FGS valve body question

[Ab150]

Hi all,

Thanks, in advance, for your help with this one. I like the FGS valve body in my 94 E500 so much that I would like to install one in my 91 500SL. I obtained a valve body, part number 124 270 6915 from a late 1992 400E in the junk yard (fluid was reasonably clean, no evidence of metal or other contaminants in the pan), and it is currently marinating in a new container full of ATF, but I do not know:

1)If there is any special prep or testing I should do to the valve body

2) Whether this FGS valve body is compatible with my 722.353 transmission in the 91 500SL.

Any thoughts on either of these would be appreciated. If it seems too risky to put the valve body in, I can always use it as a core for a new one, but obviously I do hope it is compatible.

Thanks for tolerating a non-E500E question.

Andrew

 

[gerryvz]

This is entirely a relevant question for all V-8 W124 owners, so no worries there.

I don't think there is any prep or testing that is really done with a valve body -- basically it's installed and you hope that everything is OK with it and it works correctly. There are several small plastic spring-loaded pins that have to be in the correct places in the valve body, but as long as those are installed correctly, and there is no damage to the VB itself, it should work fine.

Putting it in is as simple as dropping the transmission pan (drain fluid before you do this, and preferably torque converter too), unbolting the old VB, and installing the new one along with new ATF and a new filter. Then you test it out.

The @gsxr can confirm whether the VB is compatible with your transmission or not. Given that your car is a KE-Jet injected car, the engine is different. I don't know if the transmission/valve body is the same for the LH 129s as it is for the earlier KE-Jet 129s. It should physically fit the transmission with no problem, though. I say that it can't hurt to try, though.

 

[gsxr]

I would recommend removing each of the side plates on the VB, and inspecting for broken springs. This is easy on the workbench, before installing. If you did not drive the donor car before removal, you have no idea how that transmission was shifting. I've found broken springs in several different junkyard VB's. Otherwise, just bolt it in place.

I am not 100% certain but I think it will work fine in the 129.066 chassis transmission. Please report back and let us know how it works out.

 

[Ab150]

Thanks, guys. Super helpful. Just removed each side panel, all springs and valves appear intact, was able to drop some clean atf into each orifice and flush out some of the old fluid that lingered in each. Satisfying job. Will keep you guys posted once I have the VB in the car. Fingers crossed.
Thanks again.
Andrew

 

[Ab150]

Hi guys,

@gsxr and @gerryvz, thank you so much for the above mentioned advice. Just installed the 400E valve body in my 1991 500SL, and I have a first gear start. Just like my E500, it feels much more sprightly and enthusiastic. The shifts are positive and properly timed - I could not be happier. Thank you again for your interest and encouragement.
Andrew

 

[gerryvz]

That's awesome to hear. Thanks for the update. Hope there was no drama associated with the install. Make sure you keep the old VB in a plastic container (Tupperware) in case you ever need it !!

 

[Ab150]

That's awesome to hear. Thanks for the update. Hope there was no drama associated with the install. Make sure you keep the old VB in a plastic container (Tupperware) in case you ever need it !!

Thanks again. Yea, the old valve body is in a Tupperware container, marinating in some fresh atf!
Andrew

 

[Duh_Vinci]

...Just installed the 400E valve body in my 1991 500SL, and I have a first gear start. Just like my E500, it feels much more sprightly and enthusiastic. The shifts are positive and properly timed - I could not be happier. ...

Cheers Andrew!

Glad it all worked out for you! I too installed one of these FGS valve bodies into my 95 SL500, 722.364... Agree 100%, much of the improvement in the "fun to drive" department! The car just feels alive! Enjoy it!

Regards,
D