W211 Transmission problem, Please advise:
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Joined: Sep 2007
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w211 E270 CDI Avangarde 2003
W211 Transmission problem, Please advise:
Hi All,
I have got a problem with my car (E270 CDI, Avangarde, 2003, automatic transmission).
While driving, it makes a kind of kicking back. I took the car to the MB garage. They took a sample of the transmission oil and tested it. Then they said that the test shows that there is a cooling fluid present in the transmission oil. So, they tell me that:
1) Radiator must be replaced, as they believe that there is a leak in the radiator and that is how they think the cooling fluid got into the transmission oil.
2) Converter on the transmission must be changed, as they believe it must be already damaged.
So, I would like to get a second opinion on this problem. Can anyone help me here? Is there any other way for the cooling fluid to get into the transmission oil? What if I just change the transmission oil and a filter (if there is one)? And could it be the case that the converter does not really need to be changed? And so on.
I have got a problem with my car (E270 CDI, Avangarde, 2003, automatic transmission).
While driving, it makes a kind of kicking back. I took the car to the MB garage. They took a sample of the transmission oil and tested it. Then they said that the test shows that there is a cooling fluid present in the transmission oil. So, they tell me that:
1) Radiator must be replaced, as they believe that there is a leak in the radiator and that is how they think the cooling fluid got into the transmission oil.
2) Converter on the transmission must be changed, as they believe it must be already damaged.
So, I would like to get a second opinion on this problem. Can anyone help me here? Is there any other way for the cooling fluid to get into the transmission oil? What if I just change the transmission oil and a filter (if there is one)? And could it be the case that the converter does not really need to be changed? And so on.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 490
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From: Dallas, TX
sold - w211 e320, f250, rx7 race car
Somewhat common problem...
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/207747-e500-coolant-mixed-trans-fluid.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/207747-e500-coolant-mixed-trans-fluid.html
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 379
Likes: 3
From: Southcoast England
CL500 216
You do not need to get a second opinion this is known as the Valeo Rad problem and is well known.
It affects the 230,211 and 209 on cars made up to the 30-09-03.
The glycol gets onto the torque converter and causes the juddering and humming sound at low speeds.
The converter has to be replaced along with the rad
see the link http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...ighlight=valeo
In the uk, MB pay for most of it
It affects the 230,211 and 209 on cars made up to the 30-09-03.
The glycol gets onto the torque converter and causes the juddering and humming sound at low speeds.
The converter has to be replaced along with the rad
see the link http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...ighlight=valeo
In the uk, MB pay for most of it
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
2003 E320
I have a 320 that falls within the "problem" production date. I have heard several reports of failures like this but they appeared to be limited to 500's.
I have R&R a radiator on the older 124 cars and it is really very easy. I think two bolts, hoses and tranny lines and the whole thing was out. I would much rather spend a few hundred dollars on an improved part than argue with M-B about 3-5,000 in repairs. Anyone have any experience with this problem on US spec cars? Mine is out of warranty and I am not buddies with any of the dealers. IS there an upgraded radiator available?
I have R&R a radiator on the older 124 cars and it is really very easy. I think two bolts, hoses and tranny lines and the whole thing was out. I would much rather spend a few hundred dollars on an improved part than argue with M-B about 3-5,000 in repairs. Anyone have any experience with this problem on US spec cars? Mine is out of warranty and I am not buddies with any of the dealers. IS there an upgraded radiator available?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
2003 E320
Thank you konigster. You are a most helpful fellow. It appears that you have access to a wealth of Mercedes information. I believe that I read that you are employed by M-B USA? Can you tell me if there is any way to find out which, if any TSB work has been performed on a particular vehicle? I took our 320 in only once for a small warranty issue and the SA told me he was not " supposed to" but he would slip me a copy of the car's service/ repair history. I never saw him again and I did not get it. Since I was not technically a paying customer, I let it drop. I am curious about the TSB's. There appear to be more than one or two. I will say that in 40 years of automobiles, the dealer service and competency was refreshing. I do acknowledge your offer to furnish a build? sheet for particular vehicle. I got that info from a Russian M-B club that was mentioned in this forum. Pretty interesting that some obscure club on the other side of the world has access to that kind of info. Those people must be accomplished hackers.
