spotting a transmission replacement
 

any way to tell if the transmission on the car has been replaced/overhauled?

that is without supporting paperwork

Only telltale sign to me would be an unusually clean tranny case and supporting linkages relative to the grime on the adjacent drivetrain components...otherwise, no way of telling w/o puling and inspecting...

If recently replaced with a rebuilt/remanfacutered is should appear cleaner than the surrounding areas. Otherwise, hard to say.
regards,
Mark

yes most definately[if the replacement is factory rebuild].on the left side up near the bell housing there will be a part number tag and on the right side above the pan gasket where the type numbers are stamped,some or all of it will have been ground off.if it came from a non mercedes rebuilder a comparison of the numbers with what the factory lists on original build will confirm or deny the story.

thanks, david....that's the what i was looking for...

i will look at the other issues.... as well...

i picked up this 260e not too long ago...and knock on wood the transmission seems to shift like new, while the engine really needs some new valve stem seals...