The three-speed automatic (722.0)

The 6.9 uses the 722.0 three-speed automatic with torque converter, which owners call a touch sluggish off the line but very well matched to the M100 and virtually indestructible, with in-gear acceleration that impresses. Commenters note the W109 6.3 had a four-speed while the W116 6.9 got three gears, and that a four-speed conversion is possible; one owner disputes the count, insisting the transmissions are four-speeds that simply start in second.