Originally Posted by 97 SL320

Found the problem. . . car now shifts up in the air and should be OK on a road test.

This trans was built late 96 for the early 97 model year and didn't have all the up dates of a 99 era trans. As part of my updating, I added filters ( 140 270 04 98 ) to the Modulating and Shift Pressure solenoids.

The early solenoids on my car ( MB 140 277 00 98 / Bosch 0 260 130 015 ) had a 0.582" long stem that crushed the filter turning it into a semi effective plug.

Later solenoids from a 99 parts trans I have ( MB 140 277 03 98 / Bosch 0 260 130 015 , yes, same Bosch # as the older type ) have a 0.470" long stem to allow the filter to fit.

The fix was to trim the legs from one side of new filters and place the now flat side against the solenoid. This leaves enough room for fluid flow.