W204 4matic transfer case ... Tell me the bad news or ???
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From: Edmonton AB
2015 C63S ,DME Tune, KW Has ,Kmac Bushings,BC Forged wheels,Gt Rotors,Porterfield R4S,Modal Intake
W204 4matic transfer case ... Tell me the bad news or ???
Hey all
I luv my C350 but the stress of the unknown is killing to the point I'm going to sell it and move away from Mercedes
I'd like to hear from those of you that have higher mileage w204 4matics that have not had a failure and what have you done to prevent it if anything and I'd like to hear from those that failed . Is this a guarantee it's going to fail prematurely ? For those out of warranty did Mercedes help you ?
It sucks because I sold my w203 sport because of the balance shaft issue and bought this to avoid it but now all these transfer case problems are coming to light and in the same fashion as the balance shafts Mercedes appears to be telling most they're on their own because it's out of warranty . I'm assuming at some point we will see a new class action lawsuit taken against Mercedes in an effort to recover costs but it will take time . The balance shaft issue appears now has been addressed in court with the win for the owners and I would have hoped the Mercedes would of handled this issue better than they did with that one but somehow I have my doubts
Anyway ...I've got about 70,000 Kms on mine now or 45,000 miles roughly .... I thought this might be the time to move it and I hate that I have to .... This really sucks being put in this position by their products as I had planned to keep it for at least 80,000 miles but I don't think it's probably going to make it and I don't feel like putting out $6-7000 for a transmission ...it's basically throwing money away and the sad part is there is no long term warranty on the replacement so in a few years you'll probably have to buy another transmission again because nothing's improved ...ugh
I luv my C350 but the stress of the unknown is killing to the point I'm going to sell it and move away from Mercedes
I'd like to hear from those of you that have higher mileage w204 4matics that have not had a failure and what have you done to prevent it if anything and I'd like to hear from those that failed . Is this a guarantee it's going to fail prematurely ? For those out of warranty did Mercedes help you ?
It sucks because I sold my w203 sport because of the balance shaft issue and bought this to avoid it but now all these transfer case problems are coming to light and in the same fashion as the balance shafts Mercedes appears to be telling most they're on their own because it's out of warranty . I'm assuming at some point we will see a new class action lawsuit taken against Mercedes in an effort to recover costs but it will take time . The balance shaft issue appears now has been addressed in court with the win for the owners and I would have hoped the Mercedes would of handled this issue better than they did with that one but somehow I have my doubts
Anyway ...I've got about 70,000 Kms on mine now or 45,000 miles roughly .... I thought this might be the time to move it and I hate that I have to .... This really sucks being put in this position by their products as I had planned to keep it for at least 80,000 miles but I don't think it's probably going to make it and I don't feel like putting out $6-7000 for a transmission ...it's basically throwing money away and the sad part is there is no long term warranty on the replacement so in a few years you'll probably have to buy another transmission again because nothing's improved ...ugh
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 885
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From: PA
2019 E63s AMG
My fiance's 2010 had a transfer case fail and needed a new transmission at 45k miles... Transmission service was done at 35k miles. It is now at 51k and is better than it ever was at shifting, but who knows if it will have issues again since 3rd party insurance company bought their own transmission.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 45
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2011 C300 Sport 4Matic
I have warranty until 100k miles. Recently, my ac compressor was replaced as well as some sensors (the one that buzzes after 30 seconds at startup). The funky thing I noticed recently also is that when I am turning my steering wheel right after I have switched gears (while stopped), I hear this cracking noise almost. Not sure if it is my transmission or power steering issue... Hopefully it breaks before 100k so they can replace it.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 304
Likes: 75
2022 AMG GT 53, 2020 Sl450. Did drive 2018 S450
I have warranty until 100k miles. Recently, my ac compressor was replaced as well as some sensors (the one that buzzes after 30 seconds at startup). The funky thing I noticed recently also is that when I am turning my steering wheel right after I have switched gears (while stopped), I hear this cracking noise almost. Not sure if it is my transmission or power steering issue... Hopefully it breaks before 100k so they can replace it.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
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2011 C300 Sport 4Matic
The a/c would blow hot air and I would have to turn off my a/c and turn it back on for it to work (multiple times of turning off and on).
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 9
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2009 C300
Hey all
I luv my C350 but the stress of the unknown is killing to the point I'm going to sell it and move away from Mercedes
I'd like to hear from those of you that have higher mileage w204 4matics that have not had a failure and what have you done to prevent it if anything and I'd like to hear from those that failed . Is this a guarantee it's going to fail prematurely ? For those out of warranty did Mercedes help you ?
It sucks because I sold my w203 sport because of the balance shaft issue and bought this to avoid it but now all these transfer case problems are coming to light and in the same fashion as the balance shafts Mercedes appears to be telling most they're on their own because it's out of warranty . I'm assuming at some point we will see a new class action lawsuit taken against Mercedes in an effort to recover costs but it will take time . The balance shaft issue appears now has been addressed in court with the win for the owners and I would have hoped the Mercedes would of handled this issue better than they did with that one but somehow I have my doubts
Anyway ...I've got about 70,000 Kms on mine now or 45,000 miles roughly .... I thought this might be the time to move it and I hate that I have to .... This really sucks being put in this position by their products as I had planned to keep it for at least 80,000 miles but I don't think it's probably going to make it and I don't feel like putting out $6-7000 for a transmission ...it's basically throwing money away and the sad part is there is no long term warranty on the replacement so in a few years you'll probably have to buy another transmission again because nothing's improved ...ugh
I luv my C350 but the stress of the unknown is killing to the point I'm going to sell it and move away from Mercedes
I'd like to hear from those of you that have higher mileage w204 4matics that have not had a failure and what have you done to prevent it if anything and I'd like to hear from those that failed . Is this a guarantee it's going to fail prematurely ? For those out of warranty did Mercedes help you ?
It sucks because I sold my w203 sport because of the balance shaft issue and bought this to avoid it but now all these transfer case problems are coming to light and in the same fashion as the balance shafts Mercedes appears to be telling most they're on their own because it's out of warranty . I'm assuming at some point we will see a new class action lawsuit taken against Mercedes in an effort to recover costs but it will take time . The balance shaft issue appears now has been addressed in court with the win for the owners and I would have hoped the Mercedes would of handled this issue better than they did with that one but somehow I have my doubts
Anyway ...I've got about 70,000 Kms on mine now or 45,000 miles roughly .... I thought this might be the time to move it and I hate that I have to .... This really sucks being put in this position by their products as I had planned to keep it for at least 80,000 miles but I don't think it's probably going to make it and I don't feel like putting out $6-7000 for a transmission ...it's basically throwing money away and the sad part is there is no long term warranty on the replacement so in a few years you'll probably have to buy another transmission again because nothing's improved ...ugh
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 50
Likes: 4
Mercedes c300 4matic 2009
My answer to you is yes, sell the car. For me after the 70,000 km mark that's when all my problems came, beginning with a replacement of the rear differential costing $5,000. Then the a/c was hissing and blowing warm air and I was told it needed around 1800 to fix, also was told the transfer case was leaking and causing the engine mount to sag or something like that. That was all from last year, going to go in for a service in June and we'll see how many more problems show up. Oh, I forgot to mention that they've replaced a certain belt 3 times because of squeaking and for the 4th time it's squeaking once again. So in short sell the car and stay away from Mercedes if your planning on keeping it for a while without warranty, they're only built to last through the manufacturer warranty.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 197
Likes: 17
From: Connecticut
C300 4matic
I have 67K miles on my 2011 C300 and just purchased a 2-year unlimited mile extended warranty from Mercedes. I changed the trans oil and TC at 38K. This is my daily driver and I drive it hard. If you look on True Delta sight you will see what the frequency of the break down of the transmission is by year.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
2013 C300 4Matic Sport
I had the transmission replaced on my 2013 c300 4Matic after around 32,000kms (about 20k miles). Work was done on warrantee and replacement was a factory rebuilt unit. I as well hope it lasts because I love this car - but cant help wonder now if it's not something that is just going to show up in another 20k miles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 120
From: London ON Canada
2012 C300 4Matic Sport Sedan
I had the transmission replaced on my 2013 c300 4Matic after around 32,000kms (about 20k miles). Work was done on warrantee and replacement was a factory rebuilt unit. I as well hope it lasts because I love this car - but cant help wonder now if it's not something that is just going to show up in another 20k miles.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
C300 2014
I had a 2008 C300 4 matic and about a year ago the dealer resealed the transfer case for $1200 because it was leaking. A year later I started hearing a low noise that sounded like a drill when I drove over 30-35 mph. The dealer told me it was the transfer case and I needed a new transmission for $7000. The car had 87,000 miles. I didn't feel it was worth putting $7000 into an old car, so I sold the car. The car basically looked new except for this problem. I am kind of annoyed that cheaper cars last longer than this "luxury vehicle" did. Does the transfer case problem still exist on the 2016 C300's or do we have to wait many years to find out?
Last edited by Julie7; Apr 5, 2016 at 08:55 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2
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2008 C300 4matic
Our C300 has 155K with same whiney transmission noise. Just informed today that Transfer case is bad and cost of repair is $7,511. So what to do? Has anyone ignored the problem? How many miles did it last until undriveable? Trade in value is not much more than the cost of repair. You'd think that a mercedes would last a little longer than most other care. It's time for a new car but I think we will steer clear of mercedes this time. This was our first and I'm not very impressed except for how it handles so beautifully.
Sigh.
Sigh.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 520
Likes: 45
From: Regina SK
2008 C-230 4Matic Sport
I wonder if these failures can be avoided by actually changing the fluid in the front transfer case? Mercedes says lifetime fluid by I highly doubt it.
I asked my dealership about it and they say they have never changed the fluid in the front transfer case. I am going to get them to flush and change the fluid come spring for my own peace of mind.
I asked my dealership about it and they say they have never changed the fluid in the front transfer case. I am going to get them to flush and change the fluid come spring for my own peace of mind.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 71
Likes: 32
2020 AMG GLC63
Our C300 has 155K with same whiney transmission noise. Just informed today that Transfer case is bad and cost of repair is $7,511. So what to do? Has anyone ignored the problem? How many miles did it last until undriveable? Trade in value is not much more than the cost of repair. You'd think that a mercedes would last a little longer than most other care. It's time for a new car but I think we will steer clear of mercedes this time. This was our first and I'm not very impressed except for how it handles so beautifully.
Sigh.
Sigh.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
C300 2014
You are lucky your c300 lasted as long as it did. Mine only lasted 78,000. Definitely get rid of it quick. I got $9000 for mine. If you wait until it breaks down on the road, you will get nothing for it. I was really upset because a Mercedes is supposed to be better quality. Yet, I see Toyotas, Subarus, Hondas that lasted much longer than my car. I got so annoyed, I went and bought a Toyota and have had no problems. Good Luck.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2
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2008 C300 4matic
I'm still considering our options, trying to find a rebuilt tranny without any luck. The dealer called my wife 3 days ago and said they could ship a used tranny in and replace it to the tune of $4,900 and it has 100K on it. I'm pretty sure they think we are REALLY stupid. Thanks for the advice about getting rid of it before it totally conks out.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 304
Likes: 75
2022 AMG GT 53, 2020 Sl450. Did drive 2018 S450
I'm still considering our options, trying to find a rebuilt tranny without any luck. The dealer called my wife 3 days ago and said they could ship a used tranny in and replace it to the tune of $4,900 and it has 100K on it. I'm pretty sure they think we are REALLY stupid. Thanks for the advice about getting rid of it before it totally conks out.
