Oh no! - lost all my transmission fluid this afternoon
 

Just bought a '99 e320 with 83k last week. Had a pre-purchase inspection by a reputable indie shop and the carfax was 1 owner. It came with books. Everything seemed ok.

Drove to the store around the corner from house and noticed a leak. By the time I came and looked it was streaming out pretty good. Filled up an entire jar and then some. None.

I am planning on taking to my shop on Monday (I'm in Austin and the car was bought in Houston) but wanted to get any thoughts you folks might have on what the F this could be.

I know it's hard to diagnose with so little info but I'm just trying to educate myself.

I can still buy a warranty which I fear is what's going to need to happen.

Any thoughts are very much appreciated.

I would find the leak and try to patch for trip if possible or have it fixed locally. I personally would have it fixed, if reasonable, you dont want to fry a trans on the road or have it flat bedded.

Its probably what MB calls the 'pilot bushing' or where the electrical harness connects into the transmission above the right front corner of the pan. It's a small $20 plug socket with two o-rings on it that keep the fluid from leaking out. Just about everyone MB has ever made has leaked and needed to be replaced at some point.

Yep, happened to me.

Old one...

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...d/HPIM3024.jpg

New one...
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...d/HPIM2997.jpg

Yep. Had to replace one of those in my 99 SLK. Only a $12 dealer part too! How many of those will you find :D Some start leaking fast and furious some warn you I hear. Mine started fairly abruptly. It is about front of Passengers side of the tranny pan and up about mid high on the tranny.

In fact, now that you mention it, did the 95 have that sort of a plug in them? If so I would think a preventive change might be in order. But... I think that is a different tranny

wow - thanks so much
 

really appreciate the insight. Sounds like we might not need to worry too much. Can't wait to get this figured out. Again, thanks!

If it is leaking in that location, you should be able to tell pretty easy. Mine started leaking with no warning. I pulled into the garage one day and when I backed out, there it was...the puddle of death!
Called the MB parts dept. and was told that they have the new improved version so I bought it and changed it the next day. No problems since.

Good luck,

Dave

If this is the same sort of situation, you have no Transmission dip stick?

If so then your going to want to get the one called "a Tool" which is a shop tool for this that is... ta-da! the dip stick you never got. I can't make this stuff up...

Then a quart of that special red Mercedes fluid... and check and see if your full enough to get to the shop. Or add some of it and go straight there.

the fluid is very special dextron 111 H not the old stuff its 14 bucks a quart depends the place you buy do not put regular dextron in it that would be a mistake - jz

New and improved version... the jury is still out on that one.

We have gone though about 4 new and improved versions so far and 3 different colors of seals.

LOL..part of the MB TAX Program..

This is why they are so cheap.... Volume Volume Volume...