Bought a nice 1970 220D about a year ago with 4 speed automatic transmission and 170,000 miles. Been driving daily for a year with no problems. Recently had a shift control rod end replaced by a shop specializing in older Mercedes and after that I had a transmission fluid leak begin. Took it back to the shop and they checked for leaks and said they could not find any obvious leaks areas and said that "these transmissions are known to have leaks when they get older". They offered to rebuild my tranny. This transmission according to previous records had a tranmsission rebuild in 1986 which I estimate to have less than 70,000 miles on it. Leak is now about 1 quart every 2 weeks and is coming out of the vent below the fluid coupling. Everything works fine as long as I keep fuid level at appropriate level.

My question is if there is an obvious place to look for leak? Does this sound like a common leak for these transmissions? Any recommendations for next steps?

(Only one other post from me....great advice given on converting leaky rear self leveling hydraulic suspension to shocks and springs...thanks for the advice...car rides great)

Thanks,

Bill
1970 220D
1983 240D