S-Class (W140) 1991-1999: 300 SD, S 350TD, 300 SE 2.8, S280, 300 SE 3.2, 300 SEL 3.2, S320, S320L, 400 SE, S420, 400 SEL, S420L, 500 SE, S500, 500 SEL, S500L, 600 SE, S600, 600 SEL, S600L, 500 SEC, 600 SEC

'95 S600 Trans Ghost Shifting

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Old Jun 27, 2011 | 10:53 AM
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'95 S600, '77 300D
'95 S600 Trans Ghost Shifting

hello,

i joined mbworld years ago when i owned a '93 300E.

so a few days ago i purchased a beautiful '95 S600 ($7200, San Diego Lexus), 123K miles, 2 owners, calif reg'g/domiciled since new. when i get the car back i'll post some pics here.

she test drove just fine before the purchase. while the salesman followed me home saturday in the S600 he noticed the trans intermittently down-shifting from 4th gear to 3rd gear while cruising on the HWY. anyway he was honest enough to point this out to me when we arrived at my home and immediately called their indy shop to pick up the car for repairs.

having done quite a bit of maintenance on my 280E,300E and 300D, i figure the S600 trans problem couldn't be that serious. i'm thinking something to do with the shift linkage/bushings, trans vacuum modulator or throttle linkage/sensor to the transmission. whatdaya guys think? prior to sale the dealership replaced the engine oil pan and trans oil pan gaskets. perhaps they didn't properly reassemble the trans linkages.

anything else you could suggest doing for preventive maintenance much appreciated. i also see the rear shock accumulators need to be replaced. very stiff rear suspension.

and can i get someone on mbworld to run my VIN to dump all of the mercedes dealer maintenance history? i recall doing this on a benz or BMW forum years ago.

whats a good source for after-market carpet mats?

all of your ideas and suggestions very much appreciated!

cheers,
rick

'73 280E
'90 260E
'77 300D
'93 300E
'95 S600
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 09:22 AM
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From: tennessee
s320
I have heard of S600 trans being replaced,but don't know the mileage.With such a powerful engine you'd need a tractor trailer trans to last forever.
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