MB transmission trends/trust out of warranty?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 583
Likes: 24
2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
MB transmission trends/trust out of warranty?
Just opening this up for CIVIL conversation to get people's thoughts.
Based on my views, MB, and C class in particular, was at it's lowest quality point in early W203 era. Things improved each year after. EXCEPT for engine/transmission.
At least back then they used reliable engines and the durable 5G Tronic. These days its common knowledge that 7G Tronic is not considered very reliable, at least on these forums. MB had a chance to fix it along the way, but at least when they upgraded to 7G Plus. Now it seems that 2014 owners are experiencing issues that aren't fixable yet. Not to mention the trouble the M271/2/3 engines had upon release and the new M276 engine issues.
Used to be that MB problems were more electronics related, if anything at all. The main components would last forever. Is that true anymore?
Given the 7G/7G Plus problems, and engine problems, would you trust your car out of warranty? Let's say your Out of Warranty car is worth $20k - is it worth $6-7k to replace transmission? Do you trust MB to make the new 9G reliable and trouble free?
Based on my views, MB, and C class in particular, was at it's lowest quality point in early W203 era. Things improved each year after. EXCEPT for engine/transmission.
At least back then they used reliable engines and the durable 5G Tronic. These days its common knowledge that 7G Tronic is not considered very reliable, at least on these forums. MB had a chance to fix it along the way, but at least when they upgraded to 7G Plus. Now it seems that 2014 owners are experiencing issues that aren't fixable yet. Not to mention the trouble the M271/2/3 engines had upon release and the new M276 engine issues.
Used to be that MB problems were more electronics related, if anything at all. The main components would last forever. Is that true anymore?
Given the 7G/7G Plus problems, and engine problems, would you trust your car out of warranty? Let's say your Out of Warranty car is worth $20k - is it worth $6-7k to replace transmission? Do you trust MB to make the new 9G reliable and trouble free?
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
2011 C300 Lux CPO Pur 07/12/12
I will be in the market for an E at some point, but the idea of a 9 speed and the additional complications really concern me. As I understand the situation, the same tranny is used across the line except the c300 and the smaller SUV that have 4Matic, but the difference is just that the transfer case is part of the tranny housing in both applications, but otherwise the tranny internals are the same.
Sadly, the tranny concerns dampen the enjoyment of the car.
Sadly, the tranny concerns dampen the enjoyment of the car.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 583
Likes: 24
2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
I just have a hard time understanding why MB is throwing away their good name with such crappy engineering or parts. I know it's just culture/society...nothing is heirloom quality anymore. But MB used to be 
I see these posts about ignition failures and broken door handles (both safety issues if car dies or door doesn't open in accident) and transmission issues and I just wonder about long-term potential for these later models.
I see these posts about ignition failures and broken door handles (both safety issues if car dies or door doesn't open in accident) and transmission issues and I just wonder about long-term potential for these later models.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 702
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
We are dumping ours later this year when the extended warranty runs out.
The car is already on its second transmission, second COMMAND unit, a bunch of computers replaced, etc.
