W124 auto boxes. Do they slip with age?

[Tafia]

Hi folks,

I have been offered a 1995 Merc E220 with 101,000 miles and auto gearbox. Car mags here in UK say the auto boxes in these models can start to slip as the miles stack up.

Can anyone tell me if this is correct? Is it a known fault or is the mag just being overcautious?

Best wishes from Wales, UK.

Tafia

[moakesr]

Any autobox will start to slip if abused.

Check it engages drive and reverse without too long a delay and no nasty clunks.

Take it for a test drive and see if it flares when changing from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th etc....

Check fluid condition, is it clean? Does it smell burnt?

I don't believe MB gearboxes are any weaker than any other manufacturers, like all auto gearboxes, they need regular oil changes and a degree of mechanical sympathy in how you treat them as they get older.

Good Luck,

Richard

[softconsult]

Two data points. My 1990 124 was still on original trans at 175K and perfect.
My current 1992 124 is at 225K and perfect. My 1993 124 had a factory trans at 154K and is now at 254K .

My opinion - great transmissions.

Steve

[G-Benz]

In my experience as the second owner of my 93 W124, I started to notice slippage and hard shifts as the car aged...and I'm not hard on trannys.

My "indie" suggested a fluid change. He mentioned to me that the old fluid was coffee colored.

No tranny issues since the fluid service.

MB makes pretty solid trannys. If you have over 100K miles on yours, it may be time for a fluid change too.

[mbdoc]

Automatic transmissions are designed to slip! THAT is how they work!
All of them will wear out in time! Fluid & filter service (every 30K or less miles) is the key to long life!

[Tafia]

Many thanks to all who replied. Some good tips in there.

Best wishes from UK

Tafia

[Rahulio1989300E]

And with that age, inspect all the trans vacuum lines... they can make you think you need $1500 when you only need $3.16.....