when the guy brings it to work - if you can - take a test drive with him then.

many time when a car is under warranty the don't give the repairs to their top mechanics - so it is a good idea to go out together for driveability problems

If it were me I'd be pissed about them wasting your time. Good luck with that dealership.

The "cannot duplicate the problem" and "trans conductor plate had one failed RPM sensor, so they replaced that, and I'll report back after I drive it" is bs to me. What I hear them saying is we're not willing to dedicate the time and expertise to resolve the problem and, if you want it fixed properly, the onus will be on you to do our work for us.

At a minimum, I'd be quite skeptical.

__________________
Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230

Mike,

Normally I would be pissed, but I've got 30k and 20 months left on the warranty (free extra year ). VW and Honda never would have given me a new ML to drive, let alone a loaner period, and they sure woudn't have brought my car 20 miles and picked up the ML with no charge for the gas used

I figure I'm building a documented history of issues that I will push hard to be resolved by 90k.

That said, when I put it in gear, the lever felt tighter. I pushed it into gear as opposed to it thunking into gear. Probably the new fluid. I haven't driven it out of the parking lot yet.

Here are excerpts from the invoice:

Valve Body - R&R
Valve Body - Shift Plate - replace parts
Electrical System test - determine condition
1 140-270-08-61 Electronics Kit
1 140-277-00-95 Trans Oil Filter
4 001-989-21-03-10 Trans fluid
1 026-997-40-48 seal ring
1 026-997-41-48 seal ring
1 140-991-00-55 lock pin

Just got home - guess what!

It slipped once, as usual, and it also sifts harder in all gears, and my shift pattern is noticeably different.

It's worse than before, not better.

I called the service mgr directly, and mentioned what happened to my grandmother's 98 at 30k. He is going to speak with the foreman and did not rule out replacing the trans.

Good. Go get them, dude. When you describe your experience, one thing for you to be prepared for them to say is "after a service, the trans has to re-learn your driving style." The 722.6 adapts itself to your driving style over time. When you say it's shifting different, be prepared for them to say "that's normal, it's re-learning your style." While this is true, that thing SHOULD NOT be slipping. Demand that they fix it properly, with, if needed, a new trans and related electronics. From the time they order the parts, it may take several weeks to have the whole thing shipped in from Germany.

What about the hop and vibration thing?

__________________
Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230

Hop and vibration is the same. Apparently they are blind because when I look at the passenger seat headrest, it is rhythmically shaking at speed.

I explained I am fully aware of the issue with the early 722.6, and expect a resolution next time. He advised he will call me after he has spoken to the foreman, and said if the trans needs to be replaced, then they will do it. FYI, it does seem to be relearning my driving today, but the first gear issue is still there.

Is the hop and vibration only in the seat?

__________________
Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230

I can feel it in the steering wheel, and along with the seat, the visor can be seen shaking.

you are aware that when the drivetrain is cold at start-up the computer will delay the shift out of first to heat up the exhaust. But that event is really not a slip as opposed to a delay to chang-up a gear.

Also one thing I have heard many 5 speed transmissions from different manufacturers do is slam down into first gear ( could be second ) when slowing down. I know it sometimes happens on my 722.6

"I can feel it in the steering wheel, and along with the seat, the visor can be seen shaking."

Whatever it is, something's wrong. It's not just a loose seat or loose something else.

__________________
Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230

Please do let me know what happens with this as I have had this problem for 6 months now. I bought new wheels and tires in hopes that this was the problem yet at low speeds you can feel it hop and at 60+ it shakes like the wheels are not balanced.

It feels as though it is coming from the right front for some reason as if you are sitting in the front passenger seat you feel like youre feet are getting a massage.