This one is going to sound weird, but -- My 400E with 120,000 miles starting acting up as far as the transmission. It began to hang in lower gears and sometimes downshift prematurely. I checked the tranny fluid and it was low (very low). Strange thing is - no evidence of leakage. I have since had to add fluid every couple of weeks. I have also noticed a slight puff of smoke from the exhaust. No engine oil usage whatsoever! Does this model use a vacuum modulator on the tranny and could it be leaking fluid into the intake of the engine??? Thanks Dave

Yes! It does have a modulator that is most likely sucking fluid in and burning it up. That could also explain your weird shiftin problems.

Good luck

Andy

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93 300D 2.5 Turbo, Black/Palomino 273K
09 E350 Black/Black 41K

If You have a MityVac, it will give You a quick test of the modulator.

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82 300SD
93 F250 4x4

Thanks to all who replied to my question. On my way to the dealership to pick up the parts now. $54.00 seems very reasonable too.