03 E500 transmission problem
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, California
2012 E63 AMG Wagon
Sorry to bring up an old thread - i have this issue and I need help. I'm out of warranty...what to do? How do I figure out my production date? and will mercedes pay for this defect?
Last edited by RONB; Jun 9, 2008 at 02:14 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Well, worst fear came true..the dealer advised today that the transmission has glycol contamination. They will have to replace transmission, radiator, TCU and everyhting else in the path...sux..only 40k on my wifes E500.
I hope no one else has to go thru this...I don;t understand how Mercedes would let a simple radiator problem fester until it wrecks a perfectly good transmission....it must make some business sense to someone...
Has anyone written directly to MBUSA on this issue?
I hope no one else has to go thru this...I don;t understand how Mercedes would let a simple radiator problem fester until it wrecks a perfectly good transmission....it must make some business sense to someone...
Has anyone written directly to MBUSA on this issue?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 612
Likes: 2
From: NY
'12 Mustang 5.0, '89 Supra Turbo, C55,
This is leading me to bel. that the E500 shares the same Valeo radiator that was used in the C32. If you ck. out that forum, you'll notice the Achilles heel to the C32 was the defective Valeo radiator which leaked coolant into the tranny, killing it. It was not a recall. If you do a search for "glycol" or "transmission" in the C32 forums, u'll spend most of your day reading people's exp. with this.
This basically sums it up:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c55-amg-w203/246522-i-searched-first-i-promise-glycol-questions.html
Ck. out post #12. MB recognized the problem: If your car (C32) has a production date of Sep. 03 (ck. exact date in that post), AND a Valeo radiator, AND identify the crimps to be as stated in post #12, chances are the rad. is or will leak coolant into the tranny, causing glycol contamination.
MB rectified the problem by replacing the Valeo with BEHR radiators, or used a better quality Valeo (the rad. top end crimping is diff. from the "bad" Valeo).
SO, reading this thread and MB confirming glycol contamination gives me evidence to presume the pre-09/03 E500's (maybe E320's too?) use the same or very similar defective radiator that can be found in the C32.
I could be wrong, but the evidence is compelling.....
Good luck with the fix.
For those that meet this criteria, you can ask MB to perform a glycol contamination test. I was interested in the C32 before my E500 purchase, but opted for the E due to space requirements. I never followed up if MB will pay for the damage....I hope they do!
Oops, I just noticed how old this thread is, but its good info. and RONB, hope this helps a little. There is a way to identify if you have the BEHR or Valeo, but again search the C32 forum to find out how to ck. it. (The brand is not stamped on top of the radiator in plain sight).
This basically sums it up:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c55-amg-w203/246522-i-searched-first-i-promise-glycol-questions.html
Ck. out post #12. MB recognized the problem: If your car (C32) has a production date of Sep. 03 (ck. exact date in that post), AND a Valeo radiator, AND identify the crimps to be as stated in post #12, chances are the rad. is or will leak coolant into the tranny, causing glycol contamination.
MB rectified the problem by replacing the Valeo with BEHR radiators, or used a better quality Valeo (the rad. top end crimping is diff. from the "bad" Valeo).
SO, reading this thread and MB confirming glycol contamination gives me evidence to presume the pre-09/03 E500's (maybe E320's too?) use the same or very similar defective radiator that can be found in the C32.
I could be wrong, but the evidence is compelling.....
Good luck with the fix.
For those that meet this criteria, you can ask MB to perform a glycol contamination test. I was interested in the C32 before my E500 purchase, but opted for the E due to space requirements. I never followed up if MB will pay for the damage....I hope they do!
Oops, I just noticed how old this thread is, but its good info. and RONB, hope this helps a little. There is a way to identify if you have the BEHR or Valeo, but again search the C32 forum to find out how to ck. it. (The brand is not stamped on top of the radiator in plain sight).
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, California
2012 E63 AMG Wagon
Thanks for the info gnma; i'm pretty pissed- I really hope Mercedes fixes this problem since its a defect - trying to find more info on the lawsuit and what to do from here...
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
2003 E500 Sport, 1999 ML430 & Regal 402 Commodore
This thread is scaring the s__t out of me. I have an 03 E500 with 45000 on the clock. I'm out of warranty & have had an occasional miss-shift that I thought was wierd. Now I'm worried that I may have more to fix on my problem child.
Does anyone have a part number on the current & replacement rads? I'd like to see if my car has been updated. If not, I'm thinking of changing the rad. Any thoughts? I don't see it being any where near as expensive as an new tranny.
Thanks...
Does anyone have a part number on the current & replacement rads? I'd like to see if my car has been updated. If not, I'm thinking of changing the rad. Any thoughts? I don't see it being any where near as expensive as an new tranny.
Thanks...
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Current radiator part #A2115003102 replaces A2115000202. I can forward a copy of DTB P-B-27.55/50g MAR08 instructing how to check if your vehicle is equipped with a Valeo radiator and associated old crimping method. PM your email address.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Nassau, Bahamas
2003 E500
I had my Tranny Fluid Check for contamination and they found none, so I went ahead and replaced the radiator to avoid future problems. If you are out of warranty it may be the best route to go !
Almost a Member!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
2003 E500
did you get your tranny fluid checked at the dealer? did they charge you for this? i'm about due for some service or another on my 03 E500 and would like to get this checked out. overall my ride is really smooth, but sometimes at low speeds (like in parking lots) the car kinda staggers forward awkwardly until i obtain some speed. any chance this is caused by contamination?
thanks
thanks
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Nassau, Bahamas
2003 E500
did you get your tranny fluid checked at the dealer? did they charge you for this? i'm about due for some service or another on my 03 E500 and would like to get this checked out. overall my ride is really smooth, but sometimes at low speeds (like in parking lots) the car kinda staggers forward awkwardly until i obtain some speed. any chance this is caused by contamination?
thanks
thanks
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...hlight=JERking
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
I have a C32 2002 with no issues (jerking or otherwise) and want to prevent the problem before I have it. I would appreciate if you could either copy-past the DTB here or email to me. Thanks, Andy
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia
05 clk 55 conv., 03 E500, 01 E55, 03 F350, FJR1300....
I also had the transmission shuttering/ jerking problem.
I contacted my local dealer, decribed my problem to them, and also let them know about the TSB. They claimed they have never heard of a glycol contamination problem with the E class. Fearing the worst of glycol contamination (as I have no warranty) I took a gamble to see If I could fix the problem myself.
This is what I did. I disconected the transmission lines where they entered the radiator and installed a Mr. Transmission trany cooler in the area behind the fog light ( bypassing the stock transmission cooler in the radiator)Took my benz to the dealer and had them do a complete flush of the transmission.
NO MORE JERKING/ SHUTTERING etc...
If cought early enough, I guess no transmission damage should occur with glycol contamination, and if my tranny never had glycol contamination(as a test was never performed) I made sure it would never happen,as my ride has the Valeo radiator. This is a cheap way to prevent a potentialy very expensive repair bill.
I contacted my local dealer, decribed my problem to them, and also let them know about the TSB. They claimed they have never heard of a glycol contamination problem with the E class. Fearing the worst of glycol contamination (as I have no warranty) I took a gamble to see If I could fix the problem myself.
This is what I did. I disconected the transmission lines where they entered the radiator and installed a Mr. Transmission trany cooler in the area behind the fog light ( bypassing the stock transmission cooler in the radiator)Took my benz to the dealer and had them do a complete flush of the transmission.
NO MORE JERKING/ SHUTTERING etc...
If cought early enough, I guess no transmission damage should occur with glycol contamination, and if my tranny never had glycol contamination(as a test was never performed) I made sure it would never happen,as my ride has the Valeo radiator. This is a cheap way to prevent a potentialy very expensive repair bill.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
I had the same design defect occur with my 2003 E500 about a year ago with about 40,000 miles on the vehicle. It was the connection of the cooling line for the transmission which goes through the radiator and coolant fluid got into the transmission. In my case, I immediately noticed the transmission having a slight vibration when accelerating and took it to the dealer. They did warranty service by replacing only the Torque Converter and Radiator and flushing both the cooling system and transmission and it's been operating fine since them. I also agree: Why didn't MB do a service recall on these vehicles since SO MANY have encountered this problem!!!
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
e500
I am a newbie with an 03 E500 with 34,000 miles on it. I started having issues with the transmission bucking between 1,200 to 2,000 rpm. After reading this thread, I learned about the Glycol contamination problems with the early model vehicles. I took it to the dealer and indeed they found the poison. they changed the radiator, torque converter and transmission under the 100,000 mi. powertrain warranty. The only thing I paid for was the glycol test $130. I got it back yesterday and it feels smoother than ever! I thank you all for the valuable information.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
MB Certified Pre-Owned Warranties
I am a newbie with an 03 E500 with 34,000 miles on it. I started having issues with the transmission bucking between 1,200 to 2,000 rpm. After reading this thread, I learned about the Glycol contamination problems with the early model vehicles. I took it to the dealer and indeed they found the poison. they changed the radiator, torque converter and transmission under the 100,000 mi. powertrain warranty. The only thing I paid for was the glycol test $130. I got it back yesterday and it feels smoother than ever! I thank you all for the valuable information.
DISCOVERED NEW INFORMATION THAT ANSWERS MY OWN QUESTION!!!
I just read the MB pamphlet on Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Extended Warranties. I now realize that MB provides an automatic 12 months CPO warranty, up to 100,000 miles max, when you buy a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle from a MB Dealer. In my case, I also bought when I purchased my CPO vehicle from the MB Dealer an additional 24 months CPO Warranty which also is still limited to the max 100,000 mileage. So, MB provides the option when you buy a CPO vehicle a max coverage of seven years not to exceed 100,000. I now realize I have another year of MB warranty coverage and I don't have to worry about buying a third-party warranty from Warranty Direct until Jan 2010.
Last edited by mcleantmw; Oct 7, 2008 at 02:07 PM. Reason: New Information
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
2003 E500
I have an 03 E500 with 36k. Have ALL problems listed by posters on this topic. Took it into the dealer last week and they said my tranny fluid was as black as used oil. They also said they took a look at the torque converter and that needed replacing asap. No contamination in the tranny fluid from the radiator though but the electrical line was seeping oil into the tranny, they called it a "wicking" problem.
Long story short, I'm out 3 grand and my car won't be ready till Wednesday. As soon as I get out of law school I'm buying a Lexus. Even my 330ci didn't have problems this expensive by any stretch. Sure it nickeled and dimed me once in a while but a hundred bucks at the worst. I'm really disappointed in this car as of late. The handling is great and the ride is nice but this problem along with some finnicky electrical/ECU issues I also had recently really makes me wish I still have my BMW. Best of luck to everyone else.
Long story short, I'm out 3 grand and my car won't be ready till Wednesday. As soon as I get out of law school I'm buying a Lexus. Even my 330ci didn't have problems this expensive by any stretch. Sure it nickeled and dimed me once in a while but a hundred bucks at the worst. I'm really disappointed in this car as of late. The handling is great and the ride is nice but this problem along with some finnicky electrical/ECU issues I also had recently really makes me wish I still have my BMW. Best of luck to everyone else.
