QUOTE=Maxbumpo;3527173]The lack of forward gears but good reverse is the classic description of a failed B2 piston, so that is what I would try next.

You may need to loosen the transmission and engine mounts and carefully wedge the transmission over in the tunnel to get enough room. May also need to remove the drive shaft connection or loosen the center carrier bearing mount.[ QUOTE]


This is exactly what you need to do. My 1987 SDL demonstrated exact the same issue. Drained old fluid (converter), replaced filter and new fluid along with b2 piston. Car drives and shifts as new...

Good luck

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1987 300SDL 314K mi, counting; #22 Head
1999 E300Turbo 405K original miles
1997 E320 180K mi (Son's)
2002 ML320 (Son's)
1998 S320 140K mi (Son's) sold
1985 300SD 311K mi
1984 300D 324K mi (killed by a hit-n-run turd)
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