I have a 1995 SL 600. 65,300 original miles.

Whenever I start the car, I allow it to warm up. During this time, I hear a grinding, mechanical-sounding noise from the passenger-side rear (right near the tail light). The noise continues for two, three-plus minutes at a time.

I went to three mechanics. Two claimed they couldn’t hear it. One claimed it was the self-leveling adjustment. Why does it take over three minutes to level off a perfectly-still car? I didn’t get a satisfactory answer.

Anyway…

The first time I put my car in reverse every day, it resists me all the way back. It jiggles, it shakes, it bounces…but it goes backwards.

The rest of the time I use the car…it’s fine. No noise. No chuckle-buck when I back up. Just that initial backing out of my parking space.

NOW….the two mechanics who claimed not to hear the noise now say that I need a new transmission. All of the other gears are fine, and only the first reverse of the day is rough, so forgive me for being skeptical.

I don’t think it’s the tranny. I don’t WANT to think it’s the tranny, so yes, I’m biased.

Here’s my question:

Do you think that initial reverse has anything to do with the noise I’m hearing on my initial start up?

Thank you for all your help.

Your trans is probably slipping in reverse either the B3 piston or the clutches are slipping

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Keeping 'em Running
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