First of all, this is the car I bought last week.
Falling in love with this 1998 C280 Sport.
But there seems to be things to be repaired.

1st : AT Transmission
I did notice problem with tranny during test drive, but I thought I could improve it from repairs or minor oil change etc..
Problems are hard shifts between 1 and 2 and may be 3 and 4.
Between 1 and 2 being more severe.
I did reset TCU and 2~4 improved, however hard shifts between 1 and 2 still exists.

And when I try to accelerate too much, it would lock into 1 gear only mode,
Probably 3 or 4, and would stay there forever.
When this happened I shifted to N and went back to D, it would stay on 1st gear.

When I turn off the engine and restart, it would be back to normal.
I did search and found out problem is likely to be "conductor plate"



This is pic I took earlier today during oil change.
There seems to be transmission oil leak. But it doesn't drop on floor.
I am going to order conductor plate / pan gasket / filter set from ebay.
Would it improve the situation?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321197636132...84.m1497.l2649

is this set enough? or do I need to order anything extra?

2nd : Shock and Spring

Road condition in Guatemala is super rough with endless holes and bumps.
I noticed driver's side rear shock leaking oil and have bursted.
And passenger's side front shock is in bad state.

I would like to change all the bushings / shock absorbers / springs at the same time.
However, many threads mentions that Sport has different mounts.
Can't I use regular Sachs-Boge shocks offered at autohausaz?
And for springs, can't I use regular springs?
Or do I just have to buy new spring pads (shims) for new springs?

I don't mind using Bilstein Touring either, but sellers suggest that they are not good for Sport Chassis.
I don't think there should any problem with mounting them, but I want to make sure before placing an order.
It will be nearly impossible to return or refund after receiving parts in Guatemala from US.

3rd : Rear Differential Axle Oil Leak



This is rear axle (? not sure if it's correct name) on passenger's side.
There seems to be a damage to rubber cover and little leak of oil.
What parts should I order to repair this?
Driver's side is fine, but if it's not too expensive, I would like to change both sides.

4th : Tires sizes

This car has 17 inch AMG wheel.
and is running with 225/45/17 at front and 225/50/17 at rear.
Dunno why previous owner had thicker tires at back.

Anyway, rear tires have almost worn out and I would like to get new tires.
What would be ideal combination of tire sizes?

225/45/17 for all 4 tires?
225/45/17 front and 235/45/17 back?
215/45/17 and 225/45/17?

Please let me know what combination of tires can achieve stable handling.

Any help would be appreciated.
It is really hard to get hold of decent priced parts and services here, so I am trying to get as much parts as possible by myself.

Great weekends and safe driving for all of you!!