Well, I knew my tranny on the 1992 300e was getting old with 162k on her, but I wasn't expecting this. All of a sudden she starts "flaring" between 2nd and 3rd gear. Drive her to work, at the end of the day, nothing, nada. No forward gears no reverse gears, no movement at all. This doesn't sound like a b2 failure. Can it be a vacuum problem? Or are these the symptoms of a totally shot tranny?
Thanks for your advice.

Are you sure you dont have a MAJOR fluid leak?

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

I wondered about a lack of fluid also but the level is OK.

Unlikely for mechanical failure like that. Sounds like failure of the line pressure control OR B-2 piston failure--either pressure control spring broke, the filter plugged, or oil pump has suction leak-or B-2 piston busted and is leaking. Symptoms indicate no oil pressure--.

A B2 failure won't stop reverse gear.

Double check that fluid. Look at both sides of the stick and use the low one.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Well Stevebfl, I did go back and triple check my fluid level. The fluid is at the top mark and looks clean (light red color). It sure acts like it is out of fluid though. Could it be a bad pump? Would you reccommend a rebuild at my mileage 162K anyway?
Thanks