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1990 Mercedes 420 SEL - transmission

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rivan

rivan

Diamond Member
So I've been tasked with selling a car for extended family; it's got a few problems I'm looking for simple solutions on, in the hopes we can get a little more for it.

It's been sitting for an extended period, and one of the more major issues is that it won't go into reverse.

I decided to check the transmission fluid, and unless I'm checking it incorrectly, it's VERY high.

I warmed it up for about 10 minutes, then turned the car off, let it settle for about 5 minutes, then checked it, and it's showed more than an inch above the fill line. The dipstick has a locking flange on it about an inch tall - if I left it flipped down when I check, it'd probably be right in the middle of the 'good' area on the dipstick.

Is there anything special about Mercs of this era?
 
I was talking to my Mercedes mechanic recently and this is quite common. Sadly, I forget the common cause, but it is not often complicated for someone who knows their way around an old german car. Sadly, my 5650 SEC only goes into reverse and that is a much more perplexing problem...
 
IIRC it may be a plastic ball that seals against a hole when pressure builds up changing the flow of fluid in the transmission. If the ball gets worn and pops through the hole, you have this problem. Easy peasy if fixed quickly and new transmission time if you wait on the repair and drive it.
 
Thanks for the responses, GasX; if I were to guess, this has been an issue for a couple years or more. The car's likely not worth fixing before selling, if it's a matter of a new tranny.

Cheers.
 
Adsitco.com

used and rebuilt transmissions for old MBs

It might not be a nasty repair bill, but you NEED to find a guy who knows these cars or you will take it in the keister with sandpaper for lube...
 
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