osiris667

Hi All,

Two Questions.

Can anyone recommend a good shop for my '97 420 in the Seattle area ?

I've tried both dealerships, Fat City German auto, and German Auto Works, and I have been a little underwhelmed with the service, pricing, or condesending attitude.

2nd.

I want to get my TCU seals checked for any leaking transmission fluid, because I am getting the same tranny issues with shifting, and the tranny threw an error code recently.

has anyone had this fixed, and how much should i expect to pay.

thanks.

mbtech208

What is the "TCU"?

osiris667

The Transmission Control Unit, which I understand that with the w210 has noted problem with the seals from this unit leaking fluid in, and causing erratic shifting errors, which after turning the car off and restarting the car the errors are gone.

I just got my car back last night and they said they did not know what the error message I got meant (Error was faulty speed sensor in the transmission) And that the whole transmission had to be replaced (at the meager expense of $6800)

I did however suggest that maybe there was something going on with the control unit and they then agreed that it certainly seems like a distinct possibility.

-o

mbtech208

In Benz terms, it's the ETC (Electronic Transmission Control unit). Anyways, all late-model MBs share a common transmission, the 722.6 (except the new seven-speed, which is the 722.9), so any problem applies to all cars with that trans, not just the W210 in particular. The fluid leaking into the control unit is an extremely rare occurance, usually it will leak out of the electrical connector onto the ground far before it works its way up the wire harness. I've only seen 1 or 2 cars with fluid in the control units, so it shouldn't be a big worry. I have seen the speed sensor code before on several occasions, and the problem ended up being the conductive plate on top of the valve body solenoids, which is much cheaper than the transmission the other guy tried to sell you. Good luck.

osiris667

thanks for your reply.
appreciate the response.

galleryvw

i had fluid seeping into the control unit - giving me codes. they replaced the wire and the codes went away. keep your fingers crossed.

vince

zam2000

Same here. Best Bnz in Manhatan Beach took care of my problem.

raymond g-

osiris667: coworkers have been telling me to bring my 99 e320 over to Continental Motors in Lake City. Their
experience seems to indicate that they were pleased with service and pricing. I've not gotten to swing by there yet to have A/C looked at or seeping cable going to the tranny unit. Eh...maybe next week.

osiris667

Thanks Raymond.
I need to get 60K service done, Ill check them out.

How many miles do you have on your 99, and do you have any mods planned for this summer ?

Im planning on getting new projector lamps or smoked lamps, and tail lights.

-o

raymond g-

I'm still too new an M-B owner to dump the bucks into a mod that I'm still reading and learning from others on this list. My game plan is to talk up all these *****in mods so you make them first....then I'll can see what it looks like. :-)

I'm aching to update the factory sound system first, then tint windows, and possibly anti-sway bars....followed then with HID and rims/tires, pretty much in that order. Driving home today, I turned on the A/C and air emitted didn't even get close to turning my gonads blue. Smelled a bit of chemical odor......refrig leak? So, maybe I'll see you up at Continental soon.

My 320 just ticked past 51k. Thinking about getting a good pro wax/finish and to have a little paint touch up on the few small grit dings. I want this ride looking sharp for the few sunny days we get. :-)

I live near Phil Smart dealer and I went there last month just to see the cars up on the hoist and took note of the rims and tire size. That Tire Rack thing is neat but falls short of showing real life proportions etc for me.