I'm leaking transmission fluid. Haven't yet had it looked at, so I don't know the cause. In the meantime, I had a few basic questions:

1. Is there any great risk in just letting it go, topping off the fluid every few weeks? My driveway is so stained I've stopped caring!

2. Some folks recommend trying ATF with stop leak in it...is this advisable?

3. I suppose worst-case scenario is that I need to have the transmission resealed....$500 or so according to estimates I've seen. Assuming 185,000 miles on original transmission that otherwise is in great condition, is this throwing good money after bad (better simply to invest in a rebuild) or a reasonable expenditure?

Thanks!

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14 E250 Bluetec 4Matic "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 157k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 175k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver on Tan, 144k mi, wastegate conversion, ALDA delete

19 Honda CR-V EX 70k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

Your estimates are about right. I had a 87 300D with the same issue. Topping off might work but all that leaky oil ends up all over the bottom of the car and on the exhaust system over time. Then you have to deal with the smell and probably smoke from burning oil. Stop leak does not work.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Are we talking about a mercedes or an austin?????

Throw in some stop leak - it very often works. Your downside risk, if any, on a transmission with 185k is insignificant.