1992 TE 4-Matic
 

Is there any suggested preventative maintenance for the transaxle on this model? The engine is brand new (MBz rebuild) and I understand that the TA has a dubious rep. Thanks.

Not really, just make sure that the hydralic fluid level does not get low, and only use MB hydraulic fluid if it needs topping off.

1962 MB 220SEb "Fintail" Sedan
1963 Vespa VNB4T Scooter
1992 MB 300TE 4Matic Wagon
1995 Subaru Leagacy Wagon AWD

Thanks, FinFan. I am entirely unfamiliar with this 4-Matic system. What is the big gripe with this vintage? I notice from the service records that the hydraulic oil is topped off (a pint or so) with almost every oil change (+-3K miles). Is this an abnormal rate of loss/replacement? Also, the dealership only uses Castrol 10w/30, even with the newly installed factory rebuild engine. That does not seem right.

The trans on these cars hasn't been a problem at all! However the TRANSFER case is another subject! The transfer case has it's own fill & drain plug & uses ATF just like the transmission.

Where can I get some info. (history) on this vintage transfer case? Any thing to be done to keep the transfer case from going south?

If you need a pint of hydraulic fluid every oil change I`m afraid your transfer case may be going south. I just posted this on another thread:

"The 4-Matic transfer case tends to develop an internal leak from the hydraulic fluid side to the ATF side after 100 k or so. This leads to failure of the TC and a $3K to $5K R&R. I'm changing the TC ATF at least once a year and check for contamination. Inexpensive peace of mind. Aslo, check your hydraulic fluid level regularly. If you notice it going down change your TC ATF more often; e.g. every oil change. If (when) the TC fails you can avoid the expensive R&R by putting the 4-Matic in test mode and drive it as a 2WD. However I believe that the self leveling feature may not work anymore."

Reno