300e transmission clicking
 

Hi all.
Recently my car was shunted on the rear corner by some &%*# whilst it was sitting in a car park. When I returned, I noticed the parking ticked that I had placed on the front of the dash now on the floor and the car "appeared" to have been pushed forward about a half foot. The taillight was smashed, the bumper had a hairline fracture, there was no chassis damage.... a relatively minor accident. :(
Would this kind of impact be likely to cause any kind of damage to the transmission? I ask this because when I put it in 'Park' and it rolls to the end of it's slack, it loudly pops/clicks. And I don't believe it was doing this prior to the accident, although there is a small chance I might just be paranoid. Thanks.

NB. Transmission was rebuilt a month prior, due to a faulty torrington bearing.
NB2. The *%&# never left his number.
NB3. As recompense for this unspeakable incedent, a $3,500 respray on insurance was in order!

Your transmission tick is normal! When you put the car in park, it should roll forward a little bit and then "click" when the mechanism locks. You probably jsut began to notice it after the accident. If the car (trans) still drives just fine, then I would assume that nothing was hurt. And I'm sorry to hear about your accident! Must be frustrating!!! :( :(

Sounds like he is describing a series of clicks David, rather than one click. If it is a series of clicks until Park engages, it is possible the parking pawl was damaged. I'll defer to one of the Techs for further diagnosis.

I would be sure to use the hand brake when parking to ensure the car doesn't roll away while you play :(.

Mike,
Are you sure? I don't see that in his post?

ESmith,
Could you clarify please?

David,

Since he used the term "pops/clicks" I read that a multiple pops and/or clicks. My pawl engages maybe 50% of the time due to worn shifter bushings in the steering column, if it doesn't engage Park, I get a steady series of clicks until Park engages or I stop the car from rolling. Remedy - always use the hand brake.

Someday I'll have the time/energy to gut the column and replace the bad bushing(s).

Thanks for the advice/assurance guys, much appreciated. As clarification, I meant one very loud click when the roll comes to a stop. Though I do know what you mean MikeTangas, the thing you described happens to my fathers 420sel!

That's what I thought! But I didn't want to say that, fearing I'd be wrong! THought it was pretty safe to wait for you to reply. ;)
Well the one loud click is normal. Mine does it and every Mercedes I've ever been in does it. Just for a peice of security though, and to protect the transmission, you should put on the parking brake too (if the car gets hit, like yours did, the trans could be damamged...I think).
Anywya, thanks for clarifying.