2007 s550 transmission problem with metal shavings

[cassmercedes]

A few days ago my car just stopped running in the middle of the street. The engine was running but the car would not move when I shifted gears in drive , neutral or park. The dealer said it was a transmission problem. The dealer changed the transmission filter and fluid and the computer says the car is okay. The problem is the dealer said that there were a lot of metal shavings in the pan and that is not good. The dealer does not know where they came from but said don't worry about it now just wait and see what happens. I am concerned about further damage from whatever the shavings are coming from. Should I wait and see what happens I am concerned about further damage. I don't want to be in a car while I am waiting to see what happens. What do you think I should do. The dealer says I will probably have to replace transmission but not now. Since everything seems to be okay now. Should I just wait? Car has 108k miles

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[MBS430]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quX5_FvOeZA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quX5_FvOeZA

most of the people in this forum need valve body replacement (instead of needing a whole new transmission) ... just something to check.

I myself have replaced the valve body twice!
2nd time transmission valve body replacement

[konigstiger]

Reference bulletins S-B-27.00/102b & LI27.00-P-045638 both address this problem - transmission & torque converter replacement is recommended. Check your PM.

[T0ked]

Would early trans flush prevent this issue? I learned my lesson with a 2001 S500 and their "lifetime" fill trans fluid. My S550 is a low use vehicle, with only 40k miles in 5 years. I had the trans flushed a couple years ago and will do it again once I hit 60k miles. No problems so far.

[konigstiger]

Originally Posted by T0ked

Would early trans flush prevent this issue? I learned my lesson with a 2001 S500 and their "lifetime" fill trans fluid. My S550 is a low use vehicle, with only 40k miles in 5 years. I had the trans flushed a couple years ago and will do it again once I hit 60k miles. No problems so far.

MB recommends once @ 39000, I recommend every 40000 thereafter furthermore, one should have ATF analyzed http://www.blackstone-labs.com

Service sheet http://mbworld.org/forums/4407442-post10.html

[lei996tt]

i just changed out the valve body and torque coverter recently. super expensive. they said i didnt have to change out the transmission because not too many shavings were found.. the bad thing was that my car only has 25k miles and i'm out of warrenty.

there are so many issues about this, why hasn't someone filed a class action lawsuit??? i want my money back...

[konigstiger]

Originally Posted by lei996tt

they said i didnt have to change out the transmission because not too many shavings were found

Interesting, MB requirement under warranty "To resolve, replace the transmission and torque converter. Be sure to flush all particulate out of the cooler before installing the new transmission/torque converter."

[cassmercedes]

I had service at 39k miles per schedule. There was a software problem with transmission in august 2007 which was corrected in 9/07 by dealer. Yestreday I went to pick up my car after paying $307.00 for transmission service included changing fluid and filter. According to dealer computer said car okay. I got into car to drive off and it would not move. engine revved when stepped on gas but would not move. I left in rent a car and $307.00 less. I got a call to day from dealer and was told car needs new transmission and torque converter. Cost almost $7000.00! I have had all services at the same dealership. Will not even get refund for $307.00 I was told I would have had to spend that money anyway if I had just come in wanting new transmission for pan removal and inspection. I did have extended warranty that ran out at 100k miles. Should I get second opinion? Dealer says there were alot of metal shavings mixed in and he was hoping for the best. Don't understand how computer said everything working properly and when I went to drive car it did same exact thing that it was taken to dealer for. I have contacted mercedes regarding somekind of help. Anything I can point out to them in hopes of getting somekind of relief. It seems as though the transmission is an issue on 2007

[konigstiger]

Originally Posted by cassmercedes

I have had all services at the same dealership. Will not even get refund for $307.00 Anything I can point out to them in hopes of getting somekind of relief.

Check your PM.

[cool_lagoon]

computer is to show you the electronic system and sensor detection data's and info, while mechanical is another thing which is never a part of the computer's job, mechanical side are left to the human touch/experience.

On class law suit, time and time again no one would win against the lobbyist of MB, go to the 140 forum and see for yourself on their frustrations.

But if some one would initiate the class suit, then count me in.

[cool_lagoon]

i hate it when these thing happen (shavings on the pan) unlike the 126, these newer models seems to have more problem even the manufacturer and the development department at the plant don;t even know what;s going on

[powerplyer]

Sorry to activate this thread again. I have a 2007 MB S550 and yesterday the same thing happen to me. I can put the car in to the <D> <R> but it will not move, just revs the engine. I also have the little yellow engine light illuminated.

I bought the 100K extended warranty from Mercedes and my can has only 57K miles on it.

What should I tell the dealership and should I have the car towed or do it via AAA? Also what are the right questions to ask the dealership? I assume I should ask about the transmission and torque converter? I have not had the transmission serviced yet, will that be a problem. Will they blame the lack of service for problem and not cover it under warranty.

[steveb9771]

Transmission should have been services at 39,000 miles. You are way past that. As a result, your warranty claim could be denied. I would contact your warranty company and local dealer and seek their advice on how to handle this. They should arrange the towing and pay for it if your warranty claim is approved.

[marthyh]

These transmissions are infamous to fail due to lack of proper maintenance.
I have read stories on here of people who have not had the transmission filter replaced at the trans-oil-change and tranny failed and damaged after that.
Good luck; fingers crossed that all will be covered..

[powerplyer]

Guys thanks for your input, I just dropped off my car at the dealership. They did not ask about getting my transmission serviced. Wish me luck

[cassmercedes]

Sorry to hear about your problem. I did have to get a new transmission. The quote was almost $7,000.00. I did call mercedes for help although my car was out of warranty. I did get approximate $700.00 discount( also received credit for transmission service that the dealership first refused to credit). Insist that they change your transmission since you are having problems. I was told if car was still under warranty they would have covered repair. I did purchase extended warranty when I purchased car. What I did not realize is the dealership sold me an aftermarket extended warranty versus a mercedes extended warranty. I thought when you purchase car new and get warranty they would have sold me mercedes but they did not! Make sure if you have extended warranty it is mercedes. If not you can still purchase it now before factory warranty runs out. Get credit from any other warranty you may have purchased. I think I would have been given more help if I had mercedes extended warranty. Mercedes position was my car had not been covered by them for more than 50k miles. Mercedes says that the 2007 s550 transmission only has to be serviced once for the lifetime of the car this is definitely not true. I think it was 2009 they changed that and it now requires service every 35k or 39k miles. My transmission fluid was dirty and low with metal shavings and I did have the service at the right time and still had problem. So I suggest in the future you get the service at the same time intervals required by the new service guidelines and save yourself any future hassles. I don't think you car warranty is void for failure to have the service. Mercedes is well aware of their problems. I contacted Nicole at Mercedes USA she was helpful in getting me the credit I received.

[powerplyer]

cassmercedes thank you much for your comments. I am still waiting to hear back from Mercedes. I have confirmed that I do have a Mercedes Extended warranty. Here is hoping for coverage.

[powerplyer]

Guys I just heard back from the dealership they say the transmission front pump is not working and needs to be replaced. Obviously I told them to do a transmission service what else should I have them check.

BTW my extended warranty expires in Feb 2013. What other things should I have them look over?

Maybe another topic but when ever I stop I get this knocking noise. I have used Chevron gas for a long time so I do not think it is the fuel filter, but may have them change that out.

Anything else which makes sense to have them check. I rather have them find issues now.

[Em Bee Lover]

Oh, boy, here we go. I have a 2007 4Matic, w/75000 miles. I have been jittery about the transmission via this thread. So far, I have had minimal concerns. But, tonight at a stop light, I accelerated and the tac went to about 2200 rpm and the car "oozed" forward. Immediate panic. There were no issues up to this point. The fluid was changed about 15000 miles ago.

I switched to "sport" and it returned to normal shifting. After arriving, shutting down and returning an hour later, the transmission acted normally in the "comfort" setting. Worked fine.

As an aside, I have noticed distinct, "feelable" shifts from higher to a lower gears (decelerating at stop lights). The temps are in the mid-20's and I noticed this same thing last winter. In warm temps, barely noticeable. Anyone else have this?

The main question is, when the transmission strands folks and needs replacement, as I have read about here, is it an "all or nothing" deal (works fine and then totally dies)? Or, were there instances where the transmission occasionally "slipped" and then finally blew?

The net is, am I on the verge of a $7000+ replacement?

Lastly, does anyone else experience a more harsh down shift in cold weather vs. when it's warm/hot?

Lotsa words, but any guidance? Thanks.

[bobbyev28]

shame on mercedes benz that they cannot make a transmission to last their cars. they boast quality but it is a farce. my beautiful s550 is in the shop as we speak with transmission problems. the problem occurs when the trans is cold. it slips from 1st gear and then bangs into 2nd gear with a big jolt. it only does once and then the trans works fine. they told me that my 2007 was under warranty but then later told me that the warranty expired 2 days ago. the repairs would cost a cool $5000. i immediately hit the ceiling and told them that they had better contact mb and get something done about this problem. later the same day i was told that mb would pick up half the cost and the dealer would pick up the other half. i am thankful for that but concerned that these cars are lemons. if enough of us get together we could look at a class action lawsuit. they quality of these vehicles are suspect and now i have to decide if i am going to keep the vehicle or let it go.

[cool_lagoon]

bobbyev everyone else is so reluctant to start a law suit but if one will spear head the rest will join in. Yes mercedes benz is such a nice creation as far as design, technology and innovation is concern but for quality product it has seized to exist since 1991 (WDB126) was the last known quality car for the S class. Mercedes Benz Germany is too proud of their production, they will never admit and order for a recall no matter what.

Tansmission is not the only problem, vibrations as well and the malfunction of the shut off valve.

[604benz]

My friend had the same issue with his 07 S550 in Vancouver Canada was quoted $8k to replace at dealership.
He ordered one from this link http://www.mercedesdismantlers.com/M...ice%20List.htm
got it shipped and installed for $4k and runs just like new.

[Cruespeed]

Had same problem. Just got it back after $7500 and a new transmtransmission.

[bobbyev28]

"still nervous as hell" so i went by the dealership to check on the vehicle. i was told that it was not the clutch pack in the transmission that was faulty. they have been advised by mb of northern calif. to open the transmission, throughly inspect it to try and determine what the problem is. i am extremely uneasy about my vehicle at this point and with no warranty anything in the future could cost a fortune. this saddens me to the nth degree because of the fact these vehicles are so advanced but apparently have severe design problems. such a delemma and in my case you are talking a vehicle with only 40,000 mi. i am coming to the conclusion that if you are sold on mb and this is your vehicle of choice, lease it. this will be a lot safer and this will avoid you from being stuck with very large repair costs in the long run. i will know the fate of my vehicle and transmission sometime this week after they drop the trans and open it. when i get more info i will post to keep everyone updated. i wish all of you the best of luck with your s550's

[ImInPA]

So, is this problem only occuring with the 2007 S550s? I have not seen a post for any other configuration. Are these 4Matic or RWD? I have a 2012 S350 and I hope MB has corrected whatever was casuing this.