W124 Transmission problems
 

The transmission in our 94 E320 Wagon is acting up lately. seems to be slipping, it revs quicker but the car responds slower, i dont know what would be causing this type of problem (doesnt seem like a simple fix, but i have no clue about transmissions.) The car also seems to be running hotter and getting lower MPG lately (dont know if any of these three are related but theyve all started in a similar time period. im just hoping i dont need a new tranny. any light you could shed on this issue would be greatly appreciated.

A little more info would be helpful:

1. How many miles on the transmission?
2. What is its service history (e.g., do you change fluid/filter every 30k miles? When was the last service?)
3. How many seconds does it take to engage Reverse? (a fairly good proxy for transmission health -- if it's more than 3-4 sec between moving the shifter and engaging reverse, not a good sign).

its got just over 215K mi on the tranny. fluid has been changed ever 30K, just done around 3k ago. it does take about four seconds after shifting to reverse before it engages the gear.

Open your wallet and say "Ahhhhh..."
 

Well, you've gotten more than your money's worth out of that box! I'm no expert, but with that mileage, and the symptoms you mention, it would seem to be highly likely that you're due for a rebuild, even with an excellent service history. :(

Mine went out at about 140k miles with similar symptoms. I had mine rebuilt by a local independant mechanic who had worked and trained at the local dealership, so I knew he'd do a good job. Cost about $2000.

The other alternative would be to buy an MB factory-rebuilt box. Comes with a nice warranty, and includes all the proper updates to fix prior glitches, like the B2 piston failure. Costs a bit more to go that route.

Just for giggles, have you checked your fluid level? Could be low (but you'd still be living on borrowed time).

theres probably no way to do this myself is there? i saw rebuilt trannys for about 1200 online but it must be over my head to swap a tranny ( all the expensive repairs always seem to be)

I suppose that depends on your comfort level. If replacing brake pads and rotors sounds daunting, then yes, you may be in over your head swapping a trans (sorry, couldn't resist :D ) But, if you've been wrenching for a while, swapping a trans really isn't too bad. And you can save a bunch of money that way too :)

if i were to do this at home i have a few questions.

1. Does the whole motor/trans have to come out to do this or can i unbolt the crossmember, exhaust, driveshaft, linkage etc. and drop it down from underneath using a floor jack (without a lift)?
2. are there any special tools required.
3. any pitfalls i may encounter doing this?

The cars still driving now but i just want to make sure i know whats going on if it eventually dies.

Also is there any link between the transmission problems and the higher water temps and lower MPG?

A lot of transmission shops offer FREE diagnosis. A good deal as long as you don't just jump into letting them tear into it.