Transmission leak on the w163 (2002 ml500)
 

For several months now the, the transmission on the ml500 has been leaking. I finally got the time to check it out, and it looks like a pan gasket leak. But reading online the AT connector could be at fault too.

Other than the pan gasket or the AT connector, could there possibly be anything else that could cause such a leak?

http://i47.tinypic.com/vjwy.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/f2o9kg.jpg

if its a red or dark red color then is tranny fluid

I am pretty sure its a tranny leak as it seems like the tranny pan seems drenched in it. I don't want to change the gasket seal or the AT connector only to find out that the leak comes from an obscure seal hidden somewhere.

Didn't get too much time to look at it, should probably wipe it dry and see where it starts to collect.

if you do the tranny pan, might as well change the filter. the pilot bushing goes as well.