Gretel (our 91 300TE 4matic) has been leaking transmission fluid for a while - not much, but it drips onto the exhaust, so she throws pretty danged impressive clouds of smoke. Renders her pretty much useless.

At 162k miles, she's just getting broken in otherwise. Some issues to be dealt with (leaky rear side windows most pressing), but overall solid. If the leak just dripped to the ground, I'd spend $10 on a drip pan and check fluid levels more often and drive on.

Got an estimate this morning from a transmission shop that is well recommended in town. Leak is coming from a solenoid on the top of the transmission, it can't be pulled without dropping the tranny. Seal not available from Mercedes except as part of a complete seal kit ($220). Total tab to essentially replace a washer: $1,600. Sigh.

Looking at Fastlane, should be able to get the specific seals and o-ring without buying the whole kit, and the trans guy is willing to only pull/loosen wiggle around what he has to to replace the seal - and charge actual time, not book hours. Thinks he can get to it without fully removing the transmission, so it may be less....

Mark (trans guy) even said (with a hearty belly laugh) cheapest route may well be to remove the seats and cut a hole in the floor...... dead serious, I said if it'll save me a grand, I'm game!

__________________
1961 220b: first project car - sold.
2000 CLK 430: first modern Benz - sold.
2001 CLK 55: OMG the torque!!! - sold
1972 280SE 4.5: Baby Gustav
1991 300TE 4Matic: Gretel the Snow Bunny - sold
1978 300SD: Katz the Free Man - given away
1980 Redhead: Darling Wife