A recently acquired low miles 89 560 SEL has a worrysome condition. Tranny works great in forward gears. However reverse is slow to engage and doesn't 'lock up' sometimes unless throttle is blipped. It then engages real hard, enough to spin the tires against the brakes! When it does engage, it holds full engine torque though.

Is something sticking and then unsticking?

Changing fluid and filter didn't help a bit. No gum or trash, only slight amount of black/grey sludge (1/4 teaspoon) and pan had never been off.

Help!

Reverse gear is applied by a clutch pack in the front of trans, only gear that its used for. Sounds like the clutches are worn or application seal rings are leaking durning application. SOmewhat major repair at 10 hrs & $175 in parts. Most of the time a GOOD shop would suggest all of the FIBER clutch plates be replaced on cars with mileage. IN ALL auto transmissions these discs are designed to slip & that causes wear! IN other words normal! At what mileage this wear happens & is normal is the real ?????

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR
1986 190E 16V