Transmission on 1999 E300 TD disintegrated

Oct 20, 2007 | 12:14 AM

ishethere2001

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E300TD -> Now a new Black/Black GL 550

Transmission on 1999 E300 TD disintegrated

The transmission disintegrated... I heard what sounds like one of the bands internal let lose. Then transmission fluid all over the ground.

This is a 1999 E300 TD with 132,000 miles. This shouldn't have happened so soon in the life of a diesel Mercedes. It has been to Mercedes for every service and to this point (other than replacing bushings in the suspension and numerous light bulbs) has had no major issues. Just the parts (transmission and torq converter) is $ 3.5 k.

Does anyone know if this model has a known problem with something defective in the transmissions? I have no access to the service bulletins.

Thanks in advance for any help!

John

Oct 20, 2007 | 12:34 AM

dsmith

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Toledo, OH

88 535is, 89 318iT

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishethere2001

This is a 1999 E300 TD with 132,000 miles. This shouldn't have happened so soon in the life of a diesel Mercedes. It has been to Mercedes for every service and to this point (other than replacing bushings in the suspension and numerous light bulbs) has had no major issues. Just the parts (transmission and torq converter) is $ 3.5 k.

Does anyone know if this model has a known problem with something defective in the transmissions? I have no access to the service bulletins.

Thanks in advance for any help!

John

Unfortunately, that's about the lifespan on an automatic transmission. Always has been, always will be. The transmission doesn't care if the engine it's attached to is diesel or gas. Some last longer, some shorter. Sorry it happened on your watch. How often was the transmission serviced? Should have had 2-3 fluid/filter changes by now, if you expected it to last longer.

Replace and move on. If that $3.5k scares you, you wouldnt' have wanted to rebuild my 911 tranny and clutch, like I did last year! Just the clutch kit parts were $1300!

Also, we put a factory new manual tranny in my friend's base model 99 Tacoma PU. The tranny was $4k, it died at 80k miles, but he towed a boat.

Last edited by dsmith; Oct 20, 2007 at 12:39 AM.

Oct 20, 2007 | 01:19 AM

ishethere2001

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E300TD -> Now a new Black/Black GL 550

hmmm

My older Mercedes diesel transmission went to 235,000 before I sold the car for a dollar ('84 190d)

I am having it fixed at the dealer, that was just the parts cost. Now include the front spring mounts (6hrs labor each)... and the diesel fuel line leak.. AC repair...

I am buying a new Mercedes, not trading this one in, and it must have heard me negotiating. I am giving it to my sister for trade in value.. now that check just pays for all the repairs

John

Oct 20, 2007 | 03:31 AM

ohlord

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Joined: Apr 2007

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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.

A transmission

that has had it's fluid changed and has not been abused will last way longer then the lifetime mr.dsmith states above.200,000 miles +
The problem with the Mercedes trans is they said lifetime fluid,and they were wrong.Install a low mile used trans,put new fluid in it,and let your sister enjoy.
Buying a new benz?Be prepared to be in the shop,more then you are on the road.
ohlord