92 300D Problems on a Steep driveway

[AL300D]

Hi Everone-

I picked up a 92 300D a week ago, I love the car, feels so much more stately than my TDI Jetta. I did have a concern this morning though. Last night was the first time I parked the car in the garage (I live toward the bottom of a hill) Well when I started her up this morning she could not get up the hill, would be in drive and woudl just come to a standstill. After a few attempts like this I put the brake one and gave it RPM's and it made it up. My TDI's have never had a problem with the hill, or my dad's Ford Ranger. Any words of advice appreciated.

Lance

[sixto]

Check the transmission fluid level. If you have to ask how, have it checked by a reputable MB independent shop.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

[AL300D]

Transmission fluid is fine (I checked it myself and with an indy). The grade of my driveway is pretty steep and there is not much in the way of "runway" to get any speed to it. Maybe the car was simply not warmed up enough? This is my first MB diesel so still learning. That said I am pretty commited to the car and will move the family to another house if need be (hope my wife does not read these threads : )

[sixto]

Hmm... it's not a good sign when the transmission takes time to engage D or R. A couple of seconds seems to be common as the transmission ages but when you have to rev the engine to engage a drive gear, you're looking at major transmission service.

How many miles on this car?

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

[AL300D]

it has 144K but the tranny was rebuilt @100K (here is the car http://jono.mbfans.net/E300D.htm ) The car made it about 1/2 way up the drive and comes to a standstill at the steepest part.

[sixto]

So it engages properly but loses climbing ability halfway up. That's beyond me. Does it happen in reverse?

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL