Transmission advice please
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 253
Likes: 17
2015 GLK 350
Transmission advice please
I would like some input on a decision I need to make regarding my transmission. I’ve recently purchased a 2003 C320 for my daughter. It has 161,000 miles. The original owner recently traded the vehicle in due to some needed maintenance items. The items were repaired and the vehicle was then sold to me. The items repaired were thrust arm bushings, left catalytic converter, B service and brakes and rotors at all four corners. The body and paint are near perfect so I decided to buy the car. I was aware that there was a slight flare in RPM’s at the 2-3 shift. By the way it is an automatic transmission.
At first I thought I could live with it but the car is so perfect I just can’t stand it anymore. I had a trusted transmission specialist change the regulator spring in the valve body for the 2-3 shift. The problem didn’t change and he said that it had been driven for too long with a broken spring thus causing undue wear on the clutches. He has quoted me a price of $2000 for a soft rebuild.
My main question is should I soft rebuild or try to purchase a used transmission with low miles? I welcome all ideas and suggestions.
Thanks ahead.
srb1194
At first I thought I could live with it but the car is so perfect I just can’t stand it anymore. I had a trusted transmission specialist change the regulator spring in the valve body for the 2-3 shift. The problem didn’t change and he said that it had been driven for too long with a broken spring thus causing undue wear on the clutches. He has quoted me a price of $2000 for a soft rebuild.
My main question is should I soft rebuild or try to purchase a used transmission with low miles? I welcome all ideas and suggestions.
Thanks ahead.
srb1194
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Tough decision I personally don't know which I would do if the used one was abused for 50k vs a very gently used 160k with a rebuild. I know my car at 171k has been used hard but cared for so I would rebuild mine but since you don't know that complicates things. If you trust the transmission guy I would say go for it but would it cost much more to just rebuild the whole thing since it has so many miles? I would also check the radiator since it could be a bad one but figure it would show with that many miles. I would make sure the transmission guy knows and has done many Mercedes transmission they are very finicky about fluid levels and using the correct fluid which I have found some shops don't realize they don't use cheap stuff.
On a side note you have bought your daughter a very safe car there are a few of us on here that got a w203 when we were 16 like my self and mine has served me very very well
On a side note you have bought your daughter a very safe car there are a few of us on here that got a w203 when we were 16 like my self and mine has served me very very well
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Cali
2006 C230 Sedan
When I was 16, I got a chevrolet celebrity. That thing didn't go fast, can't go past 55mph and when attempt to do so, the car bounces around.
Awww.. the old days.
Awww.. the old days.
Tough decision I personally don't know which I would do if the used one was abused for 50k vs a very gently used 160k with a rebuild. I know my car at 171k has been used hard but cared for so I would rebuild mine but since you don't know that complicates things. If you trust the transmission guy I would say go for it but would it cost much more to just rebuild the whole thing since it has so many miles? I would also check the radiator since it could be a bad one but figure it would show with that many miles. I would make sure the transmission guy knows and has done many Mercedes transmission they are very finicky about fluid levels and using the correct fluid which I have found some shops don't realize they don't use cheap stuff.
On a side note you have bought your daughter a very safe car there are a few of us on here that got a w203 when we were 16 like my self and mine has served me very very well
On a side note you have bought your daughter a very safe car there are a few of us on here that got a w203 when we were 16 like my self and mine has served me very very well
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 253
Likes: 17
2015 GLK 350
You bring up a good point. Other than being driven with a broken spring the transmission has been cared for. That may sound dumb but it hasn't been abused to my knowledge. It might make more sense to build this one.
Thanks.
Thanks.
