MattBenzE500

My E500 is booked in for diagnostic next week so I’m starting a thread on my experience so others might benefit.

it all started a few months ago when sometimes after a journey in the car I would smell burning, usually after longer runs involving motorways and traffic jams. Didn’t worry about it too much and figured if something caught fire, I’d see what’s up

then after a few weeks of this I noticed the gears weren’t shifting as smoothly, very disappointing. Had a fluid and filter change done and there was some improvement so thought great! Solved. Now a month later the shifts are so rough I drive in manual and have noticed it’s between 3rd and 4th that the rough shifting happens and when accelerating on a slip road 4th and 5th gears are really lurching. I haven’t dared to try 6th and 7th, I’d be in orbit.

I’ve researched the issue and will get the fill times checked but given the burning smell and slipping I’m expecting clutch K2 and maybe others have been cooked.

I’ll post again next week with updates.

CaliBenzDriver

I hope a rebuilt tranny job brings lasting relief.

The issue is gears must be shifted in best possible way to prevent wearing out clutch frictions. Each time gears are shifted late the clutch register a shave.... after so many the sludge fills the shift solenoid screens that now only deliver weak pressure to the valve body.

MattBenzE500

No diagnosis as yet. The car is with a transmission specialist near Manchester.

About a month ago I had the ATF changed and the guy said it came out yellow but it could be because it was old fluid or the wrong kind. I also smell coolant in the cab when sat in traffic so I asked the transmission garage to check for contamination first. I think that would cause these symptoms?

The mechanic was quite optimistic that if that was the problem, changing the cooler and replacing the fluids would be enough but wouldn’t it damage the friction surfaces?

Theres quite a lot of threads on here with this kind of issue but they all seem to be missing the eventual outcome, unless they gave up.

MattBenzE500

When the ATF was changed last time 6 weeks ago the mechanic told me the old stuff was yellow when it’s supposed to be blue but it could have been the wrong type or discoloured due to age. This and the fact there is a slight smell of coolant when I’m in traffic but never have to top up, I’m thinking the coolant is mixing with the ATF?
The car is with a transmission specialist now. I’m hoping a new radiator and fluid change will be enough and the clutches have survived. Eek!

Chevota

They didn't say anything after the fluid change? I'd assume if it looked bad they would mention it? I suppose you could pull the pan, and valve body if you were so inclined, to take a look-c.
I drove my truck for a while with no cooler, and temps were still lower than stock. It does not have a lockup converter, so I'd assume with a lockup like you have it would run even cooler. But eng heat on our cars is dumped on the trans so maybe it's a wash?
I recall long ago they sold little stickers you could put on the trans and it would record either the temp, or the highest temp it saw. Maybe worth checking out, or just install a gauge?

MattBenzE500

The last fluid came out yellow and with a faint whiff of coolant whilst sat in traffic I think the issue is a leaky cooler mixing with the ATF.

I’ve got the car at a transmission specialist and asked them to check that first. There’s no transmission errors so hopefully it’s survived any expensive repairs.

WRC-LVR

tattle tale strips..used also in package that need delicate handling. Some are for shock, vibration, some are for temp, some are also for moisture....

MattBenzE500

ATF + coolant = knocked gearbox
knackered gearbox + £2400 repair bill = Webuyanycar.com

So sad I had to wimp out and get rid of the car, it truly was awesome but I can’t keep chasing it with money.
That V8 was one to cross off the bucket list.
I hope to be back behind the wheel of a Merc before too long.