On of the biggest problems with the 1997 & later cars is the AUTO transmission that MB says no service needed!
The failure rate on the 1996(V-8's & v12's) thru 1999 is at 5% or higher. There were internal mods to the planetary & clutch drums that fixed most of the problems in1999, except on the low torque transmissions.

YOU can search this database & see that this can be a costly problem. The fluid needs to be changed at OR before 50K miles & a (special) magnet should be added to the trans oil pan & keep metal from floating around in the fluid.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator