Partial transmission rebuild - Data point
 

Had to have the clutch rings replaced on my W124 convertible today at 135,000 miles. I had noticed a rattling or clicking noise in reverse, and a slight delay in engaging in reverse. I had hoped there was a loose heat shield, a bad motor mount, or something simple would be the culprit. Went through significant diagnosis, finally getting the car rolling in reverse on a lift and using a probe on a stethescope to isolate the problem.

Had a good guy here in Dallas at Metropolitan Motors do the work. As a cost data point, the total was right at $1,100. Replaced four friction rings, all the seals, filter and fluid. Parts are cheap, labor isn't. He said I did it just in time. MB's will keep going when parts begin to wear out to the point that the transmission self-destructs. Lesson learned - take it and get it checked out if you suspect problems or irregularities. By the way, I had the transmission serviced at 90,000 according to spec.

Jose says the transmission is good to go for another 100K miles. Think I'll see if I can get it.

It's awesome that you could find someone that would do that vs. just wanting to swap the entire tranny out. I can't find anyone to do mine here in So. Cal with same issue.

thats great,my benz had a similiar issue a delay when engaging reverse,then the delay got longer,finally i lost reverse altogether,no one wants to diagnose the reverse issue and just fix it,the car shifts great while going forward no issues,so they want like $2,000.000 to do a complete overhaul,i found a tranny with 68k on it for $995.00 i may just buy it and have them swapped out.i think a stock benz tranny with all factory parts may be a better choice then having a rebuild,what do you guys think? the tranny is out of a wrecked salvage car.its funny cuz my car has exactly 68k on it right now.

Rebuild all the way. Just have the B3 bands replaced for reverse (and front pump resealed) and leave everything else alone! $2k seems too expensive, look elsewhere. It's not a difficult, or even that long of a job if the shop has done it before. DO NOT take it to a standard tranny shop -- they will screw up I promise you. Take it to a shop who KNOWS the 722.3/.4 transmissions.

OP: You have more than 100k left in the tranny. I've "heard" that ensuring you come to a complete stop before changing from Reverse to Drive will help keep the bands from wearing so fast.
Since you got the reverse taken care of early, all that dust won't be circulating the system. These transmissions should go for 300-400k if fluid changes are good and nothing catastrophic occurs before a full rebuild is needed (leaving aside the reverse bands issue...it happens to us all somewhere around 100-200k).

Stop saying that! (knocks on wood) :D:D

Happens to 100% of us, 80% of the time ;)

Keep that filter changed on time! (I'd even lean to say keep changing every 15-20k now to prolong) If its getting close, that worn pad is in there somewhere! Hopefully not circulating round and round.