Cost of Repairing/Replacing W210 Transmission - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

arnel_lim · #1 10-12-2006, 03:52 PM

I have a 1999 E430 with 110K miles on it. Today the transmission just went south. When I started the car I heard an awful whirring sound. Then, when I drove off, it felt like it was skipping/clunking past 1st and 2nd gear. Seemed fine at higher speeds. Well, suffice it to say I never made it to the shop. The thing died about 5 miles out. I was stuck at light, and the car wouldn't go anymore. It was idling fine, but no power to the transmission when I hit the gas.

I know it's going to be painfully expensive, but anybody have any experience getting their W210 transmission repaired or replaced? Just looking for what others paid, dealer vs. non-dealer, fix (if there's anything to fix) or replace, etc.

I dropped it off at Mid-Auto in Sunnyvale, CA (a Benz/BMWshop) across my office and I'm waiting on the bad news.

arnel_lim · #2 10-12-2006, 05:33 PM

FYI, Mid Auto is charging $4150 for new W210 Transmission...installed. He said dealer cost is $4000 just for the tranny, but he can get the part for less. 2 year unlimited mileage warranty.

TMAllison · #3 10-12-2006, 05:56 PM

I was going to guess $3-4000 for the trans plus labor in the Bay Area.

I'd double check their cost against one of the local dealers and then determine if the first place's rebuild source is reliable before jumping in.

arnel_lim · #4 10-12-2006, 06:04 PM

Dealer (San Jose, CA) gave me a ballpark $6500-$8000 to replace tranny. 1 year, unlimited mileage warranty. About 6-8 hour job.

forp · #5 10-12-2006, 06:49 PM

Ouch! Sorry about your misfortune. Any clue as to what may have happened (aside from it being a Mercedes)? Was the fluid too low? Was it the original factory fluid? I wonder if a salvaged tranny would be a viable alternative.
Good luck, Dan

ace · #6 10-12-2006, 08:44 PM

For it to have happened so sudden, and based on the whirring sound, I would guess that the friction material has come off the friction rings in one or more of the brake packs or clutch packs. If so, it will be easy to find shreds of it in the oil pan. This transmission could potentially be fixed by replacing the friction rings. You have to assume about $500 in parts (frictions, gaskets,seals,piston,fluid) + about 8 hours of labor. This in addition to the R&R.
phoenixhardparts.com , sells a rebuilt transmission for the E430 for $2195+shipping.