w126 300sel transmission oil leak

[xaliscomex]

1988 300sel with 107k miles

A few weeks ago I noticed transmission fluid (small puddle) on the floor located under my 300sel.

I thought that I might have spilled some tranny fluid from a nearby quart that was lying around.

Last week I drove the car to the grocery store and noticed the transmission slipping. It slipped right after I took off and just before the next gear kicked in.

It drove fine after so I thought it was just a random thing.

I pulled into the garage and checked the tranny fluid level.
Fluid level was low and so I added 1/3 of a quart to bring it up to the Minimum line. I added a little more fluid and brought the fluid level to the midpoint of the max min range. Engine was running while I added and checked the fluid. Drove the car around and transmission shifted fine, no slipping.

Monday morning I noticed a large transmission puddle under the car again.

I replaced the engine mounts and then decided to drive it to a reputable transmission shop.

I received a call from the shop today and they indicated the following:

Transmission observed leaking at the front, between the tranny and the engine.
Possible bad Seal
Maybe Converter hub, Converter Seal, or pump bushing

Unable to further diagnose without opening the transmission.
$600 would be worse case scenario on the low side. Would cover dropping the tranny and replacing seal.

$1000 would be worse case scenario on the hi side where they would really have to do some more work and replace necessary parts (converter, pump bushing etc)

The transmission has 107k original miles and I have only noticed a slight delay when shifting from Reverse to Drive. When I switched over to Redline D4 tranny fluid that delay went away.


I can get my tranny rebuilt and installed at a very reputable shop for $2,300 but don't want to go that route until I know whats going on.

Any advice is greatly appreciated