My 1997 E320 occasionally "flares" between gear 2 and 3 under light throttle. Has been doing it for two years but now getting worse. Merc dealer tried replacing pump but now says it needs a new transmission. Anyone here with experience? Buy rebuiilt? from who? Ammco?

 

sorry I don't have any advise but my transmission went out also last year so I just took it to mercedes-benz and payed 6g's for a new trans and all the parts that work with it, I know it sounds like alot but I wanted to make sure it was done right.

 

Since its a 97 I would suggest thinking in terms of how long would you keep your car. I understand that my advise may be controvertial and some may not like it period, but I had a friend with a 96 W210 and it did the same thing with transmission.

His solution was to go to a junkyard and pickup a used transmission for $750.00. Cost him less than $500 to have it put on by an independant mercedes shop, and has put on over 30K miles since.

So my advise is to get a used one. Apparently the ones that work good continue to work good for a long time. Also it came with a 30 warranty against defects etc. You may have to pay more labor to have it removed and replaced but still thousands less than the stealer.

I live in Houston and we have shops here that will "rebuild" the transmission. Why not ask around about transmission rebuid shops and see how much would it be to have yours rebuild. Even if it costs more than junkyard transmission, you will know its redone and will have proper warranty.

my 2c. I do not intend to annoy anybody. I know our W210s are so near and dear to us. I love mine very much. but sometimes you have to consider lesseroption due to financial constraints. I am sorry if I offended anyone on this board.

 

I agree mine is 96 and i will do the same when needed $6K is like half the cost of a used 96-97 e320 these days, you will never get a return on that investment rebuild! stay away from aamco and those chain transmission shops since their is more sales people then techs. call around find a small independent that specializes in rebuild with 6 mo-1 year warr. any defect in workmanship should appear withen that time period. There can be quite a big difference in price I wouldnt even consider one over the other unless you have talked to 8-10 shops you can get quotes over the phone.

Good luck!

 

I believe the problem is as simple as replacing the springs and o-rings in the transmission valve body. Go to benzworld under stickies for E320 and you are going to find many articles how to address this.

 

I imagine that after 8 years they've done something about it already.

 

Just drive it until it breaks then get a good used one.A transmission that old why try to fix it.