removing valve body-gotchas?
 

when removing a vb (722.4)...is anything going to fall out?....or worse, jump out and go flying across the room?.........jerry

Nothing will go flying, but I have had the plastic check valve stick to the plate and pull out of the valve body (this is a small part that is about 3/8"x3/8"x1/4"). The only problem this creates is trying to figure out where it came from!!
If you separate the two halves of the valve body be very careful as there are about 15 balls. Follow the directions in the transmission overhaul manual (search and you will find them on line) and you should have no problem.

I just found this that may be of interest. There are many variations in the parts and their orientation so be sure to note how yours is assembled.

Jerry,
I just removed mine from my 722.3xx. Nothing flew out. The problem I had is that after removing all 16 or so bolts, there is a gasket covering the entire thing. Mine tore in one corner so now I have to replace it. Also when putting it back, be carefull not tightemn too much(8nm) I think which is pretty light. I'm curious as to why you are taking it out? my 300SE doesn't upshift

removing valve body
 

I removed the trans. because it would not shift to 4th (stayed in 3rd-except about once a week, it would go to 4th)....info. here suggested it might be broken gov. gear, or stuck gov. (both are ok)-took v.b. off yesterday to ckeck for cloged(dirt) @ screen(to gov,?)-a small screen, only about 1/4" dia.--nope, not that either. so-I've been asking/talking to "shops" to get it rebuilt(3 or 4 sets of friction discs and 2 brake bands) no luck yet finding someone that could...and...would do it......I've got the rebuild manual,...not enough info. for me to try rebuild.--unless I really, really must (try).......................jerry

Dave Poole on this site, told me about http://www.freddiestransmissions.com/ this trans shop in Dallas which is pretty good. They offered to rebuild mine for about $300 plus shipping. My problem is that I'm not sure it's the VB.
In any case it will always be cheaper to bring the VB into a trans shop familiar with MB then bringing the car in. When you bring the car in they have you over a barrel so to speak. Let me know how you make out.
Good Luck

update on trans. not shifting outta 3rd.
 

Found a shop to take the (already out )trans. to; it was disassemb'd-all friction discs were bare,drum @ b2 was scored, a roller bearing was already falling apart, lots of sediment. work is now inprogress to repair it ($)...amazing that it worked good w/ no noise, up to 3rd gear?...........jerry,