1996 SL320 Transmission - PROBLEMS

[StephenK]

Well the old 1996 SL320 has been a great reliable car, with 180,000 miles on it, but the transmission has developed some problems. Noticed when going in reverse that the car would shudder sometimes, but if I put it in reverse and waited a second or two with the foot on the brake I could feel something engage and the car would back up fine. Well recently got in the car and put it in reverse and nothing, put back in park and reverse and after a few times it went in reverse. Then one day no reverse at all and hasn't gone backwards since. Talked to a couple of transmission companies about the repair and get quoted typically $1,800 to $2,200, today one company that quoted that said that since it is the 5 speed transmission it would now be $2,500. Where my concern is, is what they are going to actually do, the rattle off a few things, but no one gets specific as to a checklist of what they do and don't do. I know most would like to do and or replace the bare minimum which means more profit for them. One shop I just called suggested putting a new transmission in it versus rebuilt, basically from wrecked cars, but says they would warranty for one year with unlimited miles. Anybody gone thru this scenario and if so any recommendations of how to handle this, what to ask, etc....

To remove this ad, register today or login if you already are registered!

[rfdesigner]

First check your Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) level. This often cures 722.6 box problems (apparently)

My E320CDi 722.6 transmission gave up the ghost at 110,000 miles.

It cost me a £1000 ($1500) rebuild 4 years ago, since then it's been faultless, the car's now on 194,000 miles.

What they did was replace ALL the clutches in the box. What can happen is the torque converter semi-lockup clutch can fail and send bits down into the rest of the box. These bits can and do get picked up into things like a valve body (mechanical control box) and cause total loss of transmission. (I had total loss of some forward gears which left me stranded a couple of times)

With a bit of luck the valve body is fine and it just needs cleaning out.

I'm not saying your box has the same problem as mine, but it is not inconcievable.

Derek

[StephenK]

Photos of transmission disassembled.

http://db.tt/MROKnHL3

http://db.tt/0LNbi8Ez