While driving home yesterday, I noticed smoke billowing out from underneath my 97 E320 when I stopped for a light......Put it up on my ramps and it appears that a cable that is attached to the transmission (Driver's side rear trans section, just above the oil pan) is leaking.....I cleaned it thoroughly, then ran the car, it appears to not be leaking from where the cable enters the transmission, but from the cable itself (there's a black cap shaped part of the cable that looks as if it were designed to give access to the inside of the cable) that is leaking.............I don't know much about these transmisssions, is it safe to assume that this is the speedometer cable or is it a shift cable?????....and should I simply replace it or open up the (black cap) part and see what or why it is leaking???

Thanx, I know this seems like a silly question but I've found that it is better to ask than to assume on these vehicles!

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Currently Driving
2006 E320 CDI
1999 E300 Turbo Diesl
2002 ML500
1995 E320 Station Wagon


MBs I've owned
1997 E320 Assassinated by Pine Tree
1987 300E Wife Killed Engine
1981 300D Stretch Limo Total Loss
1970 250 Coupe 212,000 mi.
1974 450sel 184,000 mi.
1974 240D 377,000 mi.
1977 300D 204, 000 mi.
1979 280se God Only Knows!
1983 240D 130,000 mi.
1972 220D 280,000 mi.
1983 300SD 244,000 mi.