Repair or Replace 722.369 Tranny?

[timroperco]

My 1994 E320 Cabriolet transmission started acting up before Christmas. Used to be, reverse gear needed just a tap on the gas pedal to move the car backward, it sorta leaped. Now, when I put it in reverse, the car sorta shudders and I only slowly "feel" reverse gear setting in. The car will back up on level pavement, but if I tap the gas, the tranny just winds out ... then sometimes lunges back, like popping a clutch on a manual transmission. But I can't back up the slightest incline (which means I'm always looking to park so I can pull out forward!). All forward gears work fine. In fact, it used to "hang" in start-up gear when the engine was cold, but that problem seems to have vanished.

I drained the tranny and torque converter, added six new quarts Dex/Merc and it seemed a bit better, but not much. Reverse works when the engine is cold and just started, I guess because the ATF is stiffer when cold. But once the ATF has warmed, reverse is a sometimes thing.

My limited research on the Web and elsewhere indicates these trannys have problems at 75,000 to 100,000 miles, and mine now has 100,000. I suspect the rear clutchpak is failing (B2 band or something like that) which requires pulling the entire tranny. But is there some simpler problem I may be overlooking? Or something I can try before getting the tranny pulled?

I figure if it must come out, I will need more than just a repair of the reversing problem. Should I have this one overhauled, or should I buy a rebuilt one? One place I called said they had a used one availble ... but I don't feel inclined toward buying someone else's old tranny. Your advice is appreciated.

Also, anyone knows a good MB tranny mechanic on Cape Cod, I'd appreciate the suggestion, too.

Thanks! This site is really helpful!