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Originally Posted by jcyuhn
OK, OK, I'll jump in. I have two thoughts on the matter.
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Wow. I actually "provoked" a response from the readership? ;-) Seriously, thank you for responding!
Regarding the fluid level, I am 99% confident in the method used -- checking it on a level surface with coolant temperature at 80 *C, reading the correct level marking on the dipstick, and doing so at least three times.
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Second thought. Some models have a gizmo which softens the shifting of the transmission until the engine reaches a certain temperature. I have seen transmissions immediately gain a cold flare when switched to synthetic fluid. The solution is to disconnect this "shift softener" device. It's as simple as unplugging the electrical connector from a switchover valve. Don't know whether your E420 has such a thing, but if so you might want to disconnect it. You'll have to search the electrical/vacuum diagrams for your car to find out if it exists. What brand of transmission fluid are you running?
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What you described is a computer-controlled shift delay until the coolant temperature reaches 60 *C (?). My vehicle has that by default in the stock program, but it's removed in the chip currently installed. The shifts would actually flare under load well after reaching operating temperature as well. Shift problems existed well before installing the aftermarket ECU, for the record.
With 500ml extra fluid, the condition no longer exists in either operating scenario.
I typically use Valvoline dino fluid, most recently switched to the "high-mileage" blend. From what I can tell, this formula maintains viscosity at lower temperatures without relying on synthetic additives. I will probably change the fluid and filter again within the next 5000 miles, and not worry until clutches start slipping again.
-DM