I have a 1997 E300D which I have a slight slipping at various times. It has 238,000 and Im not sure if the tranny fluid has ever been changed so Im going to change filter and add new fluid. I read somewhere that the modulator on the tranny can be adjusted to "tighten" up the tranny and its bands a bit. I however amm unsure what to do exactly. I would appreciate any help. Thanks

The modulator adjusts the vacuum and therefore how sharply the transmission shifts. If you turn it CCW the shifts get smoother but too much will lead to a flare. If you turn it CW the shifts get sharper.

Im not sure which way I should turn the modulator to reduce the slipping action. Would turning CCW help this condition more?

Could you also tell me if Im under the front of the car with my legs facing the front which way I can turn torque converter to get to drain plug? Is the plug towards the front in this direction or is it located on the other side?

I know this is simple to most people I just dont want to turn it the wrong way and break anything. Thanks

If you turn the vacuum modulator counter clockwise (CCW) you get softer shifts which eventually lead to flares. So to get a sharper shift you should turn it clockwise (CW). However if there is really a problem with the clutches on the tranny, this might not solve your problem. Cannot help with the other question; sorry.

A 1997 E300D has an electronic trans with NO adjustments!

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Thats what I thought but I know I read a couple of times on these forums that this could and should be done.

So basically there is nothing to do when one feels a slight twinge of slip with these electronic trannys? The fluid is pitch black, dont think it was ever changed in its 240K lifespan. Havent removed the pan yet to look for metal shavings.

My bad. Should have mentioned that my experience comes from a 300SD.

Would it make a big deal to remove the valve body and install the plastic coverings that protect against swarfing of the fluid in the transmission?

What spring are they talking about replacing that helps with smoother shifts?

I just watched a YouTube video that shows how to remove the valve body and looks pretty simple.