stmeece

My 1999 E320 has recently developed some critical problems. It has problems going into reverse. I can rev it up higher than need be and it will finally clunk in rather violently. Also when in drive, it starts out fine but when coasting up to a stop sign It will sometimes feel a big jerk almost like I slammed it into park at 5 mph. I can hear gears spinning and grinding in the lowest gears that seem to go away when it shifts to a higher gear. Ideas?

Thanks.
Steve

Plutoe

Yep it's your tranny-----first thing and quickly, check the fluid level, any thing past that that is not smoke and mirrors is get a tranny scan.

Musikmann

+2 on the transmission.

If the fluid level is O.K. you might derive some benefit from a complete transmission service.

If not, you need to find someone with an MB compatible scanner to read the tranny diagnostic trouble codes. Obviously all the dealer have a Star system but there are others out there, SnapOn makes one for example. Then you have 2 choices:

1) Post the error codes on here and the tranny gurus will guide you toward a DIY fix.

2) You can get that place do the work for you but it will probably be expensive.

Lastly, I would not trust Cottman or AAMCO for this. If you choose the shop route, find an experienced MB Indy shop.

stmeece

Thanks you guys. I found a local German Auto repair shop and I'll start there. I'll decide where to go from there once I see their level of expertise. It's 40 miles to my nearest MB dealer and the one in Eugene, OR I don't trust. I have some history with them and was not pleased. Can you say bait and switch? There is another 40 miles away in the opposite direction that I'll try if need be. Lastly, If it needs a full rebuild I'll have to weigh that cost against the value of the car. KBB says it's only worth a little over $5k so it may not be worth it. The CLK is my hot rod but the E class is our very comfortable traveling car. Luckily I also have a CLK430 to drive while I work through this. I'll keep you posted.

Musikmann

You're welcome from this side. If you trust the $5000 figure then a new transmission from MB is out of the question. But you might only need something easy and inexpensive. Good luck with the German auto repair shop, there are a lot of them out there.

BTW, if possible, try to find one with former MB techs. I know of only one here and that is owned by a MB factory trained tech who left the local dealer.