What specifically are the problems with the ZF trans, how do they fail? I understand the problem with cooking the clutch packs by revving in neutral but what else. I'm new to the 740 but the ZF trans is one of my favorite features, just right shift speeds and not overly soft like a Buicks or overly harsh like the early Mercedes. I also love the lock up torque converter, this trans is a manual at speeds over 50, with less heat and energy loss. Mine has 162k and shifts / drives perfect.

Tim

That's the only problem I'm aware of. It is a killer though unless you find out about it before you "clean the carbon" in the driveway. I think that's what I did to my wive's '88 325is BMW, same transmission, before I knew about the problem. Was replaced with only 60K on the clock. Otherwise a great transmission capable of handling lots of torque.

Overly harsh MB autos? That's putting it mildly. The early MB's I had with autos, 220SE, 230S, slammed through the shifts. Being Germans, and engineers, I guess they figured any self respecting German who would actually own an automatic wanted to KNOW when it shifted. Hence the feedback.

My 965 has the AW 41, Toyota trans, and is smooth as silk.

these transmissions fail when you rev 'em in N or Park? i don't have one, so i don't care, but i'm curious. how could they design such a dumb self-destruct feature into a german trans? i've never heard of anything like it. somtimes i rev it my 245 up to 4K in Park just for fun. no, not to spite you ZF guys!

Specifically, the problem is dealing with the suicide of your trans guy when you tow it thru the door. Like most things German it is overcomplicated and a bit mean. Keep the fluid fresh, don't abuse it and you may never have to worry about it.