This bulletin applies to Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with 725.0 and 725.1 transmissions. When changing gear range from P to D or R, harsh engagement is felt. The engagement process is only adapted for slow engagement from N to P and not for fast changing between D and R. Since the speed of change during the engagement process is very low, several engagement processes are required in order to learn the fill time and contact pressure.

Note: trying to replicate this concern by repeated P-D to P-R can induce a false condition and is not a valid test. It can take up to 2000 miles to adapt these shifts. Some scenarios in which the engagement is harsh but would be considered normal are:

• First several shifts, when the vehicle is cold (high density ATF oil) and engine RPM is high (engine cold start).

• Frequently repeated P-R-N-D (any combination of these) shifts back to back or for an extended time.

• Vehicle is parked on a slight slope.

• Vehicle braked down with heavy tension rest on the powertrain.

• Park lock (P-Gear) inserted when vehicle was still moving in low speed. Tension will be held by brake and releases in the next shift.

Insure that the transmission fill level is correct using the ultrasonic tool. The engagement sequence must be taught again as follows:

• Start the engine from cold.

• Engage gear P and wait for at least 5 seconds.

• Engage gear D and wait for at least 5 seconds.

• Engage gear P and wait for at least 5 seconds.

• Engage gear R and wait for at least 5 seconds.

• Repeat this process into D and R 10 times, then drive the vehicle up to 5^th gear to cool the disks. Also repeat this procedure with the transmission at operating temperature (about 122 degrees F and running hot (about 158 degrees F).