hello,

i joined benzworld years ago when i owned a '93 300E.

so a few days ago i purchased a beautiful '95 S600 ($7200, San Diego Lexus), 123K miles, 2 owners, calif reg'g/domiciled since new. when i get the car back i'll post some pics here.

she test drove just fine before the purchase. while the salesman followed me home saturday in the S600 he noticed the trans intermittently down-shifting from 4th gear to 3rd gear while cruising on the HWY. anyway he was honest enough to point this out to me when we arrived at my home and immediately called their indy shop to pick up the car for repairs.

having done quite a bit of maintenance on my 280E,300E and 300D, i figure the S600 trans problem couldn't be that serious. i'm thinking something to do with the shift linkage/bushings, trans vacuum modulator or throttle linkage/sensor to the transmission. whatdaya guys think? prior to sale the dealership replaced the engine oil pan and trans oil pan gaskets. perhaps they didn't properly reassemble the trans linkages.

anything else you could suggest doing for preventive maintenance much appreciated. i also see the rear shock accumulators need to be replaced. very stiff rear suspension.

and can i get someone on benzworld to run my VIN to dump all of the mercedes dealer maintenance history? i recall doing this on a benz or BMW forum years ago.

whats a good source for after-market carpet mats?

all of your ideas and suggestions very much appreciated!

cheers,
rick

'73 280E
'90 260E
'77 300D
'93 300E
'95 S600

it's not a modulator or shifter issue. sounds like the kickdown switch and/or solenoid is bad. could also be the kickdown cable is adjusted wrong. good luck, chuck.