Dreaded t-case issue question.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, Oregon
2013 C300 4Matic
Dreaded t-case issue question.
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
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
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
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
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 849
Likes: 111
From: NYC
18 E63S
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
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 149
2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
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.
I'm the market for a 2012 C300 4MATIC and this is just scary to read.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 149
2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 849
Likes: 111
From: NYC
18 E63S
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 849
Likes: 111
From: NYC
18 E63S
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.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 849
Likes: 111
From: NYC
18 E63S
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
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 $$.
Sometimes in the Carfax you can see replaced. If it has been replaced I would take that as a good sign, cause the new ones were fixed.
As a general rule of thumb, 2013+ with the 7G+ trans we haven't really seen much issues as I mentioned. If you want to be 100% sure to avoid the problem, buy the RWD model. It's not a problem that affects all of them, but those who get it pay $$.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 520
Likes: 45
From: Regina SK
2008 C-230 4Matic Sport
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.
Regular fluid changes will probably help to avoid this I think.
