I am looking at getting a 2008/2009 E350 and I did some research and all I hear is horror stories with the 7 speed...

I started looking for the 4matic since it has the 722.6, but I cant find any in my area that have the mileage I am looking for (40-60k)...

Should I rethink the 7 speed, or wait it out?

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2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

Since nobody else has chimed in I'll share my opinion. I wouldn't want one. Lots of reasons take your pick.

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90 300TE 4-M
Turbo 103, T3/T04E 50 trim
T04B cover .60 AR
Stage 3 turbine .63 AR
A2W I/C, 40 LB/HR
MS2E, 60-2 Direct Coil Control
3" Exh, AEM W/B O2
Underdrive Alt. and P/S Pulleys,
Vented Rear Discs, .034 Booster.
3.07 diffs 1st Gear Start

90 300CE 104.980
Milled & ported head, 10.3:1 compression
197° intake cam w/20° advancer
Tuned CIS ECU
4° ignition advance
PCS TCM2000, built 722.6
600W networked suction fan
Sportline sway bars
V8 rear subframe, Quaife ATB 3.06 diff

Our prior CLK320 had the 722.6 and had zero problems (other than the leaky connector) up until she was totaled at 140k with only one trans fluid change.

I will just keep searching for the 4matic and hopefully a nice one pops up and I can snag it

__________________
2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

I think they are going over board with gearing.I would think a five speed,with a way to change rear end ratios,would be much longer lasting.The number one reason for tranny failure is heat.All car makers barely use enough cooling on their transmissions.Adding a aftermarket towing trans cooler may improve trans lifespan.I practise this,and have had no problems.

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran

I own a 2009 e 350 with 27,000 miles starting bought in 2013, been a great car , love the 7 speed , sometimes at slow speeds it would have a harsh shift , did a software flash to trans and engine and i havent felt it since, the wife drives it, i also have owned a 94 e 320 wagon with now 220,000 miles, the 2009 is awesome comfort wise, wouldnt hesitate to buy another if i could, i now have 45,000 miles on it, i work at an mb dlr

^ I don't think 45k is exactly enough to make a judgment about the trans. I personally consider 150 to 200k a Minimum for trans quality. Less than 100k with serious issues is an embarrassment.

This is why I'm not buying a bmw because it's sad when they say 100k is a normal life span for the entire car and you would have to be stupid to buy one over 80k without a warranty. What?????? I have almost 160k on my m103 now and it has no signs of going anywhere soon!!

__________________
2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

Ps2cho,

The skinny:

They are beautiful when they work-oh beautiful when they work again!!!

The conductor plate fix-Hold on!!! $1800 and you need SDS
(722.6 DIY in the comfort of your home for about one less zero in parts)

No more dipstick at all or the pipe-:confused You need to remove a screw in the pan and watch the overflow of fluid... You must have the updated fluid pan

The 722.9 are just known to spin the front pump copper bushing, and there is a fix. A new front pump with roller bearing(plus a whole rebuild). If your tranny shop is good(not mercedes-Mercedes does not rebuild transmissions at the dealers they just R&R-replace&repair) they will machine your old pump and put a roller bearing... The 4matics with a 722.9 suffer from a rear bearing not getting enough fluid as the transfer case is integrated to the transmission. It is not separate like with the 722.6's.

It rebuilds like a 722.6 which is easy. I have the rebuild manual somewhere, but it is to large to post..

I know some of us will have to bend-over one day with a car with 722.9, but that is not chump-change to the silly air-shocks and the pump.Those shocks are more of money pit(even the rebuilt ones are not cheap). It makes a W140 S600 shocks look like Yugo in cost.

I'll deal with my 722.6's all day...wayyy better and more mature transmission.

Martin

What was last year 722.6 was installed I'm E class?

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Jim

The 5 speed 722.6 was used all the way to 2009 in the 4matic version of the sedan and wagon in the E-class. I think the 2007 year introduced the 7 speed 722.9 in the rear drive versions.

I have a 2005 4matic wagon with the 722.6 transmission and its an awesome combination! 140k and counting....0 issues and shifts perfect.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

This may help:

mercedes transmissions

Martin

Was at a training class today and it touched on the 7.229. Couldnt help but think of this thread when discussing some of the known problems in this trans that dont yet have a known solution.

__________________

90 300TE 4-M
Turbo 103, T3/T04E 50 trim
T04B cover .60 AR
Stage 3 turbine .63 AR
A2W I/C, 40 LB/HR
MS2E, 60-2 Direct Coil Control
3" Exh, AEM W/B O2
Underdrive Alt. and P/S Pulleys,
Vented Rear Discs, .034 Booster.
3.07 diffs 1st Gear Start

90 300CE 104.980
Milled & ported head, 10.3:1 compression
197° intake cam w/20° advancer
Tuned CIS ECU
4° ignition advance
PCS TCM2000, built 722.6
600W networked suction fan
Sportline sway bars
V8 rear subframe, Quaife ATB 3.06 diff