I went through this on my 2001 SLK230. The O-Rings on the connector/spacer started leaking so I replaced the connector with the new and improved version. I let the connector cable hang down for a while so any fluid could drip off.
This was several years ago and no problems. If I were you I would replace the connector/spacer.
Here's the link for the write-up for replacing the part.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170-slk-class/1309980-repairing-transmission-fluid-leak-post2287316.html?posted=1#post2287316
Old part
New part
