For Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts and owners, understanding the nuances of their vehicle’s components is crucial for maintenance and repair. One area of particular interest, especially for models like the 300E from the late 1980s and early 1990s, is the transmission mercedes benz. During this period, Mercedes-Benz transitioned between different versions of their automatic transmissions, leading to some understandable confusion, particularly regarding the starting gear. This article aims to clarify the differences between the 722.320 and 722.358 transmissions found in the 300E, and what these variations mean for owners.
The 722.320 Transmission: The Standard Second Gear Starter
The 300E, a popular model in the Mercedes-Benz W124 series, was initially equipped with the 722.320 transmission mercedes benz. This particular model is characterized by its second gear start. For many drivers unfamiliar with this design, it might seem unusual, as most modern vehicles start in first gear. However, the 722.320 was engineered to start in second gear under normal driving conditions, with first gear reserved for heavy loads or slippery conditions, selectable via the gear selector. This was the standard transmission mercedes benz for the 300E for a significant period.
Introducing the Improved 722.358 Transmission: First Gear Start and Enhancements
Around mid-1989, Mercedes-Benz began incorporating the 722.358 transmission mercedes benz into the 300E lineup. This new transmission brought several improvements over its predecessor, the 722.320. Notably, the 722.358 featured a first gear start, providing a more conventional driving experience from a standstill. Beyond just the starting gear, the 722.358 also included internal upgrades, such as an improved B2 piston, contributing to enhanced durability and smoother operation. Despite these advancements, Mercedes-Benz continued to use the 722.320 in production models well into 1991, creating an overlap period.
The Overlap and Model Year Confusion: 1989-1991
The period between 1989 and 1991 is where the confusion often arises regarding the transmission mercedes benz in 300E models. Vehicles manufactured during these years could have been fitted with either the 722.320 (second gear start) or the newer 722.358 (first gear start) transmission. This means that two 1991 300E models, for instance, might have different transmissions and starting gear behavior.
The exact factors determining which transmission mercedes benz was installed in a specific vehicle during this overlap period are not definitively known. Speculation suggests that it might be related to the rear axle ratio, with the first gear start 722.358 potentially paired with lower numerical rear axle ratios and the second gear start 722.320 with higher ratios. However, this remains a theory, and concrete information on the selection criteria is scarce.
Beyond the 722.320 and 722.358: Other Transmission Variants
It’s also important to note that the 300E range included other transmission mercedes benz types depending on the engine and model year. The 300E 2.6, for example, was equipped with the 722.4 series transmission, different from both the 722.320 and 722.358. Furthermore, with the introduction of the 24-valve engine in 1993, the 300E models shifted to yet another transmission mercedes benz, the 722.369.
Conclusion: Implications for Owners and Transmission Swaps
Understanding the transmission mercedes benz in your Mercedes-Benz 300E, particularly the distinction between the 722.320 and 722.358, is vital for maintenance, troubleshooting, and potential transmission swaps. If considering a swap, knowing whether your original car had a first or second gear start transmission is crucial for ensuring compatibility and desired driving characteristics. While both the 722.320 and 722.358 are robust transmissions, the 722.358 offers improvements and a more conventional first gear start, which may be preferable for some owners. However, as one owner discovered, even swapping to a 722.358 doesn’t always guarantee a first gear start in every situation!
