melararealtor

I recently purchased a 1996 E320 with only 65K miles. It was taken care of really well, I have driven it only 4K miles and saturday night the tranny 1 to 2 started slipping (taking a little too long to shift). It was driving fine until that night. I have not had the transmission serviced and have no idea when it last was. The tranny fluid is fine and not low. I hope it is not the disc that is shot because the tranny will have to come out (and I can't handle that bill!!). What I do not understand is how prematurely this problem has come. I would not be surprised at 100K+ miles, but 69K miles?? anyone know what this could be? could the fluid cause the slippage? I would appreciate any feedback before I take it to the mechanic..

thanks again!!

E-Klasse

How did you check the fluid level to say that it was good? It should be serviced every 30K miles so take it to a dealer or some one who knows Benzes and have it serviced. You want to make sure they use the corrct MB fluid. Keep us posted.

GDawgC220

is it taking longer to shift when you start driving after it's been sitting for a while? If so, that's the upshift delay for the tranny. It holds the first two gears a little longer to help warm up the cat coverter quicker so it works more efficiently.

zam2000

Did you check to make sure you don't have the transmission on Winter mode ? I accidently left mine in that mode for a while, and when I went back to Summer mode, it slip for a while, then the transmission adjust itself, and all is well now.

sosh

If its actually slipping and not a delayed shift it has an internal problem. If thats the case,it must come out and be opened up to repair. I suggest a Benz specialist or dealer, not one of the chain trans shops or a local "all make" trans shop. Potential cost is maybe a couple of grand, thats not too bad.

michakaveli

Could be the tranny computer too. I heard of that happen before with the tranny acting funny.

Although you do have the older style transmission, you shouldn't be experiencing such problems of slipping for a long time.

melararealtor

It is actually slipping, I do not think it is a delayed shift because it only does it from 1/2. Also it does it when the car is cold AND warm. My car does not have the winter mode option. I do not know if the fluid is good. I know that the fluid level is fine, however is there a chance the fluid has become too thin? With my older tranny I figured this would be an over 100K problem..Also should the slippage occur from night to day like in my case??

jclemen

I just had my tranny fluid changed last week. Mine had a delay when shifting from park to reverse or drive when cold. It was $300 at the dealer, although lifetime fluid in my car, they recommend changing it every 100k.
Regardless, changing the fluid is probably the first thing you want to do when diagnosing transmission problems. If it still persists after that, then you go on to the next possible culprit.
Mine cleared up, it shifts directly now, as well as an improvement in the 'kickdown' response.

melararealtor

ok guys here is the deal,

I went to my mechanic here locally in Houston. I went ahead and did the tranny servicing (gotta try to resolve it cheaply). After 150 bucks of service, same deal. My mechanic drove the car again and concluded that the tranny is slipping from 3rd to 4th. This means the tranny will have to come out and the clutches and discs replaced. he quoted me price of about 2,500 to 2,800 bucks. My question is can I get the work done cheaper at a regular tranny shop? if so fo how much cheaper? Any houston referrals would also be appreciated...

michakaveli

that actually sounds like a deal in comparison to other quotes I've read in other posts...

melararealtor

This may be true, however, it irritates me that I only drove it 4k miles before it tanked. I know that I am not protected under lemon laws of texas, but I still feel that there should be some recourse against the lexus dealership that sold it to me. I can only think that I can sue them for implied warranty of merchantability.. I don't plan on going quietly on this deal..

melararealtor

I have been contemplating sending my car to a a private individual (he has a shop). He has been recommended by a close friend and strictly works on transmissions. I called him and he said that it would not be problem rebuilding my transmission especially since is a 96 (before the electronics came into play) He fixed my friends Lexus Transmission. He would charge me half as much as my mercedes mechanic. here are my questions..

1. How hard is it to change the transmission? Any specific equipment (like computers) that he will need? or that he would have to get from mercedes?

2. This may sound like a stupid questions, but what is the worst that could happen?, as in, it is a basic transmission rebuild. Anyone have experienced a faulty transmission rebuild job? and if so, what should I look for?

I know I am taking a risk, however, for the money I am saving (and he guarantees his work), I am willing to take a risk..

thanks!

E-Klasse

Have you heard of pay now or pay later? The worst case is that after you have it worked on and it fails again, then you will have to have the dealership fix it anyway so now it cost you 1.5 times as much instead of half. How long is he going to stand behind the work, 1 year or 12K miles? Why would you need a computer if it is a mechanical fault. I don't think the 96 has one if it is the last year of the 4 speed non-electronic transmissions. You can swap in a used transmission with less miles and take a chance. You might gain a couple of years. Find out what the labor charge is for a swap.

melararealtor

oh yes..I know what you mean, it is very risky...where or what type of place would be a good to get a used tranny?