Hello Everyone,
I thought I would update this scenario since I am getting very close to pulling the trigger on a complete transmission rebuild..
Basically six months ago we did the test that concluded there was in fact glycol in the trans. At that point my trusted MB independent replaced the radiator to solve the immediate issue and we proceeded to flush the transmission fluid a total of three times. The shuttering problem was significantly less noticeable and I decided to wait and see what happened over time.
Now the problem has progressively gotten worse again and I am at a crossroads of either replacing the torque converter or the entire transmission. I understand the labor cost to replace either is about the same which makes me lean towards doing the whole thing so I know the problem will be fixed for good.
My question is does anyone know of a good transmission rebuild shop in Northern CA (Sacramento or surrounding)? I have heard about a place in Burlingame but I do not the name. Any other ideas about sourcing a reasonably priced new or rebuilt trans? I was thinking I could maybe save some cash by having a shop rebuild the actual trans in my car since I am only at 40K miles and perhaps that will have some cost savings. Am I way off base here?
On a side note the thump in the trunk has been diagnosed as the rear shocks being locked up.. I am going to wait on this until after the trans. I wish I could weld some brackets to fit some Monroe shocks off the shelf and call it a day!
Thanks for everyone's advice.

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05 E55
03 E500