Glycol Contamination in Transmission - Need some info..
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
2003 C320 4matic sport
Glycol Contamination in Transmission - Need some info..
Hi Everyone,
For about 5 months I have been having problems with jerky shifting in my transmission and I took it to 4 different MB mechanics and none found a problem or could find a problem. Out of curiosity last night, I came across this whole glycol contamination problem through the search and my car (2003 C320 4matic) falls under every single symptom of this problem:
I'm having the vibration of the car in the first 2 gears. I have jerky transmission at gears 1-2 and slightly less(but definitely still noticeable) at 2-3 and the annoying thuds and clunks while downshifting. I just feel like I don't have control over the car. Unfortunately I am out of warranty and too late to purchase extended warranty.
Here is what I concluded needs to be done through searches:
-Replace the radiator with a Behr one
-Flush the cooling system, flush the radiator, flush the torque converter and complete flush of the transmission multiple times to make sure there is no glycol in there.
-Fresh new transmission fluid
I'm hoping to god my transmission is still ok as the driving experience has not changed over the last 5 months so contamination may not be that bad.
My questions: If I do have to purchase a torque converter, where can I get one the cheapest? A good buddy of mine is an excellent mechanic but deals primarily with Japanese and American cars. He is willing to do this for almost nothing in labor as long as I bring the parts but he can't do it if it requires special MB tools, so does it? Lastly, what are all the little parts I would need like "seals, o-rings, etc," I found them for a W211 but need to know about W203.
As always, any help is appreciated.
Thanks
For about 5 months I have been having problems with jerky shifting in my transmission and I took it to 4 different MB mechanics and none found a problem or could find a problem. Out of curiosity last night, I came across this whole glycol contamination problem through the search and my car (2003 C320 4matic) falls under every single symptom of this problem:
I'm having the vibration of the car in the first 2 gears. I have jerky transmission at gears 1-2 and slightly less(but definitely still noticeable) at 2-3 and the annoying thuds and clunks while downshifting. I just feel like I don't have control over the car. Unfortunately I am out of warranty and too late to purchase extended warranty.
Here is what I concluded needs to be done through searches:
-Replace the radiator with a Behr one
-Flush the cooling system, flush the radiator, flush the torque converter and complete flush of the transmission multiple times to make sure there is no glycol in there.
-Fresh new transmission fluid
I'm hoping to god my transmission is still ok as the driving experience has not changed over the last 5 months so contamination may not be that bad.
My questions: If I do have to purchase a torque converter, where can I get one the cheapest? A good buddy of mine is an excellent mechanic but deals primarily with Japanese and American cars. He is willing to do this for almost nothing in labor as long as I bring the parts but he can't do it if it requires special MB tools, so does it? Lastly, what are all the little parts I would need like "seals, o-rings, etc," I found them for a W211 but need to know about W203.
As always, any help is appreciated.
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
If 4 mechanics let this problem go and didn't catch it,
causing further damage I'd be having a cow in their faces.
Search on "free epc" to gain access to the info you request.
causing further damage I'd be having a cow in their faces.
Search on "free epc" to gain access to the info you request.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
2003 C320 4matic sport
You know, I actually got really worked up over it but the truth is they will just deny it and say there was no problem so its not worth the headache. I'm just looking to get it repaired at this point and freaking sell or trade in this thing. I learned a valuable lesson during this whole process. If you can afford to buy a Mercedes, it doesn't mean you can afford to maintain one. One valuable freaking lesson.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,459
Likes: 152
From: Houston/ Austin /Toronto / UAE / Minneapolis / Orlando /Cincinnati
Eurocharged Performance ML63 and TT lambo
It may not be as bad as you think. Many times it could be a case of the transmission adaption needing to be cleared. I would get the test just to make sure you have all the information before making any decisions.
So, you definately have the Valeo radiator?
So, you definately have the Valeo radiator?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
2003 C320 4matic sport
Yup, definitely the Valeo Radiator. I have every single symptom of the problems described with the glycol contamination. Its almost a little frightening since I can't imagine it being anything else at this point. I have tires with less than 5000 miles and I couldn't figure out why there was vibration even after balancing.
SPONSOR
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,459
Likes: 152
From: Houston/ Austin /Toronto / UAE / Minneapolis / Orlando /Cincinnati
Eurocharged Performance ML63 and TT lambo
Yup, definitely the Valeo Radiator. I have every single symptom of the problems described with the glycol contamination. Its almost a little frightening since I can't imagine it being anything else at this point. I have tires with less than 5000 miles and I couldn't figure out why there was vibration even after balancing.
Sorry to hear that man....
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Germany
im having the same problem with a S211 E320 CDI.
going to get the transmission flushed using the following system.
http://www.automatikoelwechselsystem.de/
Mike
going to get the transmission flushed using the following system.
http://www.automatikoelwechselsystem.de/
Mike
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
im having the same problem with a S211 E320 CDI.
going to get the transmission flushed using the following system.
http://www.automatikoelwechselsystem.de/
Mike
going to get the transmission flushed using the following system.
http://www.automatikoelwechselsystem.de/
Mike
Actually this is pretty interesting, looks like a club of some sort and they did 16 fluid changes in 1 day.
Here it is in Engrish
http://translate.google.com/translat...hl=en&ie=UTF-8
Check out the W203 video!
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Mar 12, 2008 at 04:26 PM.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
2003 C320 4matic sport
im having the same problem with a S211 E320 CDI.
going to get the transmission flushed using the following system.
http://www.automatikoelwechselsystem.de/
Mike
going to get the transmission flushed using the following system.
http://www.automatikoelwechselsystem.de/
Mike
Wow, do they have anything like that in the U.S.? I was going to go to a Tranny shop to get mine flushed but this looks ways more efficient.
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: St. Louis, MO
02' C240 Luxury Model
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3
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99 230slk
hi,
i am new to this forum. i bought an 03 c320 sport a week ago and i noticed a slight shudder on low speed and a slight vibration sound ( like running on a rough road ) at 40 mph, will go away when i release the gas pedal. the previous owner told me that it was just repaired , and that it was just a result of the repair. the previous owner is still looking for the paperwork from the shop.
i was reading about the glycol contamination and it's symptoms which i think is identical to what the car does. needs some advice on what to do next.
i am new to this forum. i bought an 03 c320 sport a week ago and i noticed a slight shudder on low speed and a slight vibration sound ( like running on a rough road ) at 40 mph, will go away when i release the gas pedal. the previous owner told me that it was just repaired , and that it was just a result of the repair. the previous owner is still looking for the paperwork from the shop.
i was reading about the glycol contamination and it's symptoms which i think is identical to what the car does. needs some advice on what to do next.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Here's hoping the former owner didn't sell for exactly that reason.
hi,
i am new to this forum. i bought an 03 c320 sport a week ago and i noticed a slight shudder on low speed and a slight vibration sound ( like running on a rough road ) at 40 mph, will go away when i release the gas pedal. the previous owner told me that it was just repaired , and that it was just a result of the repair. the previous owner is still looking for the paperwork from the shop.
i was reading about the glycol contamination and it's symptoms which i think is identical to what the car does. needs some advice on what to do next.
i am new to this forum. i bought an 03 c320 sport a week ago and i noticed a slight shudder on low speed and a slight vibration sound ( like running on a rough road ) at 40 mph, will go away when i release the gas pedal. the previous owner told me that it was just repaired , and that it was just a result of the repair. the previous owner is still looking for the paperwork from the shop.
i was reading about the glycol contamination and it's symptoms which i think is identical to what the car does. needs some advice on what to do next.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
99 230slk
Shuddering, droning and buzzing sound gone.
Things done to the car...
> Replaced 2 bald tires ----- no improvement whatsoever, just a little bit quieter.
> Replaced plug wires and plugs (bosch )----- run's better but still shudders and the buzzing sound was still present.
> This was the real fix..... are you ready for this ? ? ? REPLACED TRANSMISSION OIL AND FILTER KIT. ( FUCHS )
> Have put about 2000 miles on it and the car run's awesome and I am loving it.... bye BMW.
I hope this will help people having the same issues.
Things done to the car...
> Replaced 2 bald tires ----- no improvement whatsoever, just a little bit quieter.
> Replaced plug wires and plugs (bosch )----- run's better but still shudders and the buzzing sound was still present.
> This was the real fix..... are you ready for this ? ? ? REPLACED TRANSMISSION OIL AND FILTER KIT. ( FUCHS )
> Have put about 2000 miles on it and the car run's awesome and I am loving it.... bye BMW.
I hope this will help people having the same issues.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Amazing isn't it.
I was argueing with some dumasssses on benzworld about how
old fluid thats dead and gone can't be good for the tranny and to flush it.
Ah, but they were blathering on about the lifetime fill, and doing a flush being bad might wash away something good along with the bad.
Yes, running completely wasted, burnt, oxidized tranny fluid is good for your tranny. Can't believe people still pass on this sheeet.
I was argueing with some dumasssses on benzworld about how
old fluid thats dead and gone can't be good for the tranny and to flush it.
Ah, but they were blathering on about the lifetime fill, and doing a flush being bad might wash away something good along with the bad.
Yes, running completely wasted, burnt, oxidized tranny fluid is good for your tranny. Can't believe people still pass on this sheeet.
Shuddering, droning and buzzing sound gone.
Things done to the car...
> Replaced 2 bald tires ----- no improvement whatsoever, just a little bit quieter.
> Replaced plug wires and plugs (bosch )----- run's better but still shudders and the buzzing sound was still present.
> This was the real fix..... are you ready for this ? ? ? REPLACED TRANSMISSION OIL AND FILTER KIT. ( FUCHS )
> Have put about 2000 miles on it and the car run's awesome and I am loving it.... bye BMW.
I hope this will help people having the same issues.
Things done to the car...
> Replaced 2 bald tires ----- no improvement whatsoever, just a little bit quieter.
> Replaced plug wires and plugs (bosch )----- run's better but still shudders and the buzzing sound was still present.
> This was the real fix..... are you ready for this ? ? ? REPLACED TRANSMISSION OIL AND FILTER KIT. ( FUCHS )
> Have put about 2000 miles on it and the car run's awesome and I am loving it.... bye BMW.
I hope this will help people having the same issues.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Amazing isn't it.
I was argueing with some dumasssses on benzworld about how
old fluid thats dead and gone can't be good for the tranny and to flush it.
Ah, but they were blathering on about the lifetime fill, and doing a flush being bad might wash away something good along with the bad.
Yes, running completely wasted, burnt, oxidized tranny fluid is good for your tranny. Can't believe people still pass on this sheeet.
I was argueing with some dumasssses on benzworld about how
old fluid thats dead and gone can't be good for the tranny and to flush it.
Ah, but they were blathering on about the lifetime fill, and doing a flush being bad might wash away something good along with the bad.
Yes, running completely wasted, burnt, oxidized tranny fluid is good for your tranny. Can't believe people still pass on this sheeet.
There are some real plonkers out there.
