Bingo, think you nailed it. I warmed up the tranny, checked temp with pyrometer, dipsticked it and adjsted volume..... and it poured out.

Benz has that bellows for less than $20. 6 quarts of fluid about $120, new filter $20... ditto gasket.

OK so I drain the oil, drop the pan, remove the filter. How envolved is the change from there?

Parts wise it looks like I would be into it for $200. What should a good MB shop charge?