mercedes transmissions imho are notorious for clutch wear....i generally think the reverse is usually the first to go...i have 2...a 1987 420sel and a 1988 560sel (for the queen)...

i m 2-2 in the tranny rebuild dept and my indy is loving me...

best to rebuild .... has to be done and better to do sooner than later, as you will may cause more internal damage.

lyle in tx