Transmission Failure 99 e300TD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

christyb · #1 05-12-2008, 09:10 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have a 99 e300 TD with 115,000 miles on it, the StarMark ran out at 100,000. Last night my transmission failed. At this point it is so bad it won't go into gear.

In a conversation today with Sun Valley Mercedes Parts I was told that transmission failures in 96-99 are a common problem, that there is a defective part in the transmission - brass bushing which from 2000 on has been replaced with a roller bearing.

Has anyone shared this experience (if so, my condolences!)? Any insight? Help?

Going through my service records I found the following, but not sure what it means?!:

Client states check for fluid leak under car (advise)
Cause: 0301107
018913 Engine Crankcase Cover, Rear (exposed)
R&R Seal
Cover, Cranks
Seal Ring, RE
Brake Cleaner
10 Sealant
038221 Crankshaft - Mounted Drive Unit
Remove/Install, replace if necessary
(automatic transmission removed)
272028 Autom. Transmission (722.6 - electronic), R&R
011010 Engine, Check for oil leak(s)/loss
Vehicle undercarriage, wash

98689 Rear main seal leaking warr 706 check for fluid leak found rear main seal leak R/R transmission r/r fly wheel r/r and repl rear main seal and seal housing perform steam cleaning engine bottom

I would appreciate any advice, insight, etc...

Thanks!
Christy

TMAllison · #2 05-12-2008, 10:15 PM

That WO pertains to the main seal of the engine; the trans had to be pulled back/removed to access it.

96 W210's received a diff trans; the 722.4.

The 722.6 trans (ours) has been pretty reliable overall. Most of us have gotten good service from it.

There were some early problems when the trans was introduced with valve bodies in 97 W210's and a couple of updates for oring solenoid seals afterword's which allowed fluid to wick up the wiring harness and fry the ECU. Those updates were completed sometime in 98. Thereafter, it has not presented problems although like all manufacturers trans, failures do occur.

Are you certain the trans isn't in "limp home" mode to protect itself? LH will give you 2nd and reverse only and a check engine light. Is designed that way to prevent (hopefully) you from hurting it further. MB's laptop scanner can retrieve codes and adaptation values regardless and provide much insight into what is wrong. Normal scanners cant.

DO NOT go to AMMCO or other big box trans shops.

Filled for life was rescinded. Service interval is now 39K miles for fluid and filter. Only MB's fluid for the 722.6 or 722.9 trans may be used; no equal.

christyb · #3 05-12-2008, 10:40 PM

Hi Terry,

Right now it is at my local MB Mechanic (www.startechmotor.com).

No lights came on.

I was accelerating from stoplight and it kind of jerked twice in quick succession and then everything was fine. I drove another 35 miles and backed into a spot (as I always do). I pulled out of the spot and the car was making lots of noises and then all of the sudden it felt and sounded like there was a flat tire. Pulled (head first) into a spot to check the tires but they were fine. Put in in reverse and it wouldn't go, then it lurched backwards. Turned it off and let it sit for a minute. Was able to pull out of the spot with all kinds of noises and then all of the sudden all kinds of grinding metallic sounds. Very difficult to get into park. Called a tow truck.

The mechanic today said that it won't even go into gear.

Thanks,
Christy

christyb · #4 05-12-2008, 10:58 PM

Terry,

Forgot one question...

When was "filled for life" rescinded?

Should it have been checked during my A and B services automatically?

Thanks!

husk · #5 05-13-2008, 01:38 AM

Where did you buy this car out of? I have a 99 E300 and live in the same area. It looks like someone probably put the wrong fluid in your transmission....Did you own this car new?

christyb · #6 05-13-2008, 02:05 AM

I bought it used (50,000 miles) from NJ. I have only had it serviced at the dealership (LN).

What makes you think someone put the wrong fluid in it?

Thanks

nhdoc · #7 05-13-2008, 07:19 AM

I have heard of transmission failures when the fluid hasn't been changed. "Filled for life" meant it would last about 100,000 miles without service but if you wanted more than that you should be doing fluid and filter changes about every 50-60K miles. Lots of dealers don't subscribe to this but they will be very happy to sell you a $5000-$6000 transmission replacement rather than a $200 fluid change. Which do you think they make more money on?

lakerat · #8 05-13-2008, 09:56 AM

Do the transmissions on these cars have a 100,000 mile warrenty?

husk · #9 05-13-2008, 10:02 AM

there was a guy on here a couple years ago who had the exact same problem at around the same mileage....after a transmission rebuild it was found that someone during the life of the car topped it off with the wrong fluid...Doyou drive in W or S mode? These cars also have the notrious transmission plug leak if you pull your VMI you can get the full service history, that might be a good place to start.

nhdoc · #10 05-13-2008, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakerat

Do the transmissions on these cars have a 100,000 mile warrenty?

No, they have the standard warranty. In the case of this post the car was "starmark" warranteed to 100,000 which is a special used car warranty.

christyb · #11 05-13-2008, 11:40 AM

Hi,

VMI - my service history? If that's it, I went through it and it does not appear to me that it was ever serviced at all. Is that a mistake on the dealers part?

I drive in S mode unless it's raining, then I drive in W mode. Is that not what this is for?

Where can I find the "filled for life" verbiage - the original and the changes (with the dates)?

Mercedes of North America is suppose to call me today and I would like as much information as possible for the conversation.

Thanks!
Christy

nhdoc · #12 05-13-2008, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christyb

Hi,

VMI - my service history? If that's it, I went through it and it does not appear to me that it was ever serviced at all. Is that a mistake on the dealers part?

I drive in S mode unless it's raining, then I drive in W mode. Is that not what this is for?

Where can I find the "filled for life" verbiage - the original and the changes (with the dates)?

Mercedes of North America is suppose to call me today and I would like as much information as possible for the conversation.

Thanks!

Christy

As best as I have been able to understand it, originally these were considered "filled for life" meaning they never intended on periodic fluid and filter changes. As recently as 2005 when I bought my '98 the dealers were singing this tune too. In fact I was told not to service mine when I asked at the dealer about having it done back then.

I, being a "pro-active owner", ignored their advice and did a filter and fluid change at about 115K. Since that time I have heard two things that have changed. One is now I have heard that the newer versions of the 722.6XX were told to have an initial service at 30K miles but no more service so they aren't "filled for life" any more. Also some dealers are recommending all 722.6XX transmissions have fluid and filters done at 60K intervals, but I don't think M-B ever officially changed the service schedule on the early 722.6XX models which our cars have so I don't think your dealer did anything "wrong" by not recommending you have it serviced.

If I were you I would try very hard to get them to goodwill at least part of the repair since you did have a starmark warranty to 100K miles. Whether they will or not is a question mark...I would not hold my breath.