You know things are going to go well when you crawl under there and the torque converter drain plug is smack dab in the center of the opening. That's a first for me.

This is as straight forward as it gets. Quick tool list: #30 Torx, straight slot screwdriver, 5mm Allen socket, 7mm deep socket and a 1 inch extension. Drain torque converter, drain pan, drop pan. If you have the new data plug receptacle (called a spacer), then remove the shield. Rotate the quick disconnect and remove the plug taking car about dirt particles. Loosen the 7mm holding screw in the center of the receptacle. You will know that it doesn't come all the way out, because you have the new one in your hand. Then use a small straight slot screwdriver to pry the receptacle out. You will see the place they designed just for this. Install the is exact reverse. Do not overtighten this little brass screw.

I have an inch pound torque wrench for the 124 tranny pan. This is a new design and brilliant.
Sort of a slotted casting around each bolt. When you tighten the bolt you really can't go wrong with a normal mechanic touch on the bolts. The design of the casting gets the pressure on the gasket exactly right every time. The various write ups on the internet say that the filter sits with nothing holding it up. Not true. There is a convenient plastic male
clip that snaps into the gap in the casting.

The locked cap on the fill tube is silly since anyone that really wants in need only press the red plastic thing down and it unlocks. I just pressed it all the way through and re-used the cap and locking pin. Works fine.

So I filled three, started engine, filled three more, and went for a drive of about 10 miles.
I stopped shot my infrared thermometer on the pan. 82C. Good enough. Had to pour about
1.1 more liters to get it perfect. I did use the MB fluid, but at $11.50 per liter versus almost
$18.00 at my dealer.

Condition of the old fluid? There was nothing in the bottom of the pan. The 124 usually had a very light grey film. This was pretty much nothing. Fluid had been changed at 67K at the dealer. Of course, the beauties didn't think they should take the time to drain the torque converter, and thus only replaced 5 liters per the receipt. Fluid was reddish brown. I wouldn't say chocolate. It didn't smell.

Shift quality. It was fine before, but marginally smoother after the change.

Steve
'97 S320 107K