Whether it actually starts in 2nd or not may actually be a simple misunderstanding on the part of the PO. As far as I'm aware, all of the 722.3 transmissions used in later 123 and 126 models stay in second when stopped UNTIL you touch the accelerator, whereupon they instantly kick down to first. You should be able to feel this behaviour by taking your foot off the brake at standstill and see what the creep is like vs having the shift lever in "L". And frankly, on most of them the modulator and transmission are worn enough that you can feel the "bump" when it kicks down to first. If it doesn't kick down, the cable probably just needs adjusting.
It wouldn't surprise me that the PO wouldn't be aware of the above: I've met plenty of "Mercedes mechanics" who didn't know it either. Personally I love the earlier transmissions that start in second and do NOT kick down unless forced, because every time it doesn't shift is one less bit of wear on that band/clutch pack. As you know, the 85 has a higher stall speed on the torque convertor, so it should be even more capable of starting in second without seeming sluggish. And you could always kick down if you needed the extra kick... But as I said, I suspect this is probably just the PO not understanding that the design is for it to be in second to prevent creep, but then to kick down immediately when you apply the accelerator... The TDM will clarify what the normal build was for that year, but I don't have it with me to check. Andrew Strasfogel wrote: > > I have been looking for a 1985 300TD and checked one out today. However, > it's the CA version 300TD with a catalytic converter and different air > cleaner. The owner says that the transmission is also different than the > normal 1985s, and that the car starts in 2nd gear. I was wondering whether > I could swap out this engine with the 1985 300D engine in my wagon and mate > it with that (normal) 1985 transmission without a lot of custom work. Good > idea or not? > > Anderw > 1983 30TD > 1985 300TD with 300D engine and regular rear suspension > _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
