Rebuild or replace 300E transmission?
 

My '88 300E's transmission is slipping on upshifts between 2nd and 3rd and 3rd and 4th. Once it catches, it gives quite a jolt. The fluid and filter where replaced 50,000 miles ago (car has 211,000). Could the necessity of a fluid and filter change be causing this?

I also have an opportunity to purchase a rebuilt transmission for about $1500. It has 8,000 miles on it since a rebuild by Peter Schmidt. Anybody have info on Peter Schmidt, I'm told he's a well know MB transmission specialist.

If I need a new transmission, which makes more sense, the above described transmission, or having a reputable shop do it locally? (I'm guessing dollarwise it may come out the same)

Thanks in advance!!

Only purchase a rebuilt from a rebuilder that is REPUTABLE in the Mercedes group! The reason is that they will want your core anyway (old tranny) and you will get a superior job to any old shop.
We use a shop called TBR here in Atlanta. They are well known and do most of the builds for big parts suppliers.

Gebhard,

I haven't had my original trans rebuilt yet (at 381,000! Thank you very much MB) but I have done a little research and found Transmeister in Orange CA (SO CA). Ted is the owner and only services and rebuilds MB transmissions. He does not do any other MB work. He's been in business since 89 and 90% of his customers are other MB shops that don't have a trans guy in house. I've dropped by the shop. He only uses MB factory parts (except for a couple of O-rings and things like that). MB has gone through extensive band material changes and continues to update these materials. He really knows his tranys. Has two really nice dishwasher type cleaners that completely clean the trans. His thoughts are that he wants the trans to look as if it came from the factory. His experience is at 3 different MB dealers. Caliber, Slemons (now F. Jones) and House of Imports.

Any warranty on the Peter S. rebuild?

Also, run.exe has had tranny work done on his 500e (upgrading to SL600 stock)....you may wish to e-mail him and pick his brain too...since he's spent $$$ on this car, he'll most likely have great insight to share...

also, ask him if he's around for the Sat 830am SF meet at Chestnut Starbucks for us?

tks-fad

$1500 for a rebuilt that is used sounds a bit much. Is this installed and guaranteed? Try a web search as I believe $1200 for a fresh rebuild is common, part only-installation, etc. extra.

Try a new filter & fresh fluid
 

Ya never know. Try fresh fluid (including lines & torque converter) and a new filter.

If it doesnt, it sounds as though you got your money's worth on that tranny. Especially pullin' all those hills in San Fran.

Oil is Cheap
 

Brother of the Benz, gebhard
My W124030 with 179,500 miles is still on the original transmission and it is as smooth as when new with no leaks.
Here is what has worked for me; I'm and early topsider and that's between 3500-4500 miles.
In addition to the engine oil, I suck 3 1/2 qts of fluid from the transmission, and change the fluid in the power steering pump.
I have only changed the filter in the transmission at 35,000 miles.
The transmission and the steering pump get a fresh drink of fluid when the engine oil is changed.
This wierdo way has worked for my 300E.
Possibly if you would have done your service schedule as noted in your owners manual you wouldn't have to make the decision over rebuild or buy a rebuilt, what's the difference?
You should that your beloved to the Doctor quickly before further damage happens and it will if you don't.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

Gebhard,
I would consider a factory rebuild. MB is backing these transmissions with a 2yr/24,000 mile warranty. Most shops will only guarantee their rebuilds for one year and some shops are less. I have 148k on my transmission and it performs great with only minor seepage. If mine ever checks out I'll get the next one straight from MB.:)

Go For The Benz Transmission
 

Brother of he Benz, Gebbhard
We all know there are hundreds of mechanics who are capabile of rebuilding your's or my transmission.
But not all of these know the transmission as M/B does.
When we purchase our major components from M/B, we not only get the rebuild but the upgrade to the latest version.
Stay clear of anyone except M/B at any price.
If it were me, and it will be someday, M/B all the way.
24/24 warrantee any where in the world.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

And as I understand it, if an MBZ part (transmissions included) fails in the warranty period, they will replace it and cover parts AND labor (even if you put it in yourself):)

My wagon's at 173k and shifting beautifully, but if it fails an MBZ -rebuilt transmission will replace it.

M/B Parts and Labor
 

Brothers of The Benz, and Michael
I believe you're right relative to the warrantee offered by M/B on thier parts wheither new or rebuilt, purchased across the counter or installed by M/B.
That's the incentative to purchase OE parts.
With the exception of perishables, I will always buy from my dealer.
You should price shop for all dealers don't offer the same price for the same part.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

I'm about to change the fluid (to Redline synthetic) and filter to see if that helps.

Anybody know how I can determine if I have a 722.3, 722.4 or 722.5 transmission? (According to AllData, there are a few other things to check depending on the model transmission.

As for purchasing a MB rebuilt transmission, I'm not sure that is an option for me. The local MB dealer's service department has done nothing but cause me grief. Incompetence and fraud are the words that come to mind. The next closest dealer is in San Francisco, but I'm really not interested in giving MB any more money as I have yet to see the value a MB dealership is supposed to provide.

In a perfect world, I'd like to find a highly respected, competent independent shop that is fully qualified to rebuild my transmission. Does anybody know of one on the SF peninsula? If there isn't one, sounds like a trip down south to transmeister may be in order.

Thanks!

Buy Actoss The Counter
 

Brother of The Benz, gebhard
Don't throw money out the window.
RedLine Transmission Fluid has no magic in it; it can't fix that which be brokey.
If you want to change the fluid, use the standard fluid recommended for your unit and see wha hoppens.
Just because you don't like the Benz service department, you can still purchase a transmission across the counter and have it installed buy some else and still benefit from all of the plus features offered by M/B.
Think it over!
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

Rather than replacing the trans. fluid, assuming that it is clean and smells o.k., try a can of Gunk brand, "Transmission Medic". It is available at Pep Boys for under $3. It did a good job of helping my transmission that had similar problems. This is not a sealer, it is more of a cleaner.

Mechanic in a Can?
 

Brother of the Benz, gebhard
Get help from a qualified Mercedes Benz transmission mechanic and discount all of our suggestions.
You aren't going to get it repaired by pouring a magic fluid in it's sump or waving a magic wand over it, sorry but that's the truth!!!!
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in houston!!!