Here is the person who is going to rebuild my transmission
 

I am going to get my transmission rebuilt by Norbert Switilek. Here is who he is and what he does:

http://www.mbcanada.com/forum/index.php?act=Search&CODE=show&searchid=07f6bee3a6295737dba9463afd9ce6b4&search_in=posts&result_type =posts&highlite=switilek

The above link has to be updated every day for some reason. If it doesn't work, you can view them individually here.

Be sure to look at post #1 and post #4 that has pics of the shop:
http://www.mbcanada.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=1998&hl=switilek

Also Post #6 in this thread is his contact information:
http://www.mbcanada.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=1842

No... but looks like you found a diamond in the ruff. Nothing like an old guy that knows his stuff and loves what he's doing.

How much is the ????
 

I did mine for $185 parts+10 hrs labour :D

Showoff! :tongue2:

I wish I knew how to rebuild a transmission or could be at the shop while it gets rebuilt. I am paying approximately $890 USD which is $1100 Canadian.

Is there anything you'd like to share with me regarding this rebuild? Any parts I should buy? I already bought a transmission filter and gasket and some synthetic ATF. Someone had mentioned crankshaft seal??

Other seals to replace are those on the side of the transmission for the linkage and electrical wire connections. I replaced my 1992 300SE valve body, fifth gear solenoid and the internal wire harness. It was unbelievably brittle from age, ATF and heat. The pan gasket is a no-brainer as well. The thing that prevents me from doing more is my inability (from lack of experience) to recognize worn parts. the operating tolerances have to be close and someone that does rebuilds for a living could diagnose wear quickly and correctly. It is no fun to do the work and then have to redo because a worn pump or clutch or bearing was not caught the first time. Just my 2-cents.

Tim

Do you think that those other seals that you mention are replaced during a full rebuild? Like I mentioned before, bought the synthetic ATF, pan gasket and filter. The onlt thing I thought I needed to buy is the crankshaft seal. I wish I had a part number for that one.

My guess would be that the other seals (actually all seals) are replaced during a rebuild. That would include the front and rear seals also. Wouldn't make sense to rebuild and then have a leak shortly after. I would assume the internal wiring harness would be replaced depending on condition.

With trans out it would be smart to check/replace shift linkage bushings. The quarters are tight with trans installled. If Flex discs are worn change during rebuild, same for driveshaft center support bearing.

Tim

I was told by a trained and seasoned MB mechanic friend, who ran his own independent garage for many years, that the only right way to do a rebuild on a MB transmission is with the transmission running. I would think that the replacement of parts would be one phase of the rebuild, followed by an adjustment or tuning phase with it running on a machine of some sort. The lack of such a set-up in most transmission shops is why he would never send one out to anywhere but a specialized MB shop. I wonder if this guy would agree with this?
(I just re-read the linked post: "he has had mercedes executives from germany and japan fly over just to see his homemade testing machines and he does most of the benz tranny work for large francises such as mr. transmission and aamco.". I guess he would!)

I wouldn't hesitate to try one myself. The problem is getting the dang thing out and back in!

$1100 Canadian is what you can expect to pay for a GM 700r4 transmission rebuild. I think your getting a good price. I'm going to note his phone number for future use. Does his shop have a name and web site?

Jorg

I got his information from Mercedes-Benz Club of Canada. Here is all the contact information I have:

He works out of his house now that he has retired from the Mercedes Recondioning Center.
Norbert Switilek (905) 775-0168

Thanks.

Sorry, the 1st link I provided needs to be updated every day or else you cannot see the 3 posts I wanted to show everyone so I edited the post and added new links below the original one so that you can see the pics and all the information. If you click on the 1st post now, you can see them.

I'll post what's there in case there are problems with the links:

Taken from http://www.mbcanada.com/

Thread Title:Technical Session: Saturday May 15
By:wideAMG
Posted on: May 16 2004, 10:15 PM

thanks to the Mercedes-Benz Club of Canada, daimler4 and Norbert Switilek for an informative and entertaining tech session.

Norbert is truly the jedi master of mercedes transmissions. his knowledge of transmissions is baffling . starting with his apprenticeship in the early 1940s thru his years with the mercedes-benz reconditioning center to his now busy retirement business, no doubt this man has seen it all. his modest shop had over 30 rebuilt transmissions ready to go. he has had mercedes executives from germany and japan fly over just to see his homemade testing machines and he does most of the benz tranny work for large francises such as mr. transmission and aamco. he discussed tranny adjustments, vacuum function, types of fluid, oil cooling, the new sealed lifetime trannys, etc.

a fun time for all who came out.

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/923...re965edit1.JPG

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/940...re970edit1.JPG

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/933...re967edit1.JPG

Thread Title:Technical Session: Saturday May 15
By:daimler4
Posted on: May 1 2004, 4:30 PM

The Mercedes-Benz Club of Canada is holding its first technical session of the year. Dust off those cars and come out to our Spring Technical Session at Norbert Switilek's shop in Bradford, Ontario, just north of Toronto off of the 400. Norbert has over 40 years of experience in rebuilding and reconditioning Mercedes-Benz transmissions, engines, power steering pumps, etc. Norbert will give us a tour of his modest machine shop and test stand, and answer your technical questions about restoring engines, etc.
This guy is a font of information, wisdom, and ingenuity.

The session will take place from 11:00 to 3:00. Take the 400 north and exit at Highway 88 (Bradford). Travel 6 km to Bradford and turn right at the main intersection(Simcoe Road) of the town (look for the Winston Arms Hotel). Norbert's shop is on the left side of the street at 103 Simcoe Road. Parking is behind the shop at the Community Centre (take side street left just before Norbert's house). Members and soon-to-be-members are welcome. Cost is free!

Interested participants can join us for some hospitality at one of the local eateries after the session. There is plenty of parking, so bring out your MBs and join the fun.

Thread Title:Wanted! 300 Turbo Diesel & transmission
By:daimler4
Posted on: April 23 2004, 9:11 PM

Give Norbert Switilek a call. He rebuilds engines and transmissions, and likely has one in stock. His number is (905) 775-0168. He ships to many of our club members out west.

Boy I feel terrible for missing this session, I wish I knew earlier, and he's right down the road from me too. Maybe I should drop by and get to know him. The transmission is the only thing I have not touched in my car yet, other then fluid and filter that is :)

xp

I am really happy that you replied to this thread. I feel like I have shared something worthwhile. You should drop in since you're so close and give us your personal impression.