You might know the following, but I thought I'd like to point out:

1. 1996 E320's have the same 4 speed automatic transmission as 1993-1995 E320's.

2. the 1997 E320 is the first year to get the new 5 speed automatic transmission.

There were a lot of updates to this automatic transmission in the following several years.

The 4 speed auto is relatively inexpensive to rebuild, i.e. Enrique charges $1,500 to install a rebuilt unit.

The newer 5 speed auto is about $3,500 to rebuild.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".