Auto Trans Questions & Front End Looseness
 

First off, the transmission: Put it in drive, it takes off, it goes into second very quickly unless the accelerator is basically floored. Going into third is very firm to say the least. Fourth seems to be smooth. Sometimes taking off will result in a quick rev and then kind of a slam into gear. Sometimes going into reverse results in a couple of jerky stutters before smoothly backing up. When at speed, kickdown only occurs when you basically floor the gas pedal, and then it takes a second to get in the low gear. Is any of this normal? I just had the trans flushed a month ago by an MB Master tech. He said everything seemed fine. Is this just a sluggish trans by nature? How long will it last? (the trans) It will also roll back on an incline quite a bit if your foot is off the gas.

As for the front end, there seems to be the tie-rod end, and then further up on the steering arm there is another ball joint. At higher speeds 65+ the front seems a little loose. New tires (Mich Pilot Primacy V rated) on the front, New BFG Traction T/A H Rated on the back, and four wheel align. 1 of the front tires is now wearing on the inside drivers side.
Car is 1995 E320 Wagon 63k on it.

If it is vibration at the steering wheel at 65+, then it may be something as simple as wheel out of balance. A re-balance of the front wheels should fix it.

Check to see if any of the tie rod and drag link ends are loose. That would lead to looseness in the steering.