Thanks for the reply, c32.

3-2 kickdown is normal.

Fluid looks and smells ok. I changed it w/filter about 15,000 miles ago, and it smelled/looked fine then as well.

I'll take a look at the part you noted.

Thanks again.

Here is another thread that describes something similar, with responses by other professionals.

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E