10k already spent at dealership for transmission whine, now it needs more
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2008 c350
10k already spent at dealership for transmission whine, now it needs more
Hey all,
Long time lurker here, glad to finally have an account, through not happy for the reason why.
I have a 2008 c350 that developed a small transmission whine when at higher rpm (3500 to 4500) when driving. I brought it to the MB dealership to get it checked out, and they informed me it was the rear differential, so I had them swap it out ($4500).
When I picked it up, the noise was still present, so I brought it back and drove with the shop foreman to show him the noise. They then identified it as the transmission oil pump and torque converter, and replaced both ($4000).
When I picked it up we went on a test drive, and it seemed perfect. Then on the way home the transmission slipped once when shifting from 3 to 4, but was otherwise fine.
On the way to work the next morning (30min drive) the transmission started "clunking" for the last 5min or so while stopped in gear, and when parked. I had them tow it back, and now they are telling me it's a "coincidental" issue where the planetary gears and bearings have "fallen apart" and will need to be replaced for $4400 (but they'll cover the labor and I'll only have to pay $1900.
Any way that it actually is coincidental? Should I have it taken to a different MB dealership in the area or a 3rd party? What would you do in my scenario?
Long time lurker here, glad to finally have an account, through not happy for the reason why.
I have a 2008 c350 that developed a small transmission whine when at higher rpm (3500 to 4500) when driving. I brought it to the MB dealership to get it checked out, and they informed me it was the rear differential, so I had them swap it out ($4500).
When I picked it up, the noise was still present, so I brought it back and drove with the shop foreman to show him the noise. They then identified it as the transmission oil pump and torque converter, and replaced both ($4000).
When I picked it up we went on a test drive, and it seemed perfect. Then on the way home the transmission slipped once when shifting from 3 to 4, but was otherwise fine.
On the way to work the next morning (30min drive) the transmission started "clunking" for the last 5min or so while stopped in gear, and when parked. I had them tow it back, and now they are telling me it's a "coincidental" issue where the planetary gears and bearings have "fallen apart" and will need to be replaced for $4400 (but they'll cover the labor and I'll only have to pay $1900.
Any way that it actually is coincidental? Should I have it taken to a different MB dealership in the area or a 3rd party? What would you do in my scenario?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 435
Likes: 81
From: New Zealand
W204 C200, BMW E30 M3, 1980Gt Mini, Toyota Corona, KTM 200 EXC.
Sounds quite unfortunate and feel for you, hard to prove fault unless you get some independent inspection of the damaged parts possably by a transmission overhaul person but well worth sounding the dealers out on that and see what there reaction is.
At this point an exchange overhauled/new trans from Mercedes would be the preferred option if you can wrangle one from them.
At this point an exchange overhauled/new trans from Mercedes would be the preferred option if you can wrangle one from them.
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 781
Likes: 2
From: Long island new york
2002 slk 32 amg, 2013 c300 4matic sport
When they do the inspection to find the problem, shouldn't they get it right the first time? and not guess-timate what the problem is?
you paid a butt load to fix something and it wasn't fixed, and they say "oh it's something else" and you fix it and it's still the problem is not fixed.
you paid a butt load to fix something and it wasn't fixed, and they say "oh it's something else" and you fix it and it's still the problem is not fixed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 39
From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
Tell them to reinstall your original differential and credit you back the $4k.
Thats bloody ridiculous. Its not like a fuse they hoped would fix a problem but didn't. Replacing a $4k differential an ending up with the same problem is unacceptable.
Thats bloody ridiculous. Its not like a fuse they hoped would fix a problem but didn't. Replacing a $4k differential an ending up with the same problem is unacceptable.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2008 c350
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2008 c350
Good news though, I spoke to them at length and voiced my concerns, and they've decided to replace my transmission with a new one free of charge!! We'll see how it works out, but I'm hopefully optimistic
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 344
Likes: 2
From: Berkley, MI
'09 C350
If you can, try and get every last bit of your money that you spent on their incompetence.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 314
Likes: 15
2016 GLE450 AMG Coupe
It's good that their going to do this for you. However, I'd start taking your ride to an Independent Mercedes Mater Tech if you're paying out of pocket for repairs. I've always had better luck with them.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 40
E 350
Doesn't pass the smell test.
That's a ridiculous amount of money you've spent on sloppy and incompetent job. Hopefully the new transmission should fix the problem. If it makes you feel any better, just think that you have spent the money on the education of the MB mechanics and your transmission was a free bonus.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 120
From: London ON Canada
2012 C300 4Matic Sport Sedan
good!!!!!! 10k is almost a house down payment hahaha hope this solves the problem let us know!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 435
Likes: 81
From: New Zealand
W204 C200, BMW E30 M3, 1980Gt Mini, Toyota Corona, KTM 200 EXC.
Sounds like you have got a good result just have to ask the right questions and put a bit of pressure on them.
Who owns the old diff is that yours or was it exchange, good idea it straight out ask for the old diff that way you can on sell it.
Always Ask for the replaced parts to be returned to you at booking in time that goes for fan belts wipers and nif naf stuff they think they can get away with.
Who owns the old diff is that yours or was it exchange, good idea it straight out ask for the old diff that way you can on sell it.
Always Ask for the replaced parts to be returned to you at booking in time that goes for fan belts wipers and nif naf stuff they think they can get away with.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
C300 2008
I just dealt with MB dealer and MB customer service on the same issue. The transmission box specifically the ball baring's are the issue. It seems to be a big issue with this model.
Taking it to another dealer tomorrow
Taking it to another dealer tomorrow
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 268
Likes: 8
From: California
w212 E350 Bluetec & Mk7 GTI Sport
ummmm, a brand new transmission isnt even 10gs.... F*Ck you can get a weistec bulletproof one for 7k..... Minus install costs.
Thats complete absurdity. Write some letters sir, nice ones. but write them... asafp
Thats complete absurdity. Write some letters sir, nice ones. but write them... asafp
