gearbox problems

As the ML gets older a number of minor issues with the auto box seem to be happening.   A good few of these can be cured by replacing the autobox fluid.   In the normal service schedule the gearbox is checked for level, and that's all.  There is a drain plug, but it will only allow about 2 litres to drain from the later series  163 gearboxes.   The torque converter cannot be drained.   So, drain into a clean container, measure the amount that comes out and put the same amount of synthetic ATF back in.   If the fluid that comes out is brown rather than pink, run it for a few miles and then do it again.   And again.   Then at every service take out the same amount and replace it with new fluid.   You'll find the smoothness of the gearbox restored and the hiccups and hesitations will disappear.

I know of three MLs that were sold for next to nothing because of gearbox problems and this treatment cured them.