BTW, MB replaced my transmission about 2 months ago. this weekend, I was changing the oil the old fashion way i.e from under the engine. I kinda noticed that the trasmission drain pan is longer visible. There is still a black plastic cover that seem to house the electronics controls.

Could it be that MB has eliminated the drain pan in their latest design revisin of the trainsmission case? Could the techs, please verify?

If so, it means you can only flush the transmission and no more filter?

On a side note, I am happy to report that everything is high and dry, and no rust (knock on wood) under there for a 100+k mile car.

Depends on the year of the car.

What was the symptom of your transmission failure and what did the new transmission cost?

Errratic shifting from 2nd to 3rd one evening, and the next morning the infamous check engine light came on. This failure happened about 3K miles shortly after transmission fluid change (flush). I was told it was contaminated bad transmission fluid from the fluid change.

cost new transmission p/n 210-270-77-00-88 $3300, labor $700, tow $400.
total $4400. My cost $0

Can someone confirm if TC 210-77-00-88 has no drain pan.