transmission
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
That smells like BS to me.. the anti-theft part.
If Mercedes is trying to get VDO to admit fault and vice versa, does that not mean they are working towards resolving the issue without customers being out thousands of dollars?
If Mercedes is trying to get VDO to admit fault and vice versa, does that not mean they are working towards resolving the issue without customers being out thousands of dollars?
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Another link showing that even re-builders are getting strong-armed by MB to not rebuild or repair these parts: http://www.beckmanntechnologies.com/index.php
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Not as far as I have been told by MBUSA. Now, maybe, just maybe, they have worked with VDO and fixed the issue and are going to possibly issue a recall or some other public announcement and fix all these on their dime once they have an adequate supply of parts?!?! I highly doubt it, but if the failure numbers are as high as I have read and been told, it would beat the backlash of class actions and angry customers that are stuck with a $$$$$$ bill to replace.
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
So Mercedes is trying to make a case against VDO.. That's the only thing that makes any sense. But that would seem to imply that eventually the customers will be taken care of, although I wouldn't hold my breath.
I was tempted to make a comparison with Honda, who for years made transmissions that simply wouldn't last.. but those were designed in traits and short of redesigning the units for cars long out of production there was no fix (and to this day there never has been).
This sounds like at the customer's (huge) expense, Mercedes is building a case against VDO to force them to admit fault. Since the part is sourced from them I'm not sure how they can blame Mercedes unless they are claiming that Mercedes forced them to design a faulty part though that makes little sense.
I was tempted to make a comparison with Honda, who for years made transmissions that simply wouldn't last.. but those were designed in traits and short of redesigning the units for cars long out of production there was no fix (and to this day there never has been).
This sounds like at the customer's (huge) expense, Mercedes is building a case against VDO to force them to admit fault. Since the part is sourced from them I'm not sure how they can blame Mercedes unless they are claiming that Mercedes forced them to design a faulty part though that makes little sense.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I have had a few chats with one of the most knowledgeable MB indy mechanics in the NW. This is where I get a lot of my information. I also have regular conversations with the lead tech at my local dealer. These problems with the 7G are starting to show up in greater numbers and frequency of late. The real issue, is these problems are starting to pop up on 7G equipped cars at higher mileage (outside warranty), and on ones that MB thought they had fixed the problem. It appears that might not be the case. I have also been told the same story as the link I provided, and it appears MB and VDO are in a pissing match of who is at fault. I am not too fond of VDO parts of late. Remember my fuel pump that died prematurely? Yes, it was a VDO part.
Mercedes stance on not supplying the valve bodies is part of their anti-theft policy
I can see this on EIS, smart keys, etc, but the transmission valve body 
Mercedes stance on not supplying the valve bodies is part of their anti-theft policy
I can see this on EIS, smart keys, etc, but the transmission valve body My service manager tells me that as long as you dont' suffer a speed sensor or solenoid spring failure - which is apparently seldom the case - that the real problem is the stupid 150 buck conductor plate that is easily replaced by anyone. He says the shift plate (hydraulic section of the VB) is never the problem. Apparently some TCU's have been troublesome but that's been sorted. Does this gel with what you hear?
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Jan 11, 2012 at 03:57 PM.
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Yes John - As I said above "As best I can ascertain the real problem was the conductor plate corrupting speed sensor data leading to implausible readings."
My service manager tells me that as long as you dont' suffer a speed sensor or solenoid spring failure - which is apparently seldom the case - that the real problem is the stupid 150 buck conductor plate that is easily replaced by anyone. He says the shift plate (hydraulic section of the VB) is never the problem. Apparently some TCU's have been troublesome but that's been sorted. Does this gel with what you hear?
My service manager tells me that as long as you dont' suffer a speed sensor or solenoid spring failure - which is apparently seldom the case - that the real problem is the stupid 150 buck conductor plate that is easily replaced by anyone. He says the shift plate (hydraulic section of the VB) is never the problem. Apparently some TCU's have been troublesome but that's been sorted. Does this gel with what you hear?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Thanks John - that's encouraging that we are at least hearing the same thing. I see no reason why a dealer should charge more than $1000 to do a conductor plate including spares. Still a lot of money!
Yes this pump/TC/input shaft bearing issue is a pain. Most failures in SA have been on AMG models. See aigooalex's problem right now!
Obviously I've been concerned about the CLK but my SM says my car is in the clear from a Lanchester sprocket & transmission point of view & should I get unlucky, for the forseeable future they will repair FOC. So I'm just enjoying the car.
Yes this pump/TC/input shaft bearing issue is a pain. Most failures in SA have been on AMG models. See aigooalex's problem right now!
Obviously I've been concerned about the CLK but my SM says my car is in the clear from a Lanchester sprocket & transmission point of view & should I get unlucky, for the forseeable future they will repair FOC. So I'm just enjoying the car.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Jan 11, 2012 at 06:10 PM.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
I don't see any reason a speed sensor fault and resulting limp mode would have any long term adverse consequences, other than it is annoying as hell.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
I would NOT recommend driving it till it is permanently stuck in limp mode. Like I said above 2-3 times would be my threshold. MOST people can live with a lot more issues with their car than I can. I just was stating that I doubt it would have any long term affects by just driving it. The point of limp mode it to save the transmission from serious damage. As long as you baby during limp mode and not beat it, it should be fine.
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From: Cali
2006 C230 Sedan
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 142
Likes: 6
From: New Orleans, LA
C230K Sedan
mine has bee leaking transmission fluid and some oil. But my transmission fluid leaks at the bottom radiator connection. Put it on a lift at my buddies shop yesterday and found the leak. Dumb plastic parts is damage from last weeks transmission flush at mercedes. Bringing it in this morning for them to fix the transmission leak. good luck to your shift problem.
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Not too bad. The conductor plate is only around ~$150, then about $200 for fluid change parts. But, the conductor plate is time consuming change. So, again, not to bad from a dealer. Keep us up to date. Would love to see a scan of the invoice if possible.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
C230 Sport
Can someone explain limp mode please?
I own a 07 C230 83k miles and tonight my transmission stopped working. I got off the freeway and came to a stop. When I pressed on the gas I noticed it would barely move. The car now only stays in 1st gear and will not shift. It does go into reverse but when I change from drive to reverse it makes a strong shift causing the car to shake. When I got out I could notice a smell but no oil leaking. Also I do not have a check engine light on.
Any thoughts?
Should I take it to the dealer or a transmission place like AAMCO?
I own a 07 C230 83k miles and tonight my transmission stopped working. I got off the freeway and came to a stop. When I pressed on the gas I noticed it would barely move. The car now only stays in 1st gear and will not shift. It does go into reverse but when I change from drive to reverse it makes a strong shift causing the car to shake. When I got out I could notice a smell but no oil leaking. Also I do not have a check engine light on.
Any thoughts?
Should I take it to the dealer or a transmission place like AAMCO?
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 64
From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Can someone explain limp mode please?
I own a 07 C230 83k miles and tonight my transmission stopped working. I got off the freeway and came to a stop. When I pressed on the gas I noticed it would barely move. The car now only stays in 1st gear and will not shift. It does go into reverse but when I change from drive to reverse it makes a strong shift causing the car to shake. When I got out I could notice a smell but no oil leaking. Also I do not have a check engine light on.
Any thoughts?
Should I take it to the dealer or a transmission place like AAMCO?
I own a 07 C230 83k miles and tonight my transmission stopped working. I got off the freeway and came to a stop. When I pressed on the gas I noticed it would barely move. The car now only stays in 1st gear and will not shift. It does go into reverse but when I change from drive to reverse it makes a strong shift causing the car to shake. When I got out I could notice a smell but no oil leaking. Also I do not have a check engine light on.
Any thoughts?
Should I take it to the dealer or a transmission place like AAMCO?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
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From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
As these transmissions are still used in new cars and from what I read even the repaired units fail, is there a case for a class action suit? Who cares who is at fault, MB should fix the problem and issue a recall. With trucks and buses hauling down the highway at 70 mph, loss of power on the road is a safety issue.
Confirmed conductor plate bad, have to wait 2 weeks for the damn part to come in BS!!!
