Transmission Reliability
 

Looking to purchase my first Benz - have got the choice between a 2000 w210 E280 with 5 speed electronic box or a 1998 w210 with 5 speed hydraulic box - both cars have 80k miles, the newer one still has six months benz warranty ... but how reliaible are the auto boxes at high mileages?

All help appreciated.

The 98 should have a earlier version of the same unit as the 2000. The 722.6 was phased in starting in 96.

These are decent units as long as they updates were done under warrenty on the 98. (freewheels, valvebody and ETC.6 control unit) Some people never experience freewheel problems with the earlier units. (I think its from not allowing the car to fully stop prior to change directions) While others had problems in the first 10k.

Just be sure they were serviced around 60k and continue to service them every 60k. Make sure you stop the car before switching directions.



Joe

Not been serviced so far
 

Thanks Joe

From the service histories it looks like they have not been serviced so far ... they seem to be viewed by Mercedes in the UK as sealed for life? One the 2000 w210 the B service has just been done at 79k miles but no note of gearbox oil or filter change. Is it too late too save it or will an immediate change prevent problems - it still has the warranty for a short period so I guess if I detect a problem it will be fixed .. it is just a question of whether long term harm has been done.

Many thanks for your reply.

I would just like to send up a red flare based on my experience...I have a 1996 S420 with an electronic transmission..."Sealed for life". The car was serviced at MB dealerships throughout its entire life. I have every record. But the transmission was shot at 87,000 miles for no reason at all according to MB. The dealership replaced the tranny with a factory rebuild...the cost was @ $6,000. The moral of the story is replace that fluid...don't let it go past 60,000 miles, and you shouldn't have any problems.
Personally, I would question any MB with a similar transmission over 80k...no fluid change, no sale.
CK

Re: Not been serviced so far
 

Mercedes Benz USA considers these transmissions "sealed for life", too, and fluid replacement is considered "unnecessary".

Many technicians, like Joe P, who work on these cars say it's a mistake, and fluid replacement should be done at 60,000 miles intervals.