Since I bought my 66 230SL 4speed automatic in the late 70's I have probably not driven it more than 200 miles each summer. Since I moved to Colorado in 1995 I have not driven it more that 200 miles total. Well, finally I retired and found some time to get it back on the road. It was difficult to fine the right mechanic up here in the mountains of Colorado, but I did, and he has it running just great. With new tires mounted I decided to drive it over the two passes to Denver to check on a paint job. My 230SL was the one that the tree fell on. As you might imagine I was a bit apprehensive about going from 8000.00ft elevation (2438m) to over 11000.00ft(3352m) 4 times, two passes going and two passes coming back. This was just after the video thread about the stepdown not responding. With my wife following in the Lexus, off we went. I've got to tell you it preformed like a dream. Up and over the passes like a new car with a lot of horses. There were a few times,however, that it slowed to 45mph, but I stepped on the stepdown and it took off like a bullet shot from a gun. So, contrary to the "Jerk" in the video, the step down works great.
A month or so ago I started a thread to get openions on the feel of the transmission on there cars. How it felt, how it shifted etc. Mine was pretty rough. But as luck would have it I pressed the wrong button and lost the text. So I gave it up. Now, after running the car over the passes at 65mph I can't believe how smooth the transmission is. I can't believe how quick the pedal response is. It gets better each time I take it for a spin. I felt like someone should be taking a video of me in my 230SL. I am now committed to driving it as much as I can, even to pick up the paper and mail. It can only get better!
It will not get "DISUSE ATROPHY" again if I can help it.
Michael
