[R129 SL] 1996 SL320 Transmission Question

[Jody Techlin]

Good Morning Group,
My new to me 1996 SL320 with approx. 28,500 miles transmission is making / has a gravelly sound most noticeable when idling in gear in the garage.  The instant I put the car in Park the sound goes away.  The sound is hard to describe but the term gravelly or rattly best describes it.  As I understand it 1996 was the first year with this 5 speed electronic transmission.  Any ideas about what can be causing this noise? Any idea of the repair or cost of repairs?  Prior to purchase I had the car inspected at the MB dealer in Sarasota Florida, the only item they found was seepage at the rear differential cover - transmission fluid noted as OK as was the differential fluid level. I believe the car was making this sound at that time, but cannot recall exactly. I really like the car and am thrilled to own it, as I understand it sometimes cars with very low use over the years can have their own problems, I hope this isn't one of them... But if the noise isn't normal I know I need to take care of it. My much older 190E 2.6 has no trans. sound which is what raised my concern.
Best regards,
Jody
'96 SL320 28.5k
'89 190E 2.6 118k  

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