my wife's car, 260E has developed a transmission leak. my mechanic says it is coming from the torque converted whereby the transmission has to be taken down, sealed replaced, etc. His worse case scenario is I might need to replace the transmission altogether. Isn't that a big jump from a leaky transmission? Do I really need to replace the transmission or the mechanic? Your guidance, please?

If just transmission leaks reseal trans will stop trans fluid leaking,I have done lot trans reseal job,you need to find a shop they know about MB transmission.

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MB STARS Master Guild Technician,12 years MB tech
6 years independent shop owner

Joel,

I just finished replacing the front seal, flex plate, and torque converter in my 300SD. It was time consuming, but not that difficult. Mercedes quoted me around $1300.00. I was able to do it myself for about $450.00(this included some new tools I needed). Just a bit of info. By the way my car now runs great, no more clatter or leakage.
Best of luck.
Peter Kalloday

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Wing_Nut
82"300SD

Hi Wing_Nut!

Just wondering if you used OEM or aftermarket parts? If aftermarket, which supplier did you use?
Regards,
Nick

The front seals and o-rings are cheap. Use factory seals. The leak is the front pump seal, not the torque converter seal in 99% of the cases I have seen.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

thank you all for your generous replies. isn't this a great site, everyone helping another!! joel

Nick,

My situation is a little different than yours. Like BenzMac said the majority of time the leak is from the pump seal. Mine was caused from the converter seal due to missing bolts in my torque converter, and thus causing the TC to wobble. However, I believe the procdure would be the same for you up to point where you would install the new pump seals.
I took BenzMac's advice and ordered a remanufacture MB torque converter (the dealership wanted $950 for a new one) the seals and bolts I purchased from MB. I did this because I wanted to ensure that I had the right quality parts so I wouldn't have to do it again. I probably would have used the parts shop but this was on weekend and I wanted to complete the job.
Costs Reman TC w/ 1 year waranty $225
New TC Bolts and Flex plate bolts $45
Transmission gasket & TC seal $40
Fluid $10
Flex Plate from MB $33.95
Misc tools $100 (needed an excuse to buy them anyway.)

Best of luck to you. And rember if you do it your self take pictures of use a mini tape recorder so you put it back the way it's supposed to go. And don't forget your torque settings. The manual uses Newton Meters Not Ft. Lbs
Peter Kalloday

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Wing_Nut
82"300SD

[This message has been edited by Wing_Nut (edited 01-19-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Wing_Nut (edited 01-19-2000).]

Just to avoid confusion, I think Wing_Nut's post above is addressing Joel.

Thanks everyone for all the useful info.

Yes, I was confused on my reply. It was Joel's reply I addressed. I guess I read to quickly, then again they never said you have to be smart to be a US Marine.
My apologies.
Peter Kalloday

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Wing_Nut
82"300SD

Wing_Nut:
again, many thanks for your reply. honestly, i wouldn't have your courage in doing what you did with your SD. right now i am looking for an independent MB shop in my area to work on my MB's transmission leak. incidentally, i lived in the Kirkwood area sometime ago. how about 'em Houston Oilers (now Tennessee, what?) but my heart bleeds for the Rockets!! regards. joel

[This message has been edited by joel (edited 01-20-2000).]

The most common leak I find coming from the front of MB transmissions is the O-ring around the front pump. This requires the work of a Quality tech. Make a few calls to some independents and you'll likely get the best deal.

hi rocket:
should it be the case, will the transmission have to be taken down? just for my info. thanks

Any of the above interventions require the tranny to be out of the car. BTW, where do you see the oil coming from? If it's the bottom of the bell housing, all of the previous recommendations will apply. If not, you may just need to replace pan gasket, dipstick o-ring, output flange seal, none of which require removal of the tranny.
Good luck. Drive train stuff can be a bummer.. :eek:

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e