Thanks for the info Zulfiqar. Could the difference be in the type of fluid used?

What type of fluid are you using in your 722.4? I am not sure when the last change was done on mine but I am very surprised at how clean and clear the fluid appeared. I have not dropped the pan yet because bottom, and right up to the top of the kick down solenoid, was covered in oil from a leak along with dirt. I ended up scraping the thick stuff down, putting on engine degreaser, wire brushing, and rinsing it down.....So I am making sure things are dry before I pull the pan.

From the accumulation of oil and dirt I am guessing (hoping) it is the kick down solenoid. But, I am interested in one thing. How do you know if the kick down valve (the part that looks like a hex bolt) needs replacing? It looks like I just need to replace the solenoid if it is cracked and get new o rings and seals for the valve, but if it did need replacing how would you know?

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89 W124 300TE - 136,000 miles