I have the original transmission. It took me several years and now it shifts very smooth. Not looking at the tachometer you would not know that it has shifted . It is better than the newer transmissions which have axial clutch packs that wear out and have to be rebuilt.The clutches in our transmission do not seem to wear, possibly because there are these clutch bands which are so large and take the wear. The only problems I am aware of, are with the riveted torque converter where the rivets may leak, but the later ones are all welded and mine has a welded one. It is a very good transmission and it adapts to your driving. You want to lay rubber? Just floor it! It will start in first gear and make your head spin. These transmissions were used in many models and depending on the model some have different shift points. Some always start in 1st gear. The housing is always the same and that explains why our Dr. Benz has a different transmission in the red rocket. I have always wondered why Mercedes used a "Fluid Clutch" instead of a torque converter. Torque converters multiply the engine torque by about two but do not exhibit the braking effect of a fluid clutch. An old German told me, it was because they were restricted by reparation treaties after the war: no building torque converters! My notes from long ago say: 722.1/2 start in 2nd. 722.3/4 start in 1st. 722.6 five speed, starts in 1st & locks-up.
