Frank Castle

I think my worst fear has hit with a transmission problem. I am 99% sure it is a transmission problem as it delayed going into reverse. Its making funky sounds when in P and D...it lessons in D and in higher gears than 2 or 3.

This is my everyday car usually with a few miles to work. I need a car ASAP and I can't afford 2.

My fear is how much this is going to cost. I found a used Transmission from a 43 for $900-. I have no idea about DIY but I do have access to a stocked garage.

I have searched forums and transmission threads start numbering them? Can any other transmissions work in this car? Like a used model from an S500 or whatever??

What is a broken car worth? Nothing I'd think to the used car shopper. It ran great, looks great.

I love the car and know I'll miss it but I cant afford to have two. I have limited funds as the ***** divorce foreclosed a house that lead to a bankruptcy. So no credit. [end off topic rant]

C43AMG

Just had my tranny replaced 2 months ago.I wasn't going the "rebuilt" or "salvaged" route.I went brandy-new and had it installed out the door @ $4800.00. Imade the decision to go new because I plan on keeping her.Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Frank Castle

$4800.00 man- Looks like I get a used ML320 for winter and put her down

austinholloman

Have it looked at. You could be getting rid of a great car that just needs a sensor or some other tranny part that can be replaced separately from the entire unit. Don't walk away from you car and sell it for half what its worth to some one like me who would just order the parts and fix it my self for $5-900 bucks. That would suck! Anyone around here know of a good tranny shop in the OPs area?

trinitony

PM moneyone and see if he could help ya out, or the other guy in Frederick, MD.

Frank Castle

I was supposed to meet Moneyone for an alignment, as i just slammed it. I am waiting to hear back from him.

austinholloman- I hope your right, so I can stop panicking.

Frank Castle

Can other model transmission work or better yet, improve with the 43 or do I need to hunt for a C43 I tried search

503C43 ////AMG

The transmission is an AMG-modified version of the five speed automatic gearbox found on 1998-2000 R129 SL 500. I think the E55 tranny should bolt right up as well.

Frank Castle

Cool, thanks. I am guessing a more common model won't be s much. The 55 would be cool. Maybe a supercharger is in the far future if I can swing saving her (him) how can u tell? haha.

503C43 ////AMG

Mine is definitely a her as I lover her and im not gay

KJI3jflarryfe93

it's strange our c43's have a weak transmission!
how many times have you heard that a R129 SL500 had a transmission failiure?
what's so special with c43 transmissions going bad?
SL500 has more power and torque and is faster than c43 and they share the same crappy transmission, what's the problem with this transmission?
I don't get it?

DRBC43AMG

Have it checked by someone who knows his business and way around those transmissions. Have you changed the ATF and filter? Perhaps low on ATF which could cause these weird things

C43AMG

Needle bearings.

Frank Castle

I met with Moneyone a while back. He advised that its sealed and no need to. Changing ATF has been known to cause possible issues- loosining up loose parts, causing possible issues. Can a laymen check the ATF? Says only MB mechanic on it? Sorry if I come off new- I am.

KJI3jflarryfe93

did they put weaker needle bearing for the c43 trans?
did they put stronger bearings for R129 sl500 trans or were they exactly the same for both cars?

C43AMG

From what I was told - I can't confirm it - its basically the same exact tranny but with different software assigned to it.I was also told that the "new" transmissions coming from Germany for these vehicles have had the parts known for failure "upgraded" to address previous defects.

DRBC43AMG

Thats total bull Even MB after saying the tranny was sealed for life admitted later that the box needs a new oil change from time to time. Would you believe someone who says your engine has oil for all its life? Do some search on the different MB forums and read about ATF oil changes Concerning measuring the ATF level in the box, you need a specific dip stick (cheap on the net or through MB) or make your own with some curtain wire. Get the box hot to around 80°c and measure with engine turning. Plenty of "do it yourself" explainations. Check the stickies at the top of this forum page.

Sincity

If your car is in great shape and you did plan on keeping it, I'd get the trans replaced. The C43 has special appeal to me because other than the C63, it is the only other AMG C-Class family member with a V8.

DRBC43AMG

Euhhh, sorry but what about the W202 C55 and W203 C55 then? Those also have a 5,5l V8 in it

503C43 ////AMG

MB has come out and said they recommend changing the ATF fluid after 40,000 miles. Nothing is forever....

Frank Castle

Moneyone checked in real quick with me. Said it may be that also. I didn't notice it had leaks but I have to take a look.

austinholloman

Ok- First things first here. Have you never change the ATF and filter??? If not, im not trying to make you feel bad but PLEASE do this ASAP! You could save the whole unit. Every 40k miles is a great rule of thumb, these trannys will last if you treat them right! The car I just picked up and is currently parked outside my hotel room, had the fluid changed at 104k miles and is now sitting at 122k and will soon need it again. Shifts like a dream and OMG its ez to speed in this car!

P.s. All else fails and lets find you a good E55 tranny! That will make for a great upgrade for when you drop in a new E55 motor later down the line because every C43 owner should do this once the 4.3 bites it!!!

austinholloman

+1 W203 C55 is V8 a beast!

DRBC43AMG

I prefer the real W202 C55 model, but they are rare like hen's teeth

Sincity

You are right. I totally forgot that the W203 had a C55. For some reason, I only remember the W203 C32.

The C43 always has a special place in my heart. When we bought our first new Mercedes, it was a 1999 W202 C230 with Sport package. While we were doing the paperwork, they had a new 1999 Silver C43 in the showroom and I wished so bad that I could afford it back then.