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The transmission on my 300SD seems to be leaking, at the bottom cover, at the seal at the torque converter, but also at the magnet. I just had it diagnosed by a local mechanic. I'm thinking rather than spend +$1k to have the engine pulled to replace the TC seal, I'll just replace the lower end (i.e. easy) seals and hope it's enough!

I haven't seen any mention of replacing this magnet, though, and I don't see the parts available on a few Mercedes parts sites. Is it a hard piece to find? Or am I missing something?

I don't think the mechanic knows what their talking about. What on Earth could this magnet be other than a magnetic drain plug? Perhaps he means the Modulator/Vacuum Box, this is a possible source of leaks?

Tim

I'm not sure. I know little about transmissions! But this is a very reputable Mercedes mechanic (their garage is full of restored older MBs), so I assumed he knew what was up.

I should've taken a photo; they had my car up on a rack and they showed me the leaks. This "magnet" was just forward of the oil pan on the transmission, on the passenger side of the car. It wasn't at either one of the oil drain plugs for the transmission (on the pan and the TC). They're going to give me a quote tomorrow that will hopefully describe things more clearly, and I'll post details.

there is a magnet on the transmission, an electromagnet, and its what actuates the kick down valve. Its powered by the kickdown switch under the accelerator pedal.

Ahh, the kickdown solenoid, now I understand.

Tim