Newbie 93 300TE 4 MATIC questions

[p-car993]

Just wanted to drop a line and say hello to the group and see if anyone can help me with a few questions. Recently I just got back into another MB “again”, after owning an 88 260E, 94 E320, 96 SL320. I have been very much involved in the Porsche 911 group, mainly in providing technical help and DIY instruction for other air-cooled Porsche 911 owners. My web site is http://p-car.com

I had to purchase a bigger car because the Porsche 911 is just not a practical car for everyday use. So I purchased a 1993 MB 300TE 4 MATIC with 125,000 miles on the clock for $10,000.

Here are some questions I wonder if someone can help me with.

(1). I noticed a jerky hard shift problem when shifting from 2nd and 3rd (assuming the car starts off in 2nd gear), less apparent if the A/C was off, but with the A/C on it makes a “clunk” sound every time. I don’t remember any of my previous MBs that did this, so I just wanted to find out if this was normal for the TE 4 MATIC model?

(2). I read the owner’s manual and saw spec. that the motor in the 4 MATIC model is smaller and produces less horse power than the standard 2 wheel drive model, and was curious to why MB did this? My logic would tell me that the MB should have used a more powerful motor in the 4 wheel drive model instead?

(3). Am I correct to assume that the 4 MATIC model basically just have the additional 4 wheel drive system and the auto leveling system compare to the standard 300TE model?

(4). How does the Auto leveling system work?

(5). Can anyone recommend a good independent shop in the Miami area (Doral)?

(6). Is there a web site with all the DIY instructions listed for the 300TE model? Like how to flush the fluids 4 MATIC hydraulic system? How to change other fluids etc?

(7). What’s a good place to purchase discount parts on line?

(8). With the mileage on the engine what oil weight is recommended for Florida warm climate area? What about using Mobil 1 synthetic oils? Any draw backs for this high mile motor?

Thank you

Robin
93 MB 300TE 4 MATIC
96 Porsche 993
00 BMW 323ci
http://p-car.com