SobRogue

Hello,
I have relatively recently purchased a 2010 C300 4Matic (42 days ago) and I’ve just gone over 50K. I did not purchase it from a MB dealership, and did not get a Warranty...naturally I am now getting a subtle humming/buzz/pitch at certain speeds while accelerating. This seems to fit the early symptoms of the failing Transmission. I’m not sure what the most economical action should be to get this resolved, and thus am looking for advice.

I’m still covered under the Lemon laws, but I don’t think the issue has progressed far enough for them to generously cover the cost of a full transmission replacement…
I think I may be able to get a 3rd party, would this be advisable? So that when it does go, it would be covered…or more likely partially covered.

I’m just not sure what the best action is, the noise is already driving me crazy –as most of my commute happens to be at the speed that triggers it. I would like to get it replaced, but I’ve just acquired the car, and another 7K to replace the transmission seems crazy…

Thanks,

Skyline45

Hmmm, there really nothing you can do if there's no warranty on it but to bite the 7k bullet. It might not be the TC though. You should take it into a master tech for a diagnosis.

If you bought it relatively not long ago, I'd look into taking it back. However, I guess that all depends on where you got it from, and if they would honor something like that.

SobRogue

Thanks for the quick response Skyline,
I have already scheduled a diagnosis with MB.

But do you think it would proactive to put an extended warranty on the car?

Generally I belong to the camp that these are waste of money, but considering the issues I've experienced in the short time I've owned the car, it seems like it may be a necessity.

Skyline45

I got one with mine through Zuric, but I had to get it at the POS of my car to get it. It was an extension of 30k miles or 3 years for full coverage. Which my car is at the same point as yours, 50K miles, which is the point of it's life where stuff like this is a must.

Idk if you can get it after you've purchased the vehicle, but it's certainly worth trying.

mikbar2

Once out of warranty, most insurers require a vehicle inspection.

SobRogue

I have 60days to decide if I want an extended warranty, at-least that's MA law. So I can still purchase one, my only concern is that I did not buy the car from MB, so I don't know if I will be able to get it through them. I will certainly communicate with them, and try to follow their recommendation as to who they work with/are familiar with.

I have never purchased one before this point, are there some guidelines/price points I should be looking for?

Carsy

Has the transmission be serviced at 39,000 miles including torque converter drain ? JC

SobRogue

Unfortunately I have no previous records for the Car -except the 45K service (And that service is not listed).

TheRulesLawyer

Then do so immediately. You know its a winning play here. I don't think you can get one from MB if the factory warranty has expired (unless that MA law required them to). Either way make sure you read the 'pre-existing' coverage exclusions carefully. Once its diagnosed you may be out of luck.

SobRogue

You are correct, MB will not sell me their extended warranty.

Their best suggestion was Endurance, "they cover everything most of the time" -MB service rep. But their website looks a little fishy, I can pretty much get any third party warranty I want, does anyone have suggestions to the better companies?

I've checked ConsumerReports, Edmonds, etc for ratings/reviews -but none of those sites actually endorse or recommend anything -just lots of talk about being careful.

FlatoutSusp

Wells Fargo has a warranty company, I'll dig through my paperwork (bought 3/36) when I finances the car. $100 deductible. It was under $2000, so a bargain for the $7000 repair.

I get junk mail (and email) about "your warranty is about to expire" ALL THE TIME.

You could also go to a dealership and ask what 3rd party service they offer through the finance dept. If MB gave a recomendation, Id say it's solid.

95_993

Be aware that the transmission pump in these transmissions is very noisy as compared to other cars. Makes a noticeable "whirring" sound but is not typically cause for concern....just one of the peculiar things about this car.

mikbar2

I've heard, via the net, that Progressive ins. co. has a fairly decent warranty program.

LogicalApex

The warranty offered by USAA is supposed to be pretty good if you have access to it. I chose the MB warranty over it for my car, but worth comparing to whatever you are looking at since the MB warranty is off the table for you.

SobRogue

I do have access/am already insured with them, this will likely be my top choice. Thanks for the suggestion Logical, I didn't know they offered this service!

Only issue I have is the 2year/24K is priced at $1490, but the 3year/36K is priced at $4600! That's quite a jump -it's likely well worth the money, but my thrifty side seems to by steering me towards the 2year...