HEre are a few pictures of the famous leaky trans connector problem. Common on most mercs after 2000 or even before perhaps. These pictures are from a 2001 S500 with 128,000 miles. The entire module was packed with oil and it was overflowing into the main control unit casing that houses the front right SAM unit.

What symptoms did you have? ATF on the floor, or shift quality issues?

people usually complain of atf on the floor. This occurs when it gets severe. Also, depending on how much fluid has oozed out, you may have shift problems. I have "heard" of control module failures due to the ATF shorting out the module. It's hard to imagine fluid going up against gravity and dumping in the module. The eaisest way to detect it is checking the car's belly when it's on a lift. You will usually see a oily spot on the front right corner of the ATF pan.

Thanks, but I was wondering what symptoms you had.