What the hell is going on with my tranny?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
2006 E350
These are the years and model vehicles listed from the MB TSB that have the Valeo OEM radiator installed. If your car is one listed, it has the Valeo radiator unless it was replaced by a prior owner. My advice is to do preventive maintenance and replace the radiator with the new version. Can't be that expensive and maybe your MB Dealer might be able to get MBUSA to pay for it if you cite the TSB. To preclude OEM radiator failure, I've seen a few posts on this forum that some MB owners have installed a new, separate transmission cooler system to bypass the OEM radiator.....but why do that when it's easier to just replace the radiator. PM me if you want a copy of the MB TSB.
My car definitely has the low humming/buzzing/drone noise that you mentioned at low rpms (is louder when the air or AC is on) but we have had that problem since we got the car. We even had a couple of the service techs come out with us in the car and they always told us it was normal. Our 2006 E350 is dead silent at low rpms, you cant even tell the engine is on... thanks for your help!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Just got my car back today. They replaced the entire transmission, radiator, cooling lines, and torque converter. I was lucky that I had CPO, it covered it all.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
2003 E320
Valeo Radiator
I found this post from another member. One picture / thousand words.
The Valeo radiator has dental type crimping. Very distinctive and different from Behr. My E320 falls under the 065 chasis number mentioned above but it has a Behr unit. Possibly replaced in during the lease.
See posts 1 and 13
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...placement.html
The Valeo radiator has dental type crimping. Very distinctive and different from Behr. My E320 falls under the 065 chasis number mentioned above but it has a Behr unit. Possibly replaced in during the lease.
See posts 1 and 13
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...placement.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
I found this post from another member. One picture / thousand words.
The Valeo radiator has dental type crimping. Very distinctive and different from Behr. My E320 falls under the 065 chasis number mentioned above but it has a Behr unit. Possibly replaced in during the lease.
See posts 1 and 13
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...placement.html
The Valeo radiator has dental type crimping. Very distinctive and different from Behr. My E320 falls under the 065 chasis number mentioned above but it has a Behr unit. Possibly replaced in during the lease.
See posts 1 and 13
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...placement.html
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
MB E500
MB will pay for the parts if you bring up the TSB!
Hi 6HIFER,
My out-of-warranty 2003 E500 with 48K miles started with the shuddering last week. After reading all the posts, I knew it was the faulty radiator leaking into the transmission. Sure enough, my SA called and said I had a postive glycol test and needed a new radiator and recommended a new torque converter. I agreed to both. Once the work was done, I brought up the TSB, suggested MB cover the costs due to the obvious design flaw. He agreed to covering the parts ($2K), but I paid the labor ($1.5K). Hopefully, no more trouble!
My out-of-warranty 2003 E500 with 48K miles started with the shuddering last week. After reading all the posts, I knew it was the faulty radiator leaking into the transmission. Sure enough, my SA called and said I had a postive glycol test and needed a new radiator and recommended a new torque converter. I agreed to both. Once the work was done, I brought up the TSB, suggested MB cover the costs due to the obvious design flaw. He agreed to covering the parts ($2K), but I paid the labor ($1.5K). Hopefully, no more trouble!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 1
W221 S65 AMG
Hey guys, i just saw this post and we are talking about these problems in the W211 E55 part of the forum.
Does the symptom of this issue seem to be like that described in this post?
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...eleration.html
Does the symptom of this issue seem to be like that described in this post?
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...eleration.html
Super Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 513
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
2020 GLE350
Well, crap, I finally determined that I have a Valeo because of the crimping. I will be sending a sample of the trans fluid for testing, hopefully it will come back negative.
I will be doing this every six months from now on, I should be able to catch any problem within these periods. I have decided not to replace the radiator until I know that there is a problem. Knowing me, now that it is on the back of my mind, I will probably just replace the darn thing within the next few months anyway, seems like a simple enough job.
Is there a way to know how many failures there have been vs how many cars came with these radiators? From what I see, the percentage should be on the single digits, but I may be completely wrong.
I will be doing this every six months from now on, I should be able to catch any problem within these periods. I have decided not to replace the radiator until I know that there is a problem. Knowing me, now that it is on the back of my mind, I will probably just replace the darn thing within the next few months anyway, seems like a simple enough job.
Is there a way to know how many failures there have been vs how many cars came with these radiators? From what I see, the percentage should be on the single digits, but I may be completely wrong.
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
I agree..........replace the Valeo now with the updated part no. version.........when you start noticing the problem, your torque converter and maybe trans could be toast! You'll also have to flush both systems completely when it fails.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
BENZE500
I replaced the radiator and had the trans fluid changed. I do still have the jerkingthough when I am in Sport mode.
Is that expected with our tranny? I dont assume it should get any worse seeing Ive taken the proper steps to prevent damage.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
I have an 03- E500 with 60K miles. I had noticed the jerking and did the inspection of the radiator and did find that I had the Valeo ,my SA said no contamination was found.
I replaced the radiator and had the trans fluid changed. I do still have the jerkingthough when I am in Sport mode. Is that expected with our tranny? I dont assume it should get any worse seeing Ive taken the proper steps to prevent damage.
I replaced the radiator and had the trans fluid changed. I do still have the jerkingthough when I am in Sport mode. Is that expected with our tranny? I dont assume it should get any worse seeing Ive taken the proper steps to prevent damage.
Super Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 513
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
2020 GLE350
True that, just waiting to get a break from expenses, I dont have to pay my kid's college tuition during the summer, so I wanted to do it then. For now I will send oil to test and hope for the best. I will start getting quotes on radiators, looks like I can do the job myself.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
None
Hey Guys,
I have a leak at the conductor plate on 2003 clk500. They said I shouldn't just get the plug as it would probably fail in a couple of months but instead get the whole new plate. About $700 including labor, does this sound correct? I also see that my car has a valeo radiato and it is in those years of the TSB can you please send me a copy. I am going to have the dealer check for glycol.
I have a leak at the conductor plate on 2003 clk500. They said I shouldn't just get the plug as it would probably fail in a couple of months but instead get the whole new plate. About $700 including labor, does this sound correct? I also see that my car has a valeo radiato and it is in those years of the TSB can you please send me a copy. I am going to have the dealer check for glycol.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
Hey Guys,
I have a leak at the conductor plate on 2003 clk500. They said I shouldn't just get the plug as it would probably fail in a couple of months but instead get the whole new plate. About $700 including labor, does this sound correct? I also see that my car has a valeo radiato and it is in those years of the TSB can you please send me a copy. I am going to have the dealer check for glycol.
I have a leak at the conductor plate on 2003 clk500. They said I shouldn't just get the plug as it would probably fail in a couple of months but instead get the whole new plate. About $700 including labor, does this sound correct? I also see that my car has a valeo radiato and it is in those years of the TSB can you please send me a copy. I am going to have the dealer check for glycol.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 421
Likes: 14
From: Bay Area
2004 E500 CLK320
How does the coolant from a leaky radiator gets into the transmission? If the radiator leaks, shouldn't the coolant level running low and we should be able to see coolant in the engine compartment, and fix the leak before resulting in permanent damage to the tranny?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 9,815
Likes: 13
John Deere
Hey Guys,
I have a leak at the conductor plate on 2003 clk500. They said I shouldn't just get the plug as it would probably fail in a couple of months but instead get the whole new plate. About $700 including labor, does this sound correct? I also see that my car has a valeo radiato and it is in those years of the TSB can you please send me a copy. I am going to have the dealer check for glycol.
I have a leak at the conductor plate on 2003 clk500. They said I shouldn't just get the plug as it would probably fail in a couple of months but instead get the whole new plate. About $700 including labor, does this sound correct? I also see that my car has a valeo radiato and it is in those years of the TSB can you please send me a copy. I am going to have the dealer check for glycol.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
It's an integrated radiator for both the engine cooling and transmission systems. There's a transmission line with a connector that breaks and allows coolant to enter the transmission line thus contaminating the trans fluid and damaging the transmission and/or torque converter. In my case, they only had to replace the radiator with the upgraded P/N and the torque converter..........transmission didn't suffer any serious damage. All was covered under my CPO warranty.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2007 E350
2007 E350 tranny prob
Anyone heard or had same problems as these previous posts other than these prev 03 models? My 2007 E350 has had some problems since I bought it July 06. Dealer has always denied problem. Car is completely stuck in first gear now. Anyone have extra insight? Car is not under warrany, any "easy" repairs to get it out of first?
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
Anyone heard or had same problems as these previous posts other than these prev 03 models? My 2007 E350 has had some problems since I bought it July 06. Dealer has always denied problem. Car is completely stuck in first gear now. Anyone have extra insight? Car is not under warrany, any "easy" repairs to get it out of first?
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
Ummm, after it's already broke????
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
If the gears are stuck it may be the worst. 1) check for glycol contamination 2) a new radiator must be installed either way 3) a new torque convertor may be needed depending on how much glycol contamination there was. 4) at least you will have a fresh tranny and radiator going forward
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu
2004 CLK500 COUPE/AUTO
I have a 2004 CLK500 with a VALEO radiator installed
however the manufacturing date of my Vehicle (as noted by the sticker
inside the door) is 01/04 Does this mean my Valeo radiator is OK??
or should I change it out?
please advise!!
thank you
however the manufacturing date of my Vehicle (as noted by the sticker
inside the door) is 01/04 Does this mean my Valeo radiator is OK??
or should I change it out?
please advise!!
thank you
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
1) Replace the Radiator ONLY right now. $
2) Replace the Radiator AND Torque Convertor later (which is that I had to do). $$$
