Since my "mechanic" only deals with MB, he is no rookie on the brand. The tranny had the atf fluid flushed twice after the valve body was replaced. I just had it replaced a third time, and it still does not look good. I'm bringing the car back to him on monday, since I dont know where to hit it myself. The same day I'll hopefully pick up a -88 transmission with the TC on it.

Most probably I'm ending up opening up the transmissions and swap parts...

Kickdown solenoid checked and OK.