benz320

My '99 e320 hesitated shifting into drive yesterday, even though the gear shift was in "D" it was like it was still in neutral, upon the first usage of the day. It was colder than normal around 15 F, it did this once last winter on an extermely cold day. Any thoughts as to what is happening and why it does this on cold days only when the car is cold ? Thanks

C43AMG

How about some info on the car - mileage , last time tranny was serviced ?

benz320

Sure : It is a 99 e320 with 151,000 miles. Transmission replaced in August of 2005 at around 120,000 miles. It did the same thing last February one time.
When I called the tranny shop they said bring it in and leave overnight when it is really cold. I never did this last year as it warmed up and never really got cold again until this week. It is definitely cold related. Thanks.

C43AMG

Was synthetic fluid used in the new tranny ? How is the fluid level ?

benz320

Sorry I do not know, but it seems a quick run to the tranny shop is in order. I definitely need to check the fluid level ? I thought I read somewhere that it is permanently sealed.

C43AMG

Permanentely sealed doesn't mean it doesn't leak.Have you looked around for any puddles/drippings underneath it ?

benz320

Yes : garaged every night, no drips on garage floor except for ac condensation.

dan_cobb

I recently took my '01 in for this (and a few other) problem.
My service guy told me that the hydraulic engine mounts were bad.
I first laughed, then he said that they were actually rubber tubes with compressed fluid inside them, sorta like an airbag suspension, but with oil instead of air (and no adjustability).
They replaced them for free regardless.
+++

benz320

Thanks for the reply , So somehow the engine mount failure causes the transmission to delay engaging ? How often did your transmission fail to go into drive ? Did it only happen when cold ?
Thanks