copley

i have gone back and read as many posts as i could regarding transmission problems and solutions on the W210 - but I am still unclear whether transmission "failure" is a common problem on these cars.

I have a 2002 E430 4matic with 70,000 miles. Last week the car seemed to be "hunting" for gears while I was coasting on the highway, i.e. 60 - 70 mph. I also heard and felt a weird vibration underneath the car right around 1500 - 1800 rpm that almost sounded like warning strips on the asphalt. Then it would go away. This week the sounds and hunting seemed to go away.
I pulled off the highway this morning and the car would not get out of first gear. High pitched squeal whenever the rpm's got high. I was near the dealer, so I coasted and limped it over there. Could barely get it up the ramp. Turned it off. Turned the car back on and it seemed fine as I pulled it forward, leading us to believe that it was something electronic.
They did the diagnostic, and informed me that there is an "internal" problem and I need a new transmission. They charge $ 6700 for a factory rebuilt transmission.
What are my options??? I called the place in Phoenix and they said they can send me a rebuilt one for $2500 or so, not sure what labor is going to be. Or maybe I don't really need one????? Maybe it just needs new fluids and filter etc????
Please help.
I have lurked on this list before and it seems very helpful. This is my first post.

Paul K
Fairfield,CT

MB AMG

I would get all the fluid changed first. I think it's worth a try before you spend big bucks (70,000 miles is a lot on the original fluid).

Musikmann

First of all, I would do what MB AMG suggested before doing anything else.

Secondly, I know a guy here who knowingly bought a 1990-something S series that had NO reverse when it was cold. The local MB dealer wanted about $7000 for a transmission - I think re-built because they wanted his as a "trade". He found some guy who would rebuild the tranny using a parts kit for (if I remember) less than $2000 parts and labor.

I'll ask the MB owner for more details if you want to move in that direction.

Lastly, I was considering buying an E430W4 and started a thread to that effect here. Everyone who responded liked their 4WD W210s and said that they were mechanically very reliable.

Hope this helps,

Musikmann

sosh

Have not seen many posts anywhere re W210 Transmission failures. Unfortunatly with a transmission the only true way to know what a problem is other than an electronic component is to tear it down and inspect it. That is expensive and it will not take much more to do a rebuild while its apart. I doubt if the fluid is a problem and 70000 miles on MB fluid is not really a lot. I doubt if the fluid is a problem and I believe a flush/refill will prove anything unless someone put other than MB fluid in it or ran it low on fluid. From what you say it sounds to me that the problem is in the valve body or with a bearing (squealing). Your options at this point are to have it torn down inspected and repaired or, to replace the unit. If it were mine and you plan to keep the car I would go for the remanufactered unit at the dealer. If the dealer will do a teardown and repair that might be the way to go if you plan on selling or trading soon. In any case I would avoid the cheap rebuild or having work done by anyone other than your dealer.