R230 leaking ATF

[Merc220cls]

I’ve had my 2004 350 SL for almost six months now and enjoying every minute possible with it.
She’s a real gem with now just 9500 miles since new (7800 on collection) and although the car has a full Main Dealer service history I had planned to get the transmission serviced in the spring after a winter lay up.

However last week it suddenly sprung a leak as I noticed transmission fluid in the tray I have in my garage floor. After looking on here and with the help of YouTube videos I suspected the seal at the electrical connection so today I had the car booked in for this to be looked at plus a transmission service.

Just under two hours after I dropped the car of I received a call letting me know the car was ready for collection. Wow!

Full marks to Craig and his team a Automotive Solutions Ayr for a first class service and yes it was the electrical seal which was at fault which was replaced. Total cost £181.98 which I was delighted with expecting it to be in excess of £250.
With the sun out this afternoon the boss & I managed out for a good run of about 60 miles and car seems to run better still. Unfortunately with a shower impending I was under orders to put the top up so she’s now tucked up safely for another day.

 

[noogieman]

Pilot bush is a known culprit, it leaks ATF oil.
The cheap plastic part has been redesigned several times over the years.
When you do gearbox oil changes it's wise to also replace pilot bushing.

 

[Merc220cls]

Following on from this, it was a nice day today so I managed out for a run.
It was nice to see a clean sheet of brown paper in my oil catch tray in the garage so yesterday’s repair was a success.

I had intended to ask this question but I’ve sort of found out for myself. !

With my previous cars (all automatic) I’ve been in the habit of pulling up on my driveway which slopes towards my garage, put in park then apply the handbrake.

With my SL I found when I pulled the selector from park to reverse there was quite a thud as the transmission release from the park position. I now press the handbrake firmly before selecting park and now find the transition from park to reverse very smooth.