with only 52K miles. Good thing it's a Starmark...
View Poll Results: How many people have transmission problems with their C43s?
No problem at all!
21
51.22%
Some minor issues.
12
29.27%
Total tranny failure!
8
19.51%
Voters: 41. You may not vote on this poll
C43 Transmission Problem
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
Mercedes C43 AMG
I made this poll because other people and I seem to have problems with their transmission. Some problems are worse than others.
My tranny had a problem at 53k miles. The conducting plate failed and would've cost $600. It was fixed under extended warranty and the car is fine now.
My tranny had a problem at 53k miles. The conducting plate failed and would've cost $600. It was fixed under extended warranty and the car is fine now.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: car in front of you
1998 Silver C43
Mines at the dealer right now, I hope to get it back today. I had problems with it shifting into Neutral (occured 3 times)
I'll let you know what they did to correct it.
I'll let you know what they did to correct it.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
C43, NSX, F250 Diesel
TRANNY STATISTIC
I have officially become a statistic !
61K miles and the new noise was diagnosed as a 'catastrophic failure' of the tranny as well as the torque converter. $5700 quote for replacement from the dealership. OUCH!
The blessing for me was that the information found here in the forum lead me to the purchase of an extend warranty. I am still waiting how well the (aftermarket) coverage handles the claim.
61K miles and the new noise was diagnosed as a 'catastrophic failure' of the tranny as well as the torque converter. $5700 quote for replacement from the dealership. OUCH!
The blessing for me was that the information found here in the forum lead me to the purchase of an extend warranty. I am still waiting how well the (aftermarket) coverage handles the claim.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
AMG C43, 1999
No problems with my tranny. However I know it was completely overhauled at about 55,000 miles.
I run Mobil 1 Syn ATF and change out whats in the pan (4qts) about every 3,000 miles.
Jeff
I run Mobil 1 Syn ATF and change out whats in the pan (4qts) about every 3,000 miles.
Jeff
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
C43, NSX, F250 Diesel
'Waiting Here in Limbo'
...As Jimmy Cliff sang it, is the tune that comes to mind while I wait out the results of the pending warranty claim.
I have an aftermarket contract and from what I understand, assuming they cover the claim (crossed fingers appreciated), they will attempt to first locate an 'equally used' transmission. If not found, then they will search for a 'refurbished' unit and then if all else fails, they will follow MB's standard of 'NO REPAIR, ONLY REPLACE' with a new tranny.
The prognosis doesn't look favorable!
Let this be a warning to those who;
A) assume that the MB name alone is sufficient security against Catastrophic failures.
B) believe the claims of warranty contracts (and vendors) without performing EXTENSIVE research on the company and the fine print within the contract.
I have an aftermarket contract and from what I understand, assuming they cover the claim (crossed fingers appreciated), they will attempt to first locate an 'equally used' transmission. If not found, then they will search for a 'refurbished' unit and then if all else fails, they will follow MB's standard of 'NO REPAIR, ONLY REPLACE' with a new tranny.
The prognosis doesn't look favorable!
Let this be a warning to those who;
A) assume that the MB name alone is sufficient security against Catastrophic failures.
B) believe the claims of warranty contracts (and vendors) without performing EXTENSIVE research on the company and the fine print within the contract.
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
1999 C43
Can I vote again? 
Took it in during the last throughs of the warranty, had a lot of things done. Specifically re: the trans, the freewheel unit was falling apart. They also repaced the front pump. Replaced lots of other parts, "almost a rebuild". But now that I have driven it for a week, the "smacks up against the rev limiter before shifting" problem is still there. I might make a new tread about this, but I once saw a fix that someone said their service people did, and it outlined all the steps taken. It might have been on here but I couldn't find it. Anyone know what I am talking about?
And now the trans has developed a high pitched whine under full throttle, starting at about 4K rpm...
And I thought my Porsche (993) was a POS...
Thanks
Took it in during the last throughs of the warranty, had a lot of things done. Specifically re: the trans, the freewheel unit was falling apart. They also repaced the front pump. Replaced lots of other parts, "almost a rebuild". But now that I have driven it for a week, the "smacks up against the rev limiter before shifting" problem is still there. I might make a new tread about this, but I once saw a fix that someone said their service people did, and it outlined all the steps taken. It might have been on here but I couldn't find it. Anyone know what I am talking about?
And now the trans has developed a high pitched whine under full throttle, starting at about 4K rpm...
And I thought my Porsche (993) was a POS...
Thanks
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
C43, NSX, F250 Diesel
Outcome of Extended Warranty Claim
Great news!!!
...for me anyway.
After several heated conversations with the warranty company over the contract fine print (lack thereof) and what
I will have a new transmission (not used) installed this week.
I will not be funding the unnecessary 9 extra hours labor to 'inspect' the inside of a failed transmission
I will be driving their rent car until mine is returned.
Interestingly enough, the last conversation included questions regarding my choice in purchasing this after market coverage.
"Why our company?" He asked
"Because nobody else would offer extend coverage on AMG." I replied.
With the outcome of this transaction, I understand there will be further steps taken to prevent warranty solicitation on MB models labeled with a single letter/double digit marque.
...Lets see how well they respond next time.
...for me anyway.
After several heated conversations with the warranty company over the contract fine print (lack thereof) and what
I will have a new transmission (not used) installed this week.
I will not be funding the unnecessary 9 extra hours labor to 'inspect' the inside of a failed transmission
I will be driving their rent car until mine is returned.
Interestingly enough, the last conversation included questions regarding my choice in purchasing this after market coverage.
"Why our company?" He asked
"Because nobody else would offer extend coverage on AMG." I replied.
With the outcome of this transaction, I understand there will be further steps taken to prevent warranty solicitation on MB models labeled with a single letter/double digit marque.
...Lets see how well they respond next time.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Fluid change on C43 Tranny
Can someone please elaborate on how to get your fluid changed on the C43 when the dealer says, 'its a sealed system and does not need changing?'
I see lots of references to change it and I want to with 80K trouble free miles ( consider myself fortunate ).
I took it to an outside shop and they told me the same thing, though they don't buy it either.
Help appreciated.
Thanks
I see lots of references to change it and I want to with 80K trouble free miles ( consider myself fortunate ).
I took it to an outside shop and they told me the same thing, though they don't buy it either.
Help appreciated.
Thanks
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
AMG C43, 1999
On the flat black colored pan under the trans is a 5mm allen head bolt that you can unscrew to allow 3 to 4 quarts of ATF to drain out.
Although you only get out 3-4 qts. it's very easy and takes 15-20 minutes. Then lift the hood and break the cap seal for the ATF fluid. It is located in the rear of the motor near the firewall.
So then you put in the same amount of fluid you drained out and drive around for a week or so and then repeat. After a few drain cycles you will have essentually new ATF fluid. I have been using Mobil 1 Syn. ATF to my great satisfaction.
Jeff
Although you only get out 3-4 qts. it's very easy and takes 15-20 minutes. Then lift the hood and break the cap seal for the ATF fluid. It is located in the rear of the motor near the firewall.
So then you put in the same amount of fluid you drained out and drive around for a week or so and then repeat. After a few drain cycles you will have essentually new ATF fluid. I have been using Mobil 1 Syn. ATF to my great satisfaction.
Jeff
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Columbia,SC
2017 GLE 350 Wifey, 2005 C55 AMG
65000 and counting, had filter and fluid changed at about 45- 50 k and so far no problems, but i must stress I rarley redline my car, after the first couple times that motion just bores me so why beat it. Keepin fingers crossed cause no warranty left on this machine!!!!
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2012 SLS AMG
Transmission problems
I have a 99 c43 and I also had problems with my tranny. At 28,000 miles the whole thing was destroyed. I needed a new computer, tranny, gearbox....etc. The price was $7,850. Thank God it was still under factory warranty.
Now I have 37,000 and its running great.
Now I have 37,000 and its running great.
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
Remember to get MB to reprogram the tranny to the new lesser agressive software so that you don't blow the tranny again. That was the main problem witht he C43 trannies is that the software programmed the tranny to be agressive.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 29
From: Sydney, Australia
190D 2.5 (x2), 190E 2.6, W202 C240,W202 C43 (C55), W210 E55, W212 E250CDI
Have any of the tech's out there seen any supporting documentation of this software problem?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 29
From: Sydney, Australia
190D 2.5 (x2), 190E 2.6, W202 C240,W202 C43 (C55), W210 E55, W212 E250CDI
I remember someone had powerchip/another tuner bump up the rev limiter by about 200-300rpm which stopped this happening. I have experienced this but only in the 1-2 shift when there is a slight downhill. There is no factory fix for this issue.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 595
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
Its really a hit or miss issue. I know 5 people who have W202 AMG's. 4 out of the 5 people have had tranny issues. One of them needed a whole replacement. Other 202 owners I know that have non AMG have not had this issue. Its a really a hit or miss.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
C43
Mine has 145,000 miles and there has been no rebuild as far as I know and I have what I think are all the records (im 3rd owner) Is this car just a ticking time bomb for sure? Tranny has zero issues currently.
Should I have the computer reprogrammed now to be less agressive?
Should I have the computer reprogrammed now to be less agressive?
