E500 coolant mixed with Trans fluid
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
Mercedes E500
E500 coolant mixed with Trans fluid
A couple of days ago, I felt that my 2003 E500 was not driving normal. The transmission upshift was not normal. A while later I noticed that at certain speeds (around 2000-3000 RPM) the whole car was shaking.
I took the car to the dealre. Their verdict is that the seal between the main radiator and the part of the radiator that is supposed to cool the trans has broken and collant has gotten mixed with trans fluid, and the trans is damaged.
They said that I need a new transmission, torque converter, and radiator. The car is out of warranty. Cost for the above is $7K. After discussing this with theservice advisor, he called the MB rep and they agreed to pay 50%.
I have seen posts about TSBs on C class cars that addresses this issue. But nothing on E500.
My questions are:
1. Is anyone aware of any TSBs for E500 concerning this problem?
2. What is the best source fo TSBs? Is Alldata the best source?
Many thanks in advance.
I took the car to the dealre. Their verdict is that the seal between the main radiator and the part of the radiator that is supposed to cool the trans has broken and collant has gotten mixed with trans fluid, and the trans is damaged.
They said that I need a new transmission, torque converter, and radiator. The car is out of warranty. Cost for the above is $7K. After discussing this with theservice advisor, he called the MB rep and they agreed to pay 50%.
I have seen posts about TSBs on C class cars that addresses this issue. But nothing on E500.
My questions are:
1. Is anyone aware of any TSBs for E500 concerning this problem?
2. What is the best source fo TSBs? Is Alldata the best source?
Many thanks in advance.
Last edited by fdk110; Aug 29, 2007 at 12:03 PM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
E500
A couple of days ago, I felt that my 2003 E500 was not driving normal. The transmission upshift was not normal. A while later I noticed that at certain speeds (around 2000-3000 RPM) the whole car was shaking.
I took the car to the dealre. Their verdict is that the seal between the main radiator and the part of the radiator that is supposed to cool the trans has broken and collant has gotten mixed with trans fluid, and the trans is damaged.
They said that I need a new transmission, torque converter, and radiator. The car is out of warranty. Cost for the above is $7K. After discussing this with theservice advisor, he called the MB rep and they agreed to pay 50%.
I have seen posts about TSBs on C class cars that addresses this issue. But nothing on E500.
My questions are:
1. Is anyone aware of any TSBs for E500 concerning this problem?
2. What is the best source fo TSBs? Is Alldata the best source?
Many thanks in advance.
I took the car to the dealre. Their verdict is that the seal between the main radiator and the part of the radiator that is supposed to cool the trans has broken and collant has gotten mixed with trans fluid, and the trans is damaged.
They said that I need a new transmission, torque converter, and radiator. The car is out of warranty. Cost for the above is $7K. After discussing this with theservice advisor, he called the MB rep and they agreed to pay 50%.
I have seen posts about TSBs on C class cars that addresses this issue. But nothing on E500.
My questions are:
1. Is anyone aware of any TSBs for E500 concerning this problem?
2. What is the best source fo TSBs? Is Alldata the best source?
Many thanks in advance.
) Couldn't find anything on the E500 either. Good luck as I have an 03 as well and glad I got the extended warranty.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
This problem is well known and specifically addressed by two MBUSA bulletins therefore, even if you are out of warranty the repair inclusive of replacement parts should be cost free. Private message your email address where you are located, and include your VIN if you want a datacard (equipment and color codes, etc.) on your vehicle. I will forward a PDF of both bulletins, etc.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
To date I have been allowing “on the arm” rates to peddle/prove my sweat equity worth and get my foot in the door if you will. However, since the new forum owners refuse to cut me a piece of the pie from now on there will be a 10% kickback fee (finder’s fee for the suits) imposed just as I used to get in the old country (NYC). 
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 723
Likes: 32
From: Central Jersey
2003 E500, 2004 G35X
A couple of days ago, I felt that my 2003 E500 was not driving normal. The transmission upshift was not normal. A while later I noticed that at certain speeds (around 2000-3000 RPM) the whole car was shaking.
I took the car to the dealre. Their verdict is that the seal between the main radiator and the part of the radiator that is supposed to cool the trans has broken and collant has gotten mixed with trans fluid, and the trans is damaged.
They said that I need a new transmission, torque converter, and radiator. The car is out of warranty. Cost for the above is $7K. After discussing this with theservice advisor, he called the MB rep and they agreed to pay 50%.
I have seen posts about TSBs on C class cars that addresses this issue. But nothing on E500.
My questions are:
1. Is anyone aware of any TSBs for E500 concerning this problem?
2. What is the best source fo TSBs? Is Alldata the best source?
Many thanks in advance.
I took the car to the dealre. Their verdict is that the seal between the main radiator and the part of the radiator that is supposed to cool the trans has broken and collant has gotten mixed with trans fluid, and the trans is damaged.
They said that I need a new transmission, torque converter, and radiator. The car is out of warranty. Cost for the above is $7K. After discussing this with theservice advisor, he called the MB rep and they agreed to pay 50%.
I have seen posts about TSBs on C class cars that addresses this issue. But nothing on E500.
My questions are:
1. Is anyone aware of any TSBs for E500 concerning this problem?
2. What is the best source fo TSBs? Is Alldata the best source?
Many thanks in advance.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
Mercedes E500
If this problem is well known to MB and the dealers. My question is why your dealer and MB rep asked you to pay half? To me this is like used car dealer tactic of getting as much as possible from the unsupecting customers! Someone suggested of going to another dealer, but I don't think this is the way to do it. You should approach the dealer and MB rep and question them about asking you to pay half of the repair whereas MB had bulletins to repair it free. This is a matter of business ethics and integrity. I don't believe any customers should be treated this way!
After the SA called to say that I needed a new trans and the cost was $7K, his first question was did you have this car serviced elsewhere and wondered if they had put an unapproved coolant in the radiator, and that "contributed to the problem". My questions about the actual cause of the probelm were answered by "I can't tell" and "I dont know".
I went to see him the next day and argued that this should not happen to an 03 car with 56K miles on it and asked if there were any TSBs. He said that there were some issues with the C class cars but NOTHING on E class. I asked that he call the MB rep. He picked up the phone and dialed someone in-house (it was a 4 digit number) and gave the details. After a short conversation he hung up and informed me that they will pay for half.
The next day I went to see him again, but this time I had a copy of the TSB in hand. I told him that this appeared to be a known issue and that the TSB specifically mentioned the same symptoms that I had reported and the problem that he identified.
He barely looked at the TSB. His only response was "OH, OK"; I will take care of it".
I don't know about others, but if I miss something costing $7K and tell someone that they have to shell out that much money, when faced with a TSB indicating something diametrically opposite, I would at least flip through it.
But maybe its just the particular SA and not the entire dealership... I dunno.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
If its well known and an MB fault, then what the dealer is doing is double dipping. Its unfortunate, but in today's small business climate, due to thinner margins business owners are bending over & plowing the very customers who are still helping them to stay in business. Its THE Cancer of the small business world. ...and it will ultimately cause the death of small business.
Last edited by Barry45RPM; Aug 31, 2007 at 11:25 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 3
From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
I'm sure you've seen that hidden video of the guy being told he has to pay $7k to fix his sunroof or whatever, when all that was the problem was a rock in the track. Its floating around on the net on various video sites and was posted here too.
Actually, it is a little worse than that. Here is the entire story.
After the SA called to say that I needed a new trans and the cost was $7K, his first question was did you have this car serviced elsewhere and wondered if they had put an unapproved coolant in the radiator, and that "contributed to the problem". My questions about the actual cause of the probelm were answered by "I can't tell" and "I dont know".
I went to see him the next day and argued that this should not happen to an 03 car with 56K miles on it and asked if there were any TSBs. He said that there were some issues with the C class cars but NOTHING on E class. I asked that he call the MB rep. He picked up the phone and dialed someone in-house (it was a 4 digit number) and gave the details. After a short conversation he hung up and informed me that they will pay for half.
The next day I went to see him again, but this time I had a copy of the TSB in hand. I told him that this appeared to be a known issue and that the TSB specifically mentioned the same symptoms that I had reported and the problem that he identified.
He barely looked at the TSB. His only response was "OH, OK"; I will take care of it".
I don't know about others, but if I miss something costing $7K and tell someone that they have to shell out that much money, when faced with a TSB indicating something diametrically opposite, I would at least flip through it.
But maybe its just the particular SA and not the entire dealership... I dunno.
After the SA called to say that I needed a new trans and the cost was $7K, his first question was did you have this car serviced elsewhere and wondered if they had put an unapproved coolant in the radiator, and that "contributed to the problem". My questions about the actual cause of the probelm were answered by "I can't tell" and "I dont know".
I went to see him the next day and argued that this should not happen to an 03 car with 56K miles on it and asked if there were any TSBs. He said that there were some issues with the C class cars but NOTHING on E class. I asked that he call the MB rep. He picked up the phone and dialed someone in-house (it was a 4 digit number) and gave the details. After a short conversation he hung up and informed me that they will pay for half.
The next day I went to see him again, but this time I had a copy of the TSB in hand. I told him that this appeared to be a known issue and that the TSB specifically mentioned the same symptoms that I had reported and the problem that he identified.
He barely looked at the TSB. His only response was "OH, OK"; I will take care of it".
I don't know about others, but if I miss something costing $7K and tell someone that they have to shell out that much money, when faced with a TSB indicating something diametrically opposite, I would at least flip through it.
But maybe its just the particular SA and not the entire dealership... I dunno.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Vienna, Austria/Europe
W211, E200CDI
Hi from Europe,
The problem is well known and heavilly discussed in some MB Forums. Problem is bad quallity of Radiators manufactured by "VALEO" until approx. end of 2003, but there are even seldom reports of problems with models up to 2005.
Problem: Bad connection of the ATF pipe on the radiator -> leaking of coolant into ATF -> damage of the torque converter!
Problem starts with humming noise and variation of number of revolutions of approx. +/- 200 rpm between 1200 - 1800 rpm, connected with rough gear changes. If the damage already started in the torque converter symthoms like shakking of the whole car will appear -> will result in the replacement of the torque converter and radiator -> costs approx. 7.000,-USD
Here in Europe workshops do a "Glychol-Test" of the ATF if clients claims above problems, if the conatmination with coolant is not so bad they will only change the radiator and flush the transmission system 10l of ATF before filling it again, if problem still exists they will change the torque converter.
See link to STAR BULLETIN procedure:http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showp...1&postcount=33
Normally MB take approx. 50 - 100% of the repair costs, depending on the mileage and year of manufacturing of the car.
So insist of a cost sharing or even that MB cover all the costs if your car is using one of the damaged VALEO Radiators.
Hope this helps,
Chris from Vienna, Austria
The problem is well known and heavilly discussed in some MB Forums. Problem is bad quallity of Radiators manufactured by "VALEO" until approx. end of 2003, but there are even seldom reports of problems with models up to 2005.
Problem: Bad connection of the ATF pipe on the radiator -> leaking of coolant into ATF -> damage of the torque converter!
Problem starts with humming noise and variation of number of revolutions of approx. +/- 200 rpm between 1200 - 1800 rpm, connected with rough gear changes. If the damage already started in the torque converter symthoms like shakking of the whole car will appear -> will result in the replacement of the torque converter and radiator -> costs approx. 7.000,-USD
Here in Europe workshops do a "Glychol-Test" of the ATF if clients claims above problems, if the conatmination with coolant is not so bad they will only change the radiator and flush the transmission system 10l of ATF before filling it again, if problem still exists they will change the torque converter.
See link to STAR BULLETIN procedure:http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showp...1&postcount=33
Normally MB take approx. 50 - 100% of the repair costs, depending on the mileage and year of manufacturing of the car.
So insist of a cost sharing or even that MB cover all the costs if your car is using one of the damaged VALEO Radiators.
Hope this helps,
Chris from Vienna, Austria
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Mercedes 2003 e500
This problem is well known and specifically addressed by two MBUSA bulletins therefore, even if you are out of warranty the repair inclusive of replacement parts should be cost free. Private message your email address where you are located, and include your VIN if you want a datacard (equipment and color codes, etc.) on your vehicle. I will forward a PDF of both bulletins, etc.
Mercedes 2003 e500
Vin# WDBUF70J33A098Z76
Plead help thank you
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 6
From: Texas
2003 E320
This problem is well known and specifically addressed by two MBUSA bulletins therefore, even if you are out of warranty the repair inclusive of replacement parts should be cost free. Private message your email address where you are located, and include your VIN if you want a datacard (equipment and color codes, etc.) on your vehicle. I will forward a PDF of both bulletins, etc.
My trans is acting up, shifting a little odd and the car shudders as described in the OP
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 6
From: Texas
2003 E320
Hi from Europe,
The problem is well known and heavilly discussed in some MB Forums. Problem is bad quallity of Radiators manufactured by "VALEO" until approx. end of 2003, but there are even seldom reports of problems with models up to 2005.
Problem: Bad connection of the ATF pipe on the radiator -> leaking of coolant into ATF -> damage of the torque converter!
Problem starts with humming noise and variation of number of revolutions of approx. +/- 200 rpm between 1200 - 1800 rpm, connected with rough gear changes. If the damage already started in the torque converter symthoms like shakking of the whole car will appear -> will result in the replacement of the torque converter and radiator -> costs approx. 7.000,-USD
Here in Europe workshops do a "Glychol-Test" of the ATF if clients claims above problems, if the conatmination with coolant is not so bad they will only change the radiator and flush the transmission system 10l of ATF before filling it again, if problem still exists they will change the torque converter.
See link to STAR BULLETIN procedure:http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showp...1&postcount=33
Normally MB take approx. 50 - 100% of the repair costs, depending on the mileage and year of manufacturing of the car.
So insist of a cost sharing or even that MB cover all the costs if your car is using one of the damaged VALEO Radiators.
Hope this helps,
Chris from Vienna, Austria
The problem is well known and heavilly discussed in some MB Forums. Problem is bad quallity of Radiators manufactured by "VALEO" until approx. end of 2003, but there are even seldom reports of problems with models up to 2005.
Problem: Bad connection of the ATF pipe on the radiator -> leaking of coolant into ATF -> damage of the torque converter!
Problem starts with humming noise and variation of number of revolutions of approx. +/- 200 rpm between 1200 - 1800 rpm, connected with rough gear changes. If the damage already started in the torque converter symthoms like shakking of the whole car will appear -> will result in the replacement of the torque converter and radiator -> costs approx. 7.000,-USD
Here in Europe workshops do a "Glychol-Test" of the ATF if clients claims above problems, if the conatmination with coolant is not so bad they will only change the radiator and flush the transmission system 10l of ATF before filling it again, if problem still exists they will change the torque converter.
See link to STAR BULLETIN procedure:http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showp...1&postcount=33
Normally MB take approx. 50 - 100% of the repair costs, depending on the mileage and year of manufacturing of the car.
So insist of a cost sharing or even that MB cover all the costs if your car is using one of the damaged VALEO Radiators.
Hope this helps,
Chris from Vienna, Austria
If this is accurate, what are my best steps to ensure I have the least out of pocket cost, or to simply ensure that Mercedes will cover the replacement?
Last edited by speedracer.eric; Dec 21, 2016 at 06:39 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
No, this is not a recall but rather a MB dealer technical bulletin (DTB) covered under factory or extended warranty. Early on requested bulletins thread title be changed from recalls to service bulletins with no response. Considering the start date of this thread, if out of warranty suggestion was to approach MB for goodwill repair given defective radiator was installed at production. Of course you still can do so but unless you can prove vehicle has been serviced/maintained by MB dealer (i.e.: oil changes, etc.) during ownership doubt any assistance offered will be substantial.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
HI : I think that the same transmission is used in many Chrylser cars. ( derivited of the e class as underpinnings). I was wondering if they had the saem " run the transmission fluild thru the radiator" or had the regular, " let's bolt a transmission cooler on this beast". If so, would it be a good idea to bolt on that transmission cooler and plug up the pipe that runs the transmisson fluid thru the radiator ? Ideas ? This mixing of anitfreeze and trans coolant worries me. How often does in happen to 2008 e350"s ? Thanks, jim
