Hi all,

Quick question: I'm looking for advice as to whether to stick to factory service intervals or accelerate my transmission servicing due to having a really heavy right foot.

At last change, fluid was red, didn't smell cooked and no metallic gunk fell out of the drain. Looked OK - but still I'm wondering as it seems I'm always reading how something as insignificant as a misplaced speck of dust can wreak havoc and destroy these trannys...

Matt
93 190 2.6 70k/mi

Matt, how heavy is your right foot. I.e. what do you mean? Are you doing any manual shifting of the tranny? Do you hold the brakes and build the RPM until the converter stalls? Need more detail re "heavy right foot".

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

If you are abusing the tranny, I would service it more often. How much? That is up to you.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

JeffSR,

No, not doing brakestands, but lots of kickdown and shift-holding (due to slightly anemic engine and loooong third gear).

Don't even know if that qualifies as abuse, as I'm letting it get warm before putting the foot in it.

Shouldn't be a problem..What's up with the engine? Those 2.6's seem pretty peppy to me. That might be something that you should consider looking into...

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

Go by fluid colour.
if its red its OK
it degrades to brown.
Brown is burnt fluid
Grey is really bad news


Take responsibility for your car.

Check the Battery level...........

Matt,
Have you found any good repair shops in the area? I have had sveral bad experiences with Autobahn Motors in Redwood Shores. I have used Los Gatos Auto Mall for some simple things with success.

Wade - The family has used Auto Haus Los Gatos for almost twenty years with excellent results. They're MB-only, MB-certified and charge considerably less than the dealerships for maintenance. Tony Schwager is the owner and a good guy to start the relationship with - he believes in 100% customer satisfaction. They're on Winchester in Campbell (Hwy 85 to Winchester exit, head north approx one mile - it's on the left. They also specialize in the sale of MB SL's, so you'll see about thirty out front. Phone is 408/370-2655.

is it bad to brakestand? (hold brake and build RPM) and is it bad to manually shift the tranny?

thanks

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• Blizzak454 •
Atlanta GA, USA
1990 300E
1989 BMW 735i
blizzak454@webmail.bellsouth.net

Blizzak454
Yes, it is "bad" to brake stand and force the drive train to absorb what amounts to full throttle power. When you get the torque convertor to stall, everythiinnngg gets a good torqueing and something will eventually break.

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325