Transmission advice please
 

I would like some input on a decision I need to make regarding my transmission. I’ve recently purchased a 2003 C320 for my daughter. It has 161,000 miles. The original owner recently traded the vehicle in due to some needed maintenance items. The items were repaired and the vehicle was then sold to me. The items repaired were thrust arm bushings, left catalytic converter, B service and brakes and rotors at all four corners. The body and paint are near perfect so I decided to buy the car. I was aware that there was a slight flare in RPM’s at the 2-3 shift. By the way it is an automatic transmission.

At first I thought I could live with it but the car is so perfect I just can’t stand it anymore. I had a trusted transmission specialist change the regulator spring in the valve body for the 2-3 shift. The problem didn’t change and he said that it had been driven for too long with a broken spring thus causing undue wear on the clutches. He has quoted me a price of $2000 for a soft rebuild.

My main question is should I soft rebuild or try to purchase a used transmission with low miles? I welcome all ideas and suggestions.

Thanks ahead.

srb1194

There is no urgency to get it fixed, so look around. There were plenty of those cars made, so I would expect there to be a big supply of used transmissions.

Was the trans fluid & filter changed recently?

I'm not sure what a "soft rebuild" is but at $2000 I would drive the car until it quits.

I had a similar flare in my trans, after replacing the regulator spring I didn't notice an immediate improvement. After driving for about 3 weeks the flare slowly went away. I'm thinking that due to the adaptive transmission it took time for the trans to adapt to the new regulator spring.

My 98 E320 recently turned 200K miles on the original trans.

The soft rebuild is what the expert called it. It replaces the torque converter as well as all seals, springs etc. I've seen kits called soft rebuild for around $400. I respect your experience but mine was driven too long and will not adapt any more as I understand it.

It's ironic that I too have a 98 E320 with 203K and the original transmission and original fluid. At this point I'm not changing the fluid in that one.

srb1194

Good choice. I'm on my third trans fluid change.

I'm not familiar with the 2003 C320 transmission but the procedure for resetting the adaptive trans on the E320 is:

1. Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.

2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds.

3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.

4. Wait at least two minutes for ECU to reset.

Keep the drivers door closed during this procedure.

Unfortunately the shop had already reset it. Do you think I should try it again? How long does it take it to adapt do you think?

srb1194

For my E320, once reset I notice an immediate sense of power gain since the engine will respond more with less peddle pressure (shift points are at a lower RPM). It usually takes a few weeks before the trans adapts to my normal driving habits. I thought I read it is related to about 50 starts.

I assume that you have checked the trans fluid level at the proper temperature.

Yes the fluid level is at the correct level. It may still be adapting but with that flare I just don't think it will improve.

Time will tell if it improves or not.

Regarding a rebuilt transmission, my thoughts are if you have a trusted mechanic I would have them rebuild the current transmission rather then chance a used transmission with unknown problems. I recently went thru this with my wife's Acrua TL with known transmission issues.

I'm starting to think rebuilding is the best option also.

srb1194