1995 E420 transmission slipping in 1st

[warren128]

hi,

my 1995 E420 has 166,000 miles on it. I just had the transmission serviced (routine), and today the tranny would slip when trying to start in first gear. This happend at a stop sign. I pulled up to the intersection, stop, then accelerated gently. The tranny then slipped out of gear and would not reengage until I stopped the car and manually pulled the shift lever to low. Once under way, the car seemed okay. At the next stop sign, the same thing would happen again, and the same technique (rowing the gearshift) would allow me to limp home.

Once home, I checked the tranny fluid level and it appeared normal.

What could be wrong? Is it time for a rebuild (or swapping out a rebuilt unit)?

How much would this cost? I'm in San Francisco, if that makes a difference

Thanks,

Warren