these cars are very well designed for quick service. No need to pull engine-tranny to drop the valve body.
It sounds like your local MB specialist will have no problem troubleshooting your solenoids if they have an on-line Xentry to code replacement to your chassis.... all for a realistic cost.

 

I’ll check with them today.

Would something like the conductor plate errors or faults for this transmission throw actual ERROR codes? Or could that be an issue, but not report any faults?
Any thought that this could be more simple, like the TCU or cable harness? I just find it very odd that this transmission could essentially catastrophically fail - to the point of total immobility from one start to the next, with zero indication of developing issue. No issue with shifts, holding gear, no noises, no reported errors at least in the dash.

 

The tranny control module is built in the conductor plate that drive the solenoids that drive the valve body that drive the clutch frictions and clutch brakes... just that.

DTC fault codes are not simple work orders. They are usually misleading and should be considered as ballpark clues.

That why faults are useful as troubleshooting tips.
Troubleshooting is an interactive process, nothings hard set.
Voltage transients can make MB electronic unstable... no parts necessary.
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Well, haven’t made enough progress.. had a couple major life issues at play..not dead yet though..

Sadly, my local shop no longer seems to be a viable option. Change of ownership, only ONE person who can do MB work and some of the others onsite were actively smoking some cannabis during mid-day. It didn’t leave a good feeling.

I checked another recommended spot with good reputation.. they pretty much said the same thing. Drop the transmission valve body and replace with either direct OEM or MB re-manufactured complete stack. Otherwise you’re just draining, swapping solenoids, refilling, testing, if that doesn’t work you’re draining (throwing away fluid and seal) fixing or replacing conductor plate, reusing solenoids, refilling, testing, etc.. With a shop time that isn’t more than $50 a hour cheaper than MB direct, and IF one has to do another rotation of troubleshooting, then you’re just throwing money away. In some ways, it’s makes sense, but personally I’d rather try some things first before swapping out the stack.

It’s just such a big nut and now I probably have 10K in hospital expense I hadn’t counted on at the start of last week. ;-(

 

I am sorry to hear about what happened that incurred the hospital expense, I hope you recover soon.

 

thanks..yeah I’m not dying today. Fingers crossed..

I’ve got a line on a shop that might be able to remove the transmission valve body and they send it to a service center for repair/service, and then send it back.. at least then it’s from the original car and MIGHT be less Benjamin’s than a full R&R… not sure though.

 

Honestly, health is more important will definitely recommend taking care of that first before bothering with the vehicle.

 

oh for sure… i had four more hours of tests and dr. Appt on Friday,,, but I can’t leave the car where it is, the Benz dealer has been considerate, but if I’m maybe not getting it done there for $$$, then I need to tow it somewhere.. home probably just doesn’t work right now. So, yeah couldn’t be worse timing all around.

 

Sorry to hear that, do wish things work out, best of luck to you.