jerky and slow in reverse plus head gasket oil leak - Benzworld.org

ashik2791 · 10-24-2005, 03:40 PM

I just bought my 95 s320 (175k) and found that the reverse takes an upward of about 5 seconds delay to engage. It engages very smoothly, almost un-noticble. After engaging, the car jerks if i press on the gas. Basically, i have to let it roll. Anything more is simply wasting gas :-(.

I've been reading the other threads and appears that Dextron III should be the tranny fluid used. I've read that the fluid color sould be redish. i just pulled the dip stick, the color was almost identical to motor oil. One my guess it's due to gear ware dust...please don't.

This concerns me. Is it possible that someone put motor oil in it, or simply mixed it in? Could this be the cause of my reverse problem?
sad part is, the seller didn't disclose this serious problem and i didn't check.

Please help in recommending any DIY fixes to this serious problems. Step-by-step procedures would be much appreciated.

BTW: I've been reading the responses on this forum and must say that the assistance you all provide is great...best i've seen yet.

Cheers,

Ash

flyboyike · 10-24-2005, 04:08 PM

Ash,

It never hurts to change the tranny oil and filter. At least, you'll know it wasn't the problem if the issue persists.

ashik2791 · 10-25-2005, 04:19 AM

thanks for the reply. I will try to change the tranny oil and see if it make a difference.

Can anyone elaborate more on the problem where the tranny seems like it's simply slipping when accelaration is given in reverse. the car simply revs with little movement in back direction.

I read something about B3 and B1 stuff. any reading material on this to familarize myself with procedure and cost for repairs.

Can someone in the California , North San Jose area recommend an honest certified mechanic (rare) that can provide correct diagnosis on the problem at a reasonable cost.

hoping to get some more feedback on this before I proceed further w/ repairs.

Thanks,

Ash

ashik2791 · 10-25-2005, 04:22 AM

btw: is it worth paying $6500 for this 95 s320? very good exterior.,good interior., few flows with rear windows going up. major problems., this tranny issue and head gasket.,need a tune up too...

i'd great appericate/value your input.

Jamison · 10-25-2005, 01:39 PM

not worth it

jhodg5ck · 10-27-2005, 09:54 AM

that's a 2500$ car at best.. The trans has been severly neglected (most likely original fluid) and will need to be replaced. These cars are also known for leaking head gaskets..not just oil on the exterior but b/w cylinder number 5 & 6 (coolant).

Find a car w/ impecable service records, frequent oil changes, trans serviced every 20-30K etc..

Jonathan

ychachad · 10-27-2005, 10:39 AM

That's a question to be asked before the purchase. The answer is, as most forum members have stated, "NO".

Quote:

ashik2791 - 10/25/2005 6:22 AM

btw: is it worth paying $6500 for this 95 s320? very good exterior.,good interior., few flows with rear windows going up. major problems., this tranny issue and head gasket.,need a tune up too...

i'd great appericate/value your input.

ashik2791 · 10-27-2005, 02:05 PM

Thank you both jhodg5ck and ychachad. I should have asked this prior to purchase. I just got ahold of the records from the dealer., and it clearly states that overhauling of trans is required.

I must say, asside from the fact it hardly move at all in revers..., it runs great in forward. even though it needs a tune-up :-). love driving it !

ychachad · 10-27-2005, 07:59 PM

Most people who buy and own cars more than likely always change the engine oil as scheduled. As people, it has been ingrained into us to do it. As most of the times it is fairly cheap.
However, the transmission fluid and the differential fluid are another story. They are more expensive to do, and it takes time. Most people have not heard of it being done, so they don't do it. I feel the Benz tranny fluid should be changed every 30k miles. Mine was bright red when I purchased the car, but I had no idea when it was done. So I did it as soon as I got the car. I got an engine oil change with the car, but not filter. I immediately got rid of the brand new oil, and replaced the filter and filled her with synthetic fluid. By the way, I think the Valvoline Dexron III Maxlife is an outstanding transmission fluid that is compatible eith many many trannies, ranging from the MB to the very picky LS400 requiring the T-IV fluid.