Transmission Seal Leaking?

Jay J · 04-11-2006, 07:54 AM

I've got a 2005 C230K with less than 5K miles on it.
Two days ago, I pulled out of my garage to head to the airport for a business trip, only to find a small puddle of what appears to be transmission fluid on my garage floor!

It's pinkish/red in color, didn't really have a noticeable order and while it was slippery, it wasn't as thick as oil. Also it was located pretty much under the middle of the engine, which lends me to believe that I have a transmission leak.

I would have taken it to the dealer straight away, but it was a Sunday, they were closed, and I had a flight to catch.

I'm planning on taking it in to the dealer the day after I fly back home later this week, but was wondering is this a common problem?

And is this something I should be overly worried about?

I mean, I drove 45 miles to the airport on it, and will drive that far back home, then another 10 miles or so to the dealership before they get a chance to work on it.

I'm fearful that when I arrive back to DFW airport, I'll find a massive pool of fluid under the car, where I parked, and putting that many miles on it to get back home, could I be doing serious damage that would shorten the lifespan of the trany?

By the way, it's an automatic...

Anyone else experience this sort of issue with their W203? Especially with such low mileage?

Frankly, it's VERY disappointing, I would expect some sort of weird problem like this with a Ford or Chevy, but I thought MB were built better then this!

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rubenl · 04-11-2006, 08:45 AM

this is a common problem with the 05 SS A/T, it's a fairly quick warranty dealer fix...

C230 Sport Coup · 04-14-2006, 06:13 AM

I was told that if the level got too low, the computer would tell you.

pookie · 04-14-2006, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C230 Sport Coup

I was told that if the level got too low, the computer would tell you.

that's what i thought too. i guess it wasn't THAT low yet.

MBSvcAdv · 04-14-2006, 07:39 AM

You should be fine, just don't make any cross country drives anytime soon... LOL

Seriously, most likely , its the " transmission conduit seal " usually takes a total of 2 hrs from start of visit to end ( car wash included )

I hate to say it, but like posted above, most of these seals get replaced at the " First Service " and never leak again... but it is a quick / easy repair.

Steve

MB///HRV · 04-14-2006, 08:31 AM

It's not just with the '05 SS. I have an '03 SS and it was leaking at my first service as well. That was three years ago and MB has't found a way to correct it at the factory production level yet?? Shame on them!

Kar don · 04-14-2006, 08:46 AM

my 03 320 was leaking as well.

Jay J · 04-16-2006, 12:40 PM

Well folks.... You nailed it....

They found that it was the transmission conduit seal, and had it fixed and returned to me the same day.

My excellent service advisor (Mitzi Cranshaw) at Ewing Autohaus in Plano said She's even seen cars that they've found with this problem before they've even been driven off the lot!!!!

04-14-2006, 06:13 AM	#3
C230 Sport Coup MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bay Area Posts: 5,028 Drives: Here's Johnny!	I was told that if the level got too low, the computer would tell you. __________________ 2002 C230 Sport Coup ASP Pulley-Supersprint Header-Remus Muffler- TEIN SS Coilovers AMG; Wheels, 22mm AMG Front sway bar, HR 19mm rear bar, C32 Brakes Tinted Windows- 2005 Tails, Grill & Blinkers-Clear Sides Bi-Xenon Headlights! Clear Fogs w/Philips Crystal Vision bulbs Audio 10 Renntech style Spoiler Supercharger Muffler Deleted! "Aero Turbine" AR20 Rasp Eliminator (Resonator)

04-14-2006, 07:39 AM	#5
MBSvcAdv Almost a Member! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 68 Drives: 2006 MB	You should be fine, just don't make any cross country drives anytime soon... LOL Seriously, most likely , its the " transmission conduit seal " usually takes a total of 2 hrs from start of visit to end ( car wash included ) I hate to say it, but like posted above, most of these seals get replaced at the " First Service " and never leak again... but it is a quick / easy repair. Steve __________________ "Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time” Voltaire

04-14-2006, 08:31 AM	#6
MB///HRV Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: NH-NJ Posts: 296	It's not just with the '05 SS. I have an '03 SS and it was leaking at my first service as well. That was three years ago and MB has't found a way to correct it at the factory production level yet?? Shame on them! __________________ "As you make a living, don't forget to live" '03 c230K Sedan

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04-11-2006, 08:45 AM	#2
rubenl Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: central cali Posts: 140 Drives: 2005 C230 SS, 2000 1.8t Passat, Crown Vic with lights on roof	this is a common problem with the 05 SS A/T, it's a fairly quick warranty dealer fix...

04-14-2006, 08:46 AM	#7
Kar don MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: GMT -8 hours Posts: 5,636 Drives: Mercedes-Benz	my 03 320 was leaking as well.

04-16-2006, 12:40 PM	#8
Jay J Almost a Member! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Allen (Dallas) Tx. Posts: 45 Drives: 2005 C230K SS	Well folks.... You nailed it.... They found that it was the transmission conduit seal, and had it fixed and returned to me the same day. My excellent service advisor (Mitzi Cranshaw) at Ewing Autohaus in Plano said She's even seen cars that they've found with this problem before they've even been driven off the lot!!!!

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