I've read the various threads on lubing the throttle linkage. As I did not and do not intend to take the joints apart, I simply used heavy duty silicone spray with a narrow tube so that I could spray into the joint.

What I'm not sure I understand is how to do it with ATF. Does using ATF (MB's recommendation) assume that I'm going to take the joints apart? If not, what exactly do I do? Simply douse a rag with ATF and rub it along the linkage hoping that it gets into the joints? Maybe some sort of syringe would work (but my wife would make fun of me if she saw me doing that).

I also wonder if using silicone spray instead of ATF means I need to do it more frequently.

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14 E250 Bluetec 4Matic "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 154k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 172k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver on Tan, 142k mi, wastegate conversion, ALDA delete

19 Honda CR-V EX 61k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

I've always just popped them apart, cleaned the joints with Brake/carb cleaner, then put a drop or so of ATF into the socket. Those joints can get VERY dirty.

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

I am generally reluctant to recommend against the manufacturers specifications, but there is no doubt that there are hundreds of lubricants available that are light years better than ATF.

I use never seize . . . I pop mine apart, clean, brush on . . .

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82 240D Manual 277K and still rolling!
02 Volvo S60 AWD For Sale

Here's some interesting reading concerning ATF as a lube: http://grantcunningham.com/lubricants101.html

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92 300D 2.5L OM602 OBK #59