My 95 S500 78K worth a tranmission rebuild?
 

I just lost reverse on my 95 S500? After reading all the post, I think I need a tranny rebuilt.

I came to the rebuilt conclusion because I hear the tranny clicked when I go in reverse about a year ago. As time went, it takes longer and longer to for the reverse to engage after I put it in 'R'. Eventually, I lost reverse. I can feel the reverse catches, but it slips badly.

I got a quote of of $2600 to rebuilt the tranny. Is it worth it on a 95 S500 with 78K miles?

What's the car worth? How long do you intend on keeping it? What's $2600 versus another car relative to your view of $$? What else is wrong with the car?
What if I offered you $2600 to take the car from you?

Its more of a personal decision on whether or not its worth it, if you like the car and plan on keeping it for some time then it may be worth the rebuild. If you dont like the car well then what can you really get out of a 14 yr old car with 78K miles and a bad transmission?

Yes, and it would also be worth it to look for a lower price. What you have is a plain old 722.3 transmssion, nothing fancy about it, should be able to find something for less. Here we have a 722.3 rebuilder for $1250 including R and R, which is on the low side but I've heard of others in the $1200 to $1500 range. PS - just noticed it's a coupe - obviously worth it. Make sure it's got fluid.

S500 Coupe? Rare beast, I'd hold onto it. Finding one with good mileage/condition is hard enough now

I am leaning toward to rebuilt it as well. I might just have to bite the bullet and have this beast fix.

Even $2500 wouldn't be more that a few payments on a new car.
I'd fix it!

I went thru the same thing on my 92, clicking, slow engagement and then lurch. I shopped a few trans "experts" and was not convinced of their expertise. The problem is the front band or clutch. My MB dealer quoted $3500 for a factory rebuilt with two year warranty, it was slightly more since they also replaced motor mounts and the cooler hoses. They felt the converter was fine and did not replace it. The warranty made the difference to me. The dealerships dont rebuild any more, but if you find a good shop its your call.

Id rebuild it. I am going through this delimma on my 420sel. That is a 273k car. well probably not that much. I am going to probably take a loss and sell it.

Just got off the phone with the mechanic today, and got some new updates

For $1500
Only repair the reverse section of the tranny
no warranty, guarantee to drive off

For $2550
Complete tranny rebuild, all seals
12 month warranty

The mechanic is a good guy, so I trust him. Which option should I take? I don't know how long i plan to hold onto the car...

Is a complete rebuild needed? Any risk of not having a complete rebuild?

If it was me, I'd probably just repair the reverse section if the car has a good trans service history. If you've only had the car a couple of years and you have no idea if the trans was ever serviced, go for the full rebuild. At that point, I'd keep the car for at least another year (due to the warranty and the fact that you'd want to get some of your money back through use).

The figures are actually reasonable and you could easily spend $2550 rebuilding a Ford Taurus trans...

-GH

I am looking to bite the bullet and have it rebuild... $2550, man that's steep.

That's not too bad actually. A re-built 722.6 costs a lot more. Don't ask me how I know....:(

only 78K ?
 

How much of the reverse clutch could be worn out at 78 K miles? I would remove the transmission to find out what the problem is for sure. It's not that difficult to Remove it, even up on jackstands.

Ben

The clicking, and lurch seems to be a known issue, I think they took out the rear pump in 93 maybe it has to do with the issue.
I dont know about the previous post, my 92 started clicking over a year ago, at 90,000 at 95,000 it failed. I also dont know about doing it on jack stands, I hope that includes using a trans jack, I have done some on my back. The R&R is more than 6hrs at the shop, with a lift, tools, and experience. If the car is in reasonable shape go for the warranty/complete rebuild.