gofargogo

Hi all-
I've been reading through these forums, and I would really appreciate your advice.

My parents have a e320 with 170k. The transmission has issues (stuck in first until hot, along with a grinding noise), but the car has been well maintained at the dealer for the last 10 years. They have offered to give to me to do whatever I'd like (sell it, dontate it, fix it, etc..)

Ideally I'd like to fix it, if it doesn't cost me a mint (north of $3k). I'm mechanically inclined and have always done my own automotive work including clutch jobs, head gasket repairs, transmission swaps, but on less sophisticated machinery like subarus, ford trucks and VWs.

Should I attempt to fix it, or is it going to be too much expense and bother?

ohlord

where located?
How does the engine run?

CKonstantin

Fix it and enjoy, if the tranny is the only major issue I would go for it. Just make sure it isn't merely the tip of the iceberg

In any case even if you do decide to get rid of it later on, having changed/fixed the tranny would increase the value of the car

Figuero

As Ohlord asks - Details?
Assuming it's a prefacelift model and in excellent condition except for the transmission it's probably worth fixing. The wholesale price of the car is probably around $3,000 - $4,000 so you could easily flip the car for that price - more if you are willing to try to go for retail which is harder to guage depending on location etc.

If it's a post facelift - it's a no brainer assuming all's well except the transmission - fix it and enjoy the ride or the profit if you prefer.

If the car has truly properly maintained at the dealer for the last 10 years your parents should have a long list of "recommended" repairs. (Even if they weren't really necessary at the time). That should give you a huge clue as to the true condition of the car. Have they had the dealer look at the transmission yet?

gofargogo

It's located in Norther California (no salt ever), and the engine has never had a problem (that I know of). I even think that they've never had to replace the window switches. It's pre-face lift, and as far as I know it's only the transmission. My dad said there were some driveshaft bushings (his words) that should be replaced as part of about $1000 worth of 'deferred maintenance'.

The car has been great for my parents, and my dad is **** about maintaining his cars, they always goes to the dealer, and he pays close attention to any 'issues' that come up. He's the kind of guy that gets his tires rebalanced once or twice a year because he detects increasing vibration in the steering wheel.

My plan is to read the codes with a OBD scanner and see if they match up with the 'classic' symptoms of a failed control unit. If it's a mechanical failure, I'm more hesitant, simply because of the number of unknowns (can I use a later MY2000+ tranny, which is supposedly stronger? Do I have to have the dealer reset the TCU/ECU if I do use a different tranny, etc...)

I'd really like to fix it and keep it as a daily driver, but I also don't need an expensive cantankerous prima dona in my stable at the moment. So I'll gather data from the car and then research, research, research....

RichardM98

Sorry but an OBD scanner reads generic emission control device codes and does not read the ECU or TCU codes or adaptation values. You need SDS for that.

All W210 V6s use the 722.6xx electronically controlled transmission. I'm sure there are small differences but I don't think a later one is 'stronger' except because it may have few miles and/or had better care.

gofargogo

And SDS is only available at the dealer, right? So the only way I'd get those codes, would be to tow the car to the dealer, pay them to scan it and then tow it home?

CKonstantin

Unless you can get someone to come and take a look, some advanced aftermarket scanners(Snap-On Modis, OTC Genisys) can connect to Engine, Airbag, IC and Transmission, they will give you the code and even some Data Streams, but only SDS will give you full access to all the modules.

Look around maybe you'll be able to find someone willing to come by and do a scan, which will save you a trip to the dealer, alternatively you can look around for a good Indi shop in your area, it might be worth it to tow the car there for a complete check-up(including the scan), which may give you a better idea on what to do next.

gofargogo

Excellent advice. Thanks.

RichardM98

Depending on where you are located you may get someone to come to you. Some independent shops have SDS.

gofargogo

Well I drove it a little tonight, and I'm definitely going to go for it. It drove ok, and shifted into 1-3rd. It held onto each gear longer than I felt it should but it did shift and I didn't hear any expensive noises. My dad said it acts worse when it's colder outside (below 45 or so). I hope to drive it home tomorrow and then I'll start troubleshooting.