Transmission service done, but ........
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
From: Manchester, ME
10' C300 Sport and 07 Ducati S2R
TC Arguement in Maine
Talk about a pain in the rear. Thank you Glyn for posting your info. Armed with the WIS PDF and pictures from forum members, I got into an argument with a local service manager here in Maine.
He said this was the "first" time he's heard or seen this TC procedure. But, he is "willing" to try it. He was going to "ask the parts department" to see if they had a TC in stock that had a drain plug... so clearly doesn't believe a word I'm saying.
But get this... his "regular" service, without the TC fluid change is $459. With this "extra" work, he will have to charge an additional $200!!! Seriously? For doing the work as prescribed in the WIS, I HAVE to pay an additional $200?
Does this make sense to anyone? And who here has paid $659 for this fluid change?
Jason
He said this was the "first" time he's heard or seen this TC procedure. But, he is "willing" to try it. He was going to "ask the parts department" to see if they had a TC in stock that had a drain plug... so clearly doesn't believe a word I'm saying.
But get this... his "regular" service, without the TC fluid change is $459. With this "extra" work, he will have to charge an additional $200!!! Seriously? For doing the work as prescribed in the WIS, I HAVE to pay an additional $200?
Does this make sense to anyone? And who here has paid $659 for this fluid change?
Jason
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
2011 C300 Lux CPO Pur 07/12/12
659 is too much. I'm in Atlanta with a few stealers, so that may help keep prices somewhat in check. Had my fluid changed and had to put up somewhat of a struggle to get them to accept the fact it had a TC drain. Reg price was 410 and they just charged me for the extra fluid. Go somewhere else if you can, but also keep in mind that the tranny fluid change is something you want documented by mercedes in case of issues later.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 493
Likes: 14
84 300d 2009 e320 bluetec (retired)/, now 2012 E350 4-matic blueefficiency automatic
That price for ATF $650 is out of sight. A local MBZ dealer (Anaheim, CA) just mailed service specials for a ATF for $300 pre 2010 (reg price is $350). Some of the local ATF shops would do it for $70 if you supply parts and ATF. They have the machine, but don't carry the proper ATF, drain tube, bolts nor filter. My INDY did it for $100 labor, total parts and a case of ATF (Shell 134) were under $100.
BTW service A $130/200, service B $250/350, Brake fluid $90/120 except SBC brakes. All with free car wash, moive tickets, loaner car, and shuttle service.
BTW service A $130/200, service B $250/350, Brake fluid $90/120 except SBC brakes. All with free car wash, moive tickets, loaner car, and shuttle service.
Last edited by dave2001auto; Feb 2, 2014 at 05:32 PM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
From: Manchester, ME
10' C300 Sport and 07 Ducati S2R
Just got back from the dealer. They state there is no TC drain plug on this model. I had them write it in the invoice. I guess I will need to get a second opinion. How can there be no drain plug... This makes no sense to me. 
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
Unless your car is a freak it has a TC drain plug. I can't believe how poor these dealers are. Don't they send their techs to be trained?
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: Ft Lauderdale, Florida
1993 400E
I just pulled this off WIS, I have live dealer access.
The document is dated 12-12-2013
PM me your VIN, I'll screen shot your DATA card with engine & transmission numbers along with the VIN
.
38a6ae5b-b292-4efb-bd3c-0a23551f388f_zpsfa7561d2.jpg?t=1391731642
9927b15e-d113-4f5a-913d-33aa1f323ed2_zpsc88efee8.jpg?t=1391732312
The document is dated 12-12-2013
PM me your VIN, I'll screen shot your DATA card with engine & transmission numbers along with the VIN
.
38a6ae5b-b292-4efb-bd3c-0a23551f388f_zpsfa7561d2.jpg?t=1391731642
9927b15e-d113-4f5a-913d-33aa1f323ed2_zpsc88efee8.jpg?t=1391732312
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 311
Likes: 3
2004.7 C180 Kompressor, BMW X5, Chevrolet Camaro LT, Mercedes S, Cesna 152.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: Ft Lauderdale, Florida
1993 400E
I just want to pull my hair out, these few dealers are giving all of us a bad name.
I always drained the converters on the 722.9's when I did the 40K service.
I didn't even ask the service advisor if he quoted the full amount of fluid
because it's in the WIS instruction to do it.
.
I always drained the converters on the 722.9's when I did the 40K service.
I didn't even ask the service advisor if he quoted the full amount of fluid
because it's in the WIS instruction to do it.
.
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
I'm afraid this is rather common with US dealers. It is all over the forums. I have confined my comments to the W203/204/209 forums that I primarily look after.
It is probably not fair to beat up on the techs. The decision is most likely made higher up. There is no doubt some of it is ignorance. Some more responsible dealers have changed their practices after being shown the WIS.
Fortunately my SA dealer is owned by MBSA so the techs/SM & dealer principle are **** scared to violate the WIS for fear of having their butts kicked.
It is probably not fair to beat up on the techs. The decision is most likely made higher up. There is no doubt some of it is ignorance. Some more responsible dealers have changed their practices after being shown the WIS.
Fortunately my SA dealer is owned by MBSA so the techs/SM & dealer principle are **** scared to violate the WIS for fear of having their butts kicked.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Feb 7, 2014 at 06:52 AM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
From: Manchester, ME
10' C300 Sport and 07 Ducati S2R
I called MBUSA last night, armed with ClarkZ and Glyn's info. Explained to them there are 2 issues:
1. Dealer did not know there was a drain plug in ANY MB. In fact, he stated he had never seen the WIS documentation showing the correct steps to drain, AND has never had any of his MB car's TC drained during servicing.
2. There is documented "evidence" indicating my SPECIFIC year, model, car, SHOULD have a TC drain plug, and that I want the car inspected by another dealer of my choosing.
The MBUSA Rep (Louis), glossed right over point 1. She didn't seem all that concerned that I had to provide the dealership with the correct work order nor, that the service manager had stated he's never seen or drained a TC in a Mercedes.
Then, she stated, that "not all Mercedes have TC drain plugs", and that she'll need to contact the dealership for additional clarification. Well, duh, the dealership is going to say there is no drain plug. They even wrote it on my invoice.
Bottom line, I'm going to need to get to an Indy, and have them take a picture of the TC drain plug... of course, if it is really there! PLEASE, PLEASE BE THERE!!!
In the end, what should I ask for... if the plug is there? Obviously, I want a different dealership servicing the transmission fluid change again, ASAP... but I also had them do a full service A. If they can't follow simple directions and get the Tranny Fluid changed, what makes me believe they correctly performed the Service A, and changed the oil (with the correct oil)?
In a perfect world, I would request, and receive both services again... for free... from another dealership.
Your thoughts people!!! Again, Thank you to Glyn and Clark!!!
1. Dealer did not know there was a drain plug in ANY MB. In fact, he stated he had never seen the WIS documentation showing the correct steps to drain, AND has never had any of his MB car's TC drained during servicing.
2. There is documented "evidence" indicating my SPECIFIC year, model, car, SHOULD have a TC drain plug, and that I want the car inspected by another dealer of my choosing.
The MBUSA Rep (Louis), glossed right over point 1. She didn't seem all that concerned that I had to provide the dealership with the correct work order nor, that the service manager had stated he's never seen or drained a TC in a Mercedes.
Then, she stated, that "not all Mercedes have TC drain plugs", and that she'll need to contact the dealership for additional clarification. Well, duh, the dealership is going to say there is no drain plug. They even wrote it on my invoice.
Bottom line, I'm going to need to get to an Indy, and have them take a picture of the TC drain plug... of course, if it is really there! PLEASE, PLEASE BE THERE!!!
In the end, what should I ask for... if the plug is there? Obviously, I want a different dealership servicing the transmission fluid change again, ASAP... but I also had them do a full service A. If they can't follow simple directions and get the Tranny Fluid changed, what makes me believe they correctly performed the Service A, and changed the oil (with the correct oil)?
In a perfect world, I would request, and receive both services again... for free... from another dealership.
Your thoughts people!!! Again, Thank you to Glyn and Clark!!!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: Ft Lauderdale, Florida
1993 400E
That's easy, take several pics of the drain plug (it's there).
Take some touch up paint or white out and mark a circle around it.
Get that in the pic as well as an invoice from the independent shop
stating they found the drain plug and marked it as indicated in the pictures..
Go back to the dealer and show them the pictures, and ask them to put the car on the lift and look for your paint mark with you there.
And you may want to go to another dealer for this.
Take some touch up paint or white out and mark a circle around it.
Get that in the pic as well as an invoice from the independent shop
stating they found the drain plug and marked it as indicated in the pictures..
Go back to the dealer and show them the pictures, and ask them to put the car on the lift and look for your paint mark with you there.
And you may want to go to another dealer for this.
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
From: Manchester, ME
10' C300 Sport and 07 Ducati S2R
MBUSA customer service rep just called me back. She stated that "after talking to her resources", and speaking with the service manager from the dealership, she has confirmed that my particular car does NOT have a TC drain plug. I told her that I wanted to know her sources, and she would not reply. I said, if your source was the dealer, than she needs to find another source... as in, a technician from Mercedes Benz... not a dealer. She said she didn't have to, and that she is fine with the answer she received from the dealer.
I went ballistic... she wouldn't give me her supervisor name or number, would not transfer me to anyone else... but finally stated she would have "another case manager" assigned to the case.... "one who has more technical background" and get back to me early next week.
I am floored... let's just play the devil's advocate. If my car does NOT have a plug, how the hell do you remove all of the old fluid during a fluid change?!?!?!?
I went ballistic... she wouldn't give me her supervisor name or number, would not transfer me to anyone else... but finally stated she would have "another case manager" assigned to the case.... "one who has more technical background" and get back to me early next week.
I am floored... let's just play the devil's advocate. If my car does NOT have a plug, how the hell do you remove all of the old fluid during a fluid change?!?!?!?
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: Ft Lauderdale, Florida
1993 400E
MBUSA customer service rep just called me back. She stated that "after talking to her resources", and speaking with the service manager from the dealership, she has confirmed that my particular car does NOT have a TC drain plug. I told her that I wanted to know her sources, and she would not reply. I said, if your source was the dealer, than she needs to find another source... as in, a technician from Mercedes Benz... not a dealer. She said she didn't have to, and that she is fine with the answer she received from the dealer.
I went ballistic... she wouldn't give me her supervisor name or number, would not transfer me to anyone else... but finally stated she would have "another case manager" assigned to the case.... "one who has more technical background" and get back to me early next week.
I am floored... let's just play the devil's advocate. If my car does NOT have a plug, how the hell do you remove all of the old fluid during a fluid change?!?!?!?
I went ballistic... she wouldn't give me her supervisor name or number, would not transfer me to anyone else... but finally stated she would have "another case manager" assigned to the case.... "one who has more technical background" and get back to me early next week.
I am floored... let's just play the devil's advocate. If my car does NOT have a plug, how the hell do you remove all of the old fluid during a fluid change?!?!?!?
You have one by the transmission number. Go to an independent shop
Mark the converter with a X in white out, so you know where you started.
Have them rotate the engine by the crank slowly until you see the plug
Take pictures, circle the plug with a paint marker.
Worst case, Wis has a procedure outlined by Glyn to renew the fluid via the transmission cooler return line.
So your covered either way.
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
From: Manchester, ME
10' C300 Sport and 07 Ducati S2R
I'm trying to relax... just so aggravated with the whole thing. I love this car to death... but sheesh... so just received a call back from Robert in Product Advice. He equivocally states that there are quite a few C300's without drain plugs. When I asked him what MB's stance was on the question of only changing half the fluid, he said that it is fine. MB does NOT require one to change out the TC fluid if there is no drain plug, and that if it is NOT there, it obviously it is recommended to NOT attempt to change the fluid.
Again, I'm shocked... my analogy to him. If I fill a glass half full of nice cold clean milk, and then pour in hot 12 week old spoiled milk into it... would he drink it? That is the same thing MB is stating we can do when not changing out the fluid in the TC.
Bottom line... indy this weekend.
Again, I'm shocked... my analogy to him. If I fill a glass half full of nice cold clean milk, and then pour in hot 12 week old spoiled milk into it... would he drink it? That is the same thing MB is stating we can do when not changing out the fluid in the TC.
Bottom line... indy this weekend.
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 166
Likes: 2
From: New York City
2009 C300 Sport 4Matic
Reading this is making me nervous. I recently came into possession of a 52k car that has not had the transmission service done. So besides being 12k miles late, I'm afraid the stealership will do the service incorrectly, and I was quoted $750 for it at one of the three mb dealers in NY.
How can I specifically phrase what I want to be done as part of my transmission service to ensure it is done correctly? Also service rep stated that if problems arise with transmission late MBUSA will "help out" because I had the tranny service done through them even though I am out of warranty, is this true? I'm not sure especially considering I am past the recommended service interval.
How can I specifically phrase what I want to be done as part of my transmission service to ensure it is done correctly? Also service rep stated that if problems arise with transmission late MBUSA will "help out" because I had the tranny service done through them even though I am out of warranty, is this true? I'm not sure especially considering I am past the recommended service interval.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 197
Likes: 17
From: Connecticut
C300 4matic
I know this might be a strange way of proving to the dealer that you do have a drain plug, go to the parts department and buy a plug. Give them the trannny ID number and and see if in their system it shows a drain plug. And if it does have them print out the schematic showing were it is located.
Nelson
Nelson
