97 E320 Tranny Issue - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Darrell Woods · #1 01-31-2006, 11:05 PM

Bought the E320 late summer. With cold weather, noticed the first to second upshift delayed. Most here indicate it's normal, although the 3-5 blocks seems excessive (what if you had to enter a high speed road right out of your driveway?). But additionally, it has recently slipped a couple of times. Took it to independent tranny shop that rebuilt my SL two years ago. They felt it was not shifting right, and had a code I believe was "reverse/park lock". They felt it was external and not the transmission itself, and felt I should take it to a MB dealer for better diagnostics. Dealer stated it was holding upshift too long, but no diagnostic codes set. They didn't suggest it, but I told them to change the tranny oil and filter ($275). They said it's much better, but it's still "not right". Stated mech could find no evidence of metal in the tranny. Still, they said they would recommend a new tranny at $4500. I said no, I'll drive it like I stole it and when it dies, I'll tow it in for a new tranny. What do you think? Should I take it to another MB dealer, independant, or just drive it and see how long it takes to break?

deanyel · #2 01-31-2006, 11:18 PM

Ideally you should find a good honest independent shop that knows the 722.6. Too many dealerships just automatically say - new transmission, $4500. I think it wise to deal with it rather than just drive it till it quits.

suginami · #3 01-31-2006, 11:34 PM

I believe the upshift should be delayed for 45 seconds or until the car exceeds 35 mph, whichever comes first.

blackmercedes · #4 02-01-2006, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darrell Woods

...would recommend a new tranny at $4500.

Even if it needs a new trans, that's a pretty steep price. My indie can source a factory rebuilt 722.6 and have it in the car with all parts and labour for $3000.

As to the trans, the 722.6 can be repaired and with good diagnostics the problem should be able to be found. Find a different shop...

..easier said than done, of course.

mbdoc · #5 02-01-2006, 08:25 AM

What were the CODES that your shop pulled from the TRANS computer??

If they read code 20 or 116 then the problem is inside.. valve body conductor plate (printed circuit board).

The 1996-98 cars have a problem with a spring in the valve bodies that break.
We sell & install 20-30 of those springs every month. A $0.70 spring can cause MANY codes related to SLIPPING...

ALSO the "NEW" fluid that MB sells for the 7-speed auto trans (722.9) will help the 722.6 trans shifting as well!!

Darrell Woods · #6 02-01-2006, 07:16 PM

Thanks for the replies. I picked the car up today, and as MB DOC stated, the new fluid definitely helped. I still don't know the codes...the shop guys were gone when I got there and it wasn't on the paperwork when I paid. Makes me question whether they even checked for codes at Mercedes. I know the indy did, and I plan on checking with them tomorrow to see what the numbers were. I'll also call Mercedes and see if they did it. When I first started using Ross Motor Cars in Dayton about 10 years ago, the service was remarkable. I've been disappointed ever since the owner died and a fairly young daughter took over. Going to have to drive to Cincinnati or Columbus to find a new shop. MB DOC, ever thought about moving to Ohio? You'd get my business.

mbdoc · #7 02-02-2006, 08:13 AM

Lived for about 16 years (50's & 60's) in PATASKALA Ohio!

Must admit ...living in the south is better!

tmorales · #8 02-02-2006, 11:24 AM

M.B.DOC: Do you have a shop in GA? I'm looking for a shop in the Duluth/Alpharetta/Dunwoody area.