4-matic

[Family Benz]

I own a 1990 300 TE 4matic. The car drove fine. Then, the ride became stiff. I changed the 2 accumulators in the rear. Next, the 4-matic light stayed on and I have a hydraulic fluid leak. Help needed asap.

[ChipJ]

did changing the accumulators improve the ride? Offhand I do not think the ride problem and the 4Matic light problem are the same. To make matters worse, the hydraulic fluid leak could be the self-leveling system, which would be ANOTHER problem.

[Family Benz]

When the accumulators were changed, the ride improved dramatically. The ride is still very nice. I thought that the self-leveling system was connected to the 4-matic system, and the hydraulic fluid was related to it since the fluid lubricates the entire system...

[Family Benz]

I changed the accumulators on a 300 TE 4Matic about a year ago because the ride was very stiff. About two months ago, I noticed that I was losing hydraulic fluid. I made sure that I never went low on hydraulic fluid. Now, my 4Matic light stays on. When I had the car checked out, I was adviced that this may be related to the transmission... I am at a lost . Please advise.

[ChipJ]

I can only suggest that you take the car to a good dealer - maybe two since you live in NYC. The 4Matic transmission has over 3000 parts in it and is not something the average mechanic can do anything with. Your best bet may be to have a rebuilt transmission installed if that is required. There are many reasons why the 4Matic light will come on and only a good dealer can assist. At least this is my experience - you can assume that any repair is likely to cost $1000 or more. Wish I could be more help.

Can the 4 matic be disengaged and operated in simple rear wheel drive? Should all four tires be matching? If there are problems with front ABS is it safe to assume problems with 4matic system?

[ChipJ]

the 4Matic feature can be turned off temporarily but this is only intended to get home or for short distances, not as a permanent solution. Matching tires (in my experience) does not matter as long as they are they same size and have the same amount of wear. Problems with front ABS do not mean a problem with the 4Matic but maybe what you are asking is if a problem with the front ABS can APPEAR as a problem with the 4Matic - which it can.