll.  I always use a wheel chock.  Lever appears ok.  Where is the spring/pawl on the output shaft?  Can I access it and lube or see if spring is present?   1971 Lancia, do you have a picture?  I remember my college roommate lusting after the Lancia Beta when it came out.  I was more intrigued with the exotic Stratos rally call, but I have never seen one.  Any help or info about the trans would be much appreciated.