as I said it is a very subjective thing. Mercedes builts rock solid automatics. My 79 450SLC, tranny was rebuilt by the previous owner, in 95. When I go the car, I noticed the shift handle was very sloppy and slow to get into gear once shifted say from N to D. Easy fix the rubber bushing was replaced with a metal bushing. Which was a factory recall in 84. It is still a bit slow when the temps are low, below 25F, but once the tranny is warm, which doesn't take very long the selection of gears is fine and the shifting is fine driving. The only I noticed, being a 3 speed, with comes out of low very quickly unless you hold the pedal down, the slightest release of pressure from your foot it will upshift quickly. Downshifts are fine, no problem there. 114K miles on the ODO, and the tranny was rebuilt around 109K. As I said in my other post that was in 95. When I first check the ATF it was slightly discolored. My certified MB mechanic changed the ATF and added a "mercedes" additive, but it is hard to say if th additive was needed as the problem was the bushing, but he is the mechanic/tech so he knows best. I just a guy who likes these cars. The older ones seem to be better then the newer ones IMHO.

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Al Lueb
1999 C280 54K miles
1979 450 SLC 144K miles