I pulled into my father-in-law's rather steep driveway tonight, stopped, then tried to inch futher up and my car started to roll backwards (was in D the whole time). Had to goose the throttle to get moving forwards.

Basically it acts like a manual when on a hill and you step off the break.

Is my transmission on the way out?

- With the exception of not getting redline in first under full throttle, my transmission seems to work just fine.

Is this another M119 quirk? BTW 72K on the clock, did my 60K service, new bodwin cable, running Mobil 1 ATF.

With the exception of the older fluid coupling trannies (pre-73), MBs do indeed tend to roll backwards at idle. A result of the fairly high slip torque converter, I think.

Use the parking brake to hold you on slopes like that, then run the engine up before releasing it if you think you will roll backwards very far.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Another technique is to put your left foot on the brake while using the right for the throttle.

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

Thanks! Thought I was in for another "kick in the balls" repair.