I have the same problem, only worse in my 380SL. There is indeed a B1 kit to address this, which costs about $65 from Fastlane or Rusty.

I am told that t is possible to install the kit with the trans in the car. The B1 stuff is on the passenger side. You place a socket on the cover, and lever it in with a pry bar against the tunnel, and remove the snap ring. Pull out the cover, piston, o-ring, and the gearshift shim. Install new parts and the cover and snap ring.

I am not making this up.

In addition to this, I am having my 380SL's valve body rebuilt by German Star. I am going to install the B1 stuff when I put the valve body in.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe