97 C280 Transmission

I just bought a C280. I'm wondering if it's normal that 1st > 2nd gear isn't smooth. And when I punch the accel to the bottom the car seems to wait a sec or 2 until it switches lower gear, is that normal also?

I also have question about the transmission fluid. Is it true that the fluid on this C class permanent as indicated on the manual? I don't have to change it at all? But the fluid seems to be extremely dirty/smelly.

Thanks

[Benzmac]

Your fluid is a lifetime fill. I have found that one change of the fluid at about 60k is a good idea. (If the engineers have seen the inside of the pan as I have at 60, they might say the same thing.) After that, you should be OK. This just gets all of the break in material out of the tranny.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I have been looking at purchasing a 1997 C280 Sport that has 48000 miles on it. I had a dealer do a history report on the car and found out that the transmission was replaced at 47000 miles, computer module was also replaced at the same miles. As good as the deal was on the car, I walked away from the deal. My concerns were that either this one is a lemon, or the previous owner drove it like he hated the car. Any comments on the durability of this transmission. My concerns are what will go next that is a major item. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

Check for a transmission updated control unit. Since that car came out in 97 there has been many updated control units. I beleive, but would have to check that the latest control unit should help improve the 1-2 shift. Has to do with adaptations within the control unit.


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Mercedes-Benz Master Guild - 2 years
Shop Foreman - 20 + years - dealer.
Part owner - MBZ Transmission remanufacture
2000 SL500
1999 ML430
1989 300SE

[mbdoc]

Don't know who at MB decided that the fluid isn't supposed to be changed, but that is a farce! After replacing & repairing 100+ of these transmissions at dealer(retail center), I would suggest service before the 4yr/50k mi warranty expires. & then service every 50-75k miles.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN (6 TIMES)
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA racecar

quote:

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Originally posted by myronbecker:
I have been looking at purchasing a 1997 C280 Sport that has 48000 miles on it. I had a dealer do a history report on the car and found out that the transmission was replaced at 47000 miles, computer module was also replaced at the same miles. As good as the deal was on the car, I walked away from the deal. My concerns were that either this one is a lemon, or the previous owner drove it like he hated the car. Any comments on the durability of this transmission. My concerns are what will go next that is a major item. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

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Appreciate the comments, I will check into the control module issue. Thank-you.

1997 was the first year of the electronic shifting transmission, the 722.6. As mentioned, there have been numerous updates and improvements since 1997. Besides the modules and valve body to go with it, the one way roller clutches plus a B3 piston housing with B2 piston. The clearance of the clutch packs are almost always out specs, causing the adaptations values to be very high. The selector switch in the shifter is also a very common problem....
It is a very easy tranny to work on, esp after doing a few.

Changing to fluid couldn't hurt, especially if you run 'em hard...

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Egads. Now you've got me worried. Would you say (MBDOC) that this transmission qualifies as a "class problem"? I have a 98 C230 that shifts pretty well actually. Does it have the same transmission? It has also been my past practice to change transmission fluid regardless of factory claims of a lifetime fill. (Kind of like oil changes and FSS) Anything I can do to anticipate a possible failure that might occur just out of warranty? (arrgghh)

Quick story: A few years ago bought a Chrysler Minivan...and said to myself...surely the power train will work reliably for 50-70K miles, right? This was when you could choose 3/36 bumper to bumper or 7/70 powertrain only...not both. I chose the 3/36, and I bet you can guess when the transmission clutches came apart due to a defective snap ring..(I since realized this is a common occurrence for these), yeah 43K miles. The dealer "graciously" offered to pay half.

I would hate to have to pay for a transmission repair on mine at 60K. I must admit that this would really sour me on MB quality.

Your thoughts???

[This message has been edited by djenkins2 (edited 11-12-2000).]