rwhite124

At 40k miles I have officially been diagnosed with the failing transfer case output bearing. My local dealer has quoted $12,700 for replacement with a new transmission and torque converter. Well luckily I have an extended warranty for another 80k miles or 4.5yrs through Route 66. Route 66 said they more than likely would cover the failed transmission BUT it actually has to fail first. Right now the car drives seemingly fine with the exception of the noticeable whine while driving so they don't want to over it. So after back and forth with the dealership, Route 66 and a few independents the consensus is to drive it til it breaks. Route 66 is well aware that may mean an even higher expense but they apparently aren't in to the "preventative" maintenance business. The whine is obnoxious.

My questions: Any idea how long these things take to fail? Is there a driving style that puts more stress on the bearing to help move it along? I love the car but can't handle the noise

2013 C300 4Matic

Adi-Benz

2013! Wow that's the first one we've seen on here over 2011! I had the issue on my 2010.

I have supersonic hearing apparently so I caught mine relatively early but I still got it progressed a bit before I changed, not loud however.

It's a really weird situation, because I haven't actually seen anyone blow the transfer case, I think they get it changed when the noise comes. So, if anything, eventually the metal fragments with flow through the entire transmission and then maybe blow it up, but I still don't know how long it would take.

Otherwise just do launches at like 6,000 RPM or something haha. But then it would be considered your fault wouldn't it xD

tekfoc

My 2012 transfercase went bad at 19.000 miles was replaced under warranty almost 4 yrs ago I think

Adi-Benz

Oh yes I remember reading that. Lucky you had warranty!

xsever

Are these "quality" Mercedes Benz cars we are talking about or some junk? I can't believe what I'm reading guys. Failures at 20k and 40k?!!

I'm the market for a 2012 C300 4MATIC and this is just scary to read.

ChazThePhoenix

could it be just the American made vehicles? or is that a part made art one place and shipped to where each model is built?

xsever

None of the 2012 C class cars were made in the US. It's either Germany or South Africa.

RDM3

Wow and I have been looking at a 2013 C300 Sport 4MAtic with 75k miles, maybe I need to stop looking and keep my Wrangler

tekfoc

my 2012 C300 4matic was built in may in south Africa

tekfoc

if you find one with a factory replaced Re manufactured one get it .
The replacement parts are very stout oil passages have been opened up more for better lubrication to transfer case bearings.
all so a bunch of other parts have been superseded with improvement parts.

tekfoc

still under extended warranty.
Was given an extra year on extended warranty for my troubles cant complain.

Adi-Benz

My 2010 C300 4matic was made in Germany.

As a general rule of thumb, 2013+ with the 7G+ trans we haven't really seen much issues as I mentioned. If you want to be 100% sure to avoid the problem, buy the RWD model. It's not a problem that affects all of them, but those who get it pay $$.

Sometimes in the Carfax you can see replaced. If it has been replaced I would take that as a good sign, cause the new ones were fixed.

tekfoc

100% correct

Colin G

To avoid the problem I'd think some preventative maintenance would be good like changing the fluid on the front T-case. Mercedes says it Is a lifetime but that is BS. Mine was changed around 65,000 Kilometers on the odometer and the fluid was very dirty.

Regular fluid changes will probably help to avoid this I think.