97 c230 - ongoing trans issues - however seemingly minor from time to time - since purchased in 3/04, 30k miles ago. Car has 90k. Symptoms have changed over time. Initially I had a first gear hesistation, but I think that was tied to something else (can't remember) that was fixed. Nonetheless, fluid and filter changed at 65k, new conductor plate, electronic "board" replaced TWICE for erratic shifting, shifter bushings just done as well.

I have 2 issues that I SWEAR are tied together, but even my indie says not.

First, the shift lever itself, when first shifting into D after tha car has sat for a few hours, has very sloppy "lockage" into D. It will move up and down within the D slot. The other condition is, even after 2 elec. boards and conductor plate, is that sometimes the trans will star out on 3rd gear, or slam into another gear. VERY occasional, so much so that it cannot be reproduced when the dealer has the car. BUT IT IS THERE. AND, this only seems to happen when the lever has play in it. If I throw the lever in P, and shift back to D a couple times, it seats properly. Bushings were just replaced and it STILL does this. I think I have a serious trans issue and I have 7k left on my warranty. The shop foreman keeps mis-diagnosing it. What is the issue???

Again, this only sems to happen when the lever isn't seated, but Indie says the lever would have to be notched clearly into another gearslot for this to happen - he thinks failed spring in valve body or TCM - ideas?

__________________
former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL