E55 Transmission on the Fritz.. Repair shop recommendations?

[JY3E55]

Well I've had my 06 E55 for 3 months now and I have enjoyed finding out information on this forum, like resetting the ECU by stepping on the accelerator for 5 seconds with the key in the on position or resetting the steering wheel sensor by cranking the wheel to each side for 10 seconds, etc. etc... But I am afraid this site may have made me a hypochondriac with my transmission... I do feel some slight clunky shifting between 3rd to 2nd and it does feel like the clutch is engaged a little bit too long on some heavy acceleration. I am concerned the torque converter is bad... but I'm wondering if the transmission just needs flushed and serviced, since it has 65k miles and I'm not sure if it was ever serviced before. Anyone experience smoother shifting after transmission fluid service? These cars are so dam finicky that I’m wondering if the transmission just needs a firmware upgrade and fluid change. When I had steering issues… major pulling to the right then hard to the left… turns out the right tire was 5 psi lower than the left… fixed that issue with standard maintenance of tire pressure, so I’m thinking the same may apply with the transmission? The dealerships want $350-$425 for the transmission fluid service, but I am concerned that I am going to spend the money only to find the transmission is still herky jerky. Would it be best to just get the torque converter replaced... figured they have to change the fluid at this time anyways? I read that someone had that work done for $1250... In my mind spend $1250 now vs… spending $400 only to have to spend the $1250 anyways. I also know that the MB Dealer is going to cost a lot more than $1250 for that kind of service so I figured I would post on the forum to see if anyone has had their E55 serviced by a more local shop in the Seattle area… maybe Strictly Mercedes or German Car Specialist? Oil change at the dealership in the Seattle area is $150... so would be nice to find someone who can put in the mobile one at a better price. More importantly… 1. Have you ever experienced a noticeable difference in your transmission after standard fluid change/maintenance? Yes/no? 2. Have you ever had your E55 transmission in for major repairs out of warranty? Yes/no? If yes… what type of work was done and what was the estimated repair cost?

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[edwinwalke]

Find a good independent shop that specializes in MB and have them change the transmission fluid and filter. Make sure they use MB spec 236.14 fluid.

Not sure why you think the TC needs to be replaced.

[NBDT]

I use Autobahn Specialists located in Tacoma. Here's a link I found to indys in the Seattle area: http://www.benzshops.com/benzshops/washington/

[JY3E55]

NBDT - Thanks for the website link!

I'm not really sure if the torque converter needs repair or transmission needs replace… sometimes these forums are useful, sometimes you find different people with what sounds like the same issue, but different resolutions

http://mbworld.org/forums/cls-coupe-c219/137606-transmission-downshift-clunk.html

... I was actually just driving the car nicer this week and it seems to be shifting smoother.. still some slight clunking noise as the car downshifts into 2nd from 3rd or 2nd to 1st. Sometimes it happens sometimes it doesn't, so I'm thinking a fluid and filter change possibly would fix the issue.

I did do the following ECU reset, but I find that if I drive nice for a while I get smoother shifting, but the minute I get on the accelerator then come back to traffic the clunking continues:
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Supposedly, the following procedure works with any "drive by wire" vehicle _without_ having to disconnect the battery:

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.
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I’m going to opt for a fluid and filter change… using MB spec 236.14 fluid (thanks edwinwalke!)
Now just wondering if indy shop would be able to check the SW or firmware?

[fleanote]

You'll find more than you're looking for. It could be that (which is the boat i'm in). Your choices are slim and all expensive. You can get a flush/fill of atf and filter but it may not fix the issue, if its sluggish chances are your torque converter is 'gummed up' possibly from glycol which has been kown to leaked into the tranny (especially if you have that shoddy Valeo radiator).

No garage/specialist will be able to pinpoint it exactly, you just need to choose what fix path you want to go down. The cheapest being - flush and fill first; if it solves teh issue great. Next would be replacing the torque converter ($1500 + labor), if it fixes it great. 3rd would be to replace the tranny (which will come with a torque converter) and thats $8K or more.

Note: if you do an ATF flush/fill and the slug goes away, that does not mean you're out of the woods. If yo have the Valeo radiator, it will gum up your tranny again in time - you must replace it.

[desired_speeds]

valeo radiators were only on the early build cars. he has an 06