darrell77433

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?

castroadan

damn about $10,500 so far in repairs for this whine???

darrell77433

Lol, yep... Although only $4k for the actual issue (though they're not admitting that they unnecessarily replaced the diff)

TheRulesLawyer

Sounds like they did a lot of unnecessary repairs and then screwed something up while they had it apart.

NZ-Merc

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.

darrell77433

That's a good idea. I'm going in to talk to them tomorrow and I'll find out what they're willing to do for me. Thanks!

Skyline45

Is your ride a 4matic? 2008's seem to be plagued with that problem... :/

xzotik1

10k is a good down payment on a 2008 lexus IS350 with low miles, which is much more reliable. If this happens to my C300 4M...ITS A GONNER!![[

xjaymzzx

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.

dudeitsmattx

Was this $10k out of your pocket?!?!

Quadcammer

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.

darrell77433

Nope, just regular old 2wd

Unfortunately, yep

darrell77433

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

vipsa

This, this and more this. It's ridiculous that they're basically swapping parts on your pocket because they can't do a proper diagnosis. Also, find a good independent MB mechanic and stop taking your used car to the dealer. Dealers are only good for warranty work as they can get away with **** like this on warranty claims.
If you can, try and get every last bit of your money that you spent on their incompetence.

Skyline45

^+1

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.

pamiboy

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.

MB Marko

good!!!!!! 10k is almost a house down payment hahaha hope this solves the problem let us know!

NZ-Merc

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.

MB2008c

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

hyperion667

that's awful damn!


I'd be livid! that's a set of wheels and tires for Odin's sake!


hope you get this resolved and some money back too

Trancebolt

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

Pabla

About the rear diff. i had mine replaced for under 1,000 because i bought a used one, worked like new! Look into some used parts they'll save you tons!