I've noticed the same thing: transmission in the 190e 2.6 shifts more smoothly cold and is overall more responsive, hot or cold. I am using Mobile Synthetic ATF.

BTW, I am trying moving back to all Mercedes fluids: ATF, coolant, powersteering etc. I am surious as to whether there really is a discernable difference. I'll post after all the fluids are changed.

For oil, I am doing a 15W-40 fill at the next change to see how much the engine and most specifically, the hydraulic lifters, clean up.

I think overall, the synthetics are good. With the engine oil, synthetics clean quite well and where sometimes a leak has started but isn't noticeable, the synthetic will advance the leak, such as with upper cam covers on 103 engines. I have seen the results of running synthetic differential oils- the insides are very, very clean. Synthetics also help in reducing worn differential whine.

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)