the normal wear pattern and the resulting travel of the mechanical bits have been taken into consideration by MB, and trust me, they know tons about manual transmissions.
So I would doubt that this is a cause.

Because you said you had to pump the pedal to get the pressure back is due to either air in the system (likely) or bad hydraulic components.

I chased this same problem with a SAAB. Drove me nuts. I bled the system by pumping the pedal until I got a firm pedal, and having an assistant then turn the bleed valve while the pedal sank to the floor. BTW, you don't actually want to go all the way to the floor. This is the way you are supposed to do it.

Didn't work.

Used the syringe method and presto, PERFECT!

I think that this tool is referred to as a "master cylinder bleeder kit" at NAPA.

__________________
Ed
1981 300CD (Benzina)
1968 250 S (Gina) 266,000 miles!
1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6 (Guido)
1976 Jaguar XJS-saved a V-12 from the chevy curse, what a great engine!
1988 Cadillac Eldorado (better car than you might think!)
1988 Yamaha Venture (better than a Wing!)
1977 Suzuki GS750B
1976 Yamaha XS 650 (sold)
1991 Suzuki GSX1100G (Shafty Gixser)
1981 Yamaha VX920RH (Euro "Virago")
Solex Moped
1975 Dodge P/U camper


"Time spent in the company of a cat, a beer, and this forum, is not time wasted!"