03 transmission problems ...
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
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2003 CLK500
03 transmission problems ...
so ive been having transmission issues for the last few weeks (2) and i have come to the conclusion that it has the coolant contamination issue or possibly low transmission fluid. what are the best way to go about checking it without actually having to take it to the dealer?
model: 2003 clk 500
milieage: 42000 (41000 when i first noticed the issue)
symptoms: the transmission feels like its stuttering/hesitation or slipping.
any insight would be extremely helpful as my car is out of warranty!
model: 2003 clk 500
milieage: 42000 (41000 when i first noticed the issue)
symptoms: the transmission feels like its stuttering/hesitation or slipping.
any insight would be extremely helpful as my car is out of warranty!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
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clk500
i would be interested in knowing how to prevent this from happening to my 03 clk500 as well... i am also out of warranty, i actually returned my warranty, after reading this im thinking i shouldnt have..:-/
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clk500
maybe swap out valeo radiator with Behr brand ,and get a coolant, trans flush from dealer? sounds like the only way to get peace of mind! im having a horrible time trying to determine if i have valeo, or Behr brand radiator, this independent shop wants to charge me 250 to find out, and the dealer isnt helping me out either, even after i said if its valeo u can put the behr and i will pay the 700$ parts labor if it turns out to be the valeo.... life sucks!
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clk55
I said in the other thread as well. Go check the tranny oil. If it's still black then you're ok. If its milky white, your oil is done. Replace your radiator right away when you see this and hope the tranny is ok. Check your tranny oil every 3k miles.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
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03 CLK320
i noticed alot of build up where the transmission line connects to the radiator. im concerned now since i got 92k miles on the car. would anyone know if this problem would be covered by the extended warranty. thanks!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
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2003 CLK500
i just purchased a new radiator and 15 quarts of transmission fluid. this is what the dealer said to do.
1. replace radiator.
2. flush the transmission and fill it back up with 5 quarts of fluid.
3. drive for 300-500 miles.
4. flush and fill another 5 quarts.
5. drive for another 300-500 miles.
6. refill with the last 5 quarts and hope everything is ok.
it should be covered under warranty as its a widely known issue. glycol contamination 
1. replace radiator.
2. flush the transmission and fill it back up with 5 quarts of fluid.
3. drive for 300-500 miles.
4. flush and fill another 5 quarts.
5. drive for another 300-500 miles.
6. refill with the last 5 quarts and hope everything is ok.
i noticed alot of build up where the transmission line connects to the radiator. im concerned now since i got 92k miles on the car. would anyone know if this problem would be covered by the extended warranty. thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 293
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From: Columbus, OH
2003 CLK500
i just purchased a new radiator and 15 quarts of transmission fluid. this is what the dealer said to do.
1. replace radiator.
2. flush the transmission and fill it back up with 5 quarts of fluid.
3. drive for 300-500 miles.
4. flush and fill another 5 quarts.
5. drive for another 300-500 miles.
6. refill with the last 5 quarts and hope everything is ok.
it should be covered under warranty as its a widely known issue. glycol contamination
1. replace radiator.
2. flush the transmission and fill it back up with 5 quarts of fluid.
3. drive for 300-500 miles.
4. flush and fill another 5 quarts.
5. drive for another 300-500 miles.
6. refill with the last 5 quarts and hope everything is ok.
it should be covered under warranty as its a widely known issue. glycol contamination
, when I asked him about it... Anybody have a spare transmission the could sell me?(yeah, it just went out today)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 31
From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
how much is a tranny nowadays? I think when mine went out in 2004 the dealer said it was a 7 grand parts and service job. can't be that expensive now....
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 293
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From: Columbus, OH
2003 CLK500
Shopping around on eBay, I found a used one for $1200, but they can go up to about $5000 rebuilt. Average price is about $2500. But there are still shipping fees, core charges, and installation of course.
