2003 E500 transmission shuddering fixed. Thanks Konigstiger!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 9
From: Atlanta
2002 G500, 2007 CLS 550, 2018 GLC 300
2003 E500 transmission shuddering fixed. Thanks Konigstiger!
My 2003 E500 with 128,000 miles recently developed a shuddering between 40-50 mph, particularly uphill. Thanks to Konigstiger's advice, the problem went away after I changed the trans fluid. The transmission fluid and filter had been changed by an indie mechanic about a year ago, but I was a bit worried since he used Redline D4 synthetic ATF instead of MB-approved fluid.
This time I did it myself and used Fuchs Titan 4134 ATF from RM European (on MB's 236.14 approved list for the 722.633 transmission). I drained the pan (got about 4 quarts out each time), then filled with 4134. Did this 3 times, driving about 10 miles between each drain. Kind of a newb way to do it, although I wanted to get as much of the old fluid out as possible without having to disconnect the trans cooler lines. The transmission shifted smoother and smoother with each drain, running great now. I did not see any evidence of coolant contamination or metal flakes, although replacing the old original Valeo radiator is on my to-do list. The problem was either coolant contamination, particulates, or the non-MB approved fluid. I should probably send a sample to Blackstone Labs.
This time I did it myself and used Fuchs Titan 4134 ATF from RM European (on MB's 236.14 approved list for the 722.633 transmission). I drained the pan (got about 4 quarts out each time), then filled with 4134. Did this 3 times, driving about 10 miles between each drain. Kind of a newb way to do it, although I wanted to get as much of the old fluid out as possible without having to disconnect the trans cooler lines. The transmission shifted smoother and smoother with each drain, running great now. I did not see any evidence of coolant contamination or metal flakes, although replacing the old original Valeo radiator is on my to-do list. The problem was either coolant contamination, particulates, or the non-MB approved fluid. I should probably send a sample to Blackstone Labs.
Last edited by foreyes; Nov 26, 2012 at 11:15 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
My 2003 E500 with 128,000 miles recently developed a shuddering between 40-50 mph, particularly uphill. Thanks to Konigstiger's advice, the problem went away after I changed the trans fluid. The transmission fluid and filter had been changed by an indie mechanic about a year ago, but I was a bit worried since he used Redline D4 synthetic ATF instead of MB-approved fluid.
This time I did it myself and used Fuchs Titan 4134 ATF from RM European (on MB's 236.14 approved list for the 722.633 transmission). I drained the pan (got about 4 quarts out each time), then filled with 4134. Did this 3 times, driving about 10 miles between each drain. Kind of a newb way to do it, although I wanted to get as much of the old fluid out as possible without having to disconnect the trans cooler lines. The transmission shifted smoother and smoother with each drain, running great now. I did not see any evidence of coolant contamination or metal flakes, although replacing the old original Valeo radiator is on my to-do list. The problem was either coolant contamination, particulates, or the non-MB approved fluid. I should probably send a sample to Blackstone Labs.
This time I did it myself and used Fuchs Titan 4134 ATF from RM European (on MB's 236.14 approved list for the 722.633 transmission). I drained the pan (got about 4 quarts out each time), then filled with 4134. Did this 3 times, driving about 10 miles between each drain. Kind of a newb way to do it, although I wanted to get as much of the old fluid out as possible without having to disconnect the trans cooler lines. The transmission shifted smoother and smoother with each drain, running great now. I did not see any evidence of coolant contamination or metal flakes, although replacing the old original Valeo radiator is on my to-do list. The problem was either coolant contamination, particulates, or the non-MB approved fluid. I should probably send a sample to Blackstone Labs.
I use only MB fluid for the transmission. NO substitute no matter how good anyone tells me it is.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 9
From: Atlanta
2002 G500, 2007 CLS 550, 2018 GLC 300
I agree 100%. I will do all of my own transmission fluid changes with only MB-approved fluids from now on. After the first drain / fill, I used the drain plug only for the 2nd and 3rd changes.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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2003 E500 Sport
Hi there, I just got my '03 E500 back from the shop today, it had the same problem. The car has 80K miles on it. I also had the transmission oil replaced a while back as per previous advice. Worked for a while.
Anyways, I took it in to my M-B dealership. They had to replace the entire radiator and they cleaned the lines between the transmission and the radiator. They actually wanted to rebuild the transmission and torque converter!. Instead they flushed and filled the transmission 4 times with test drives in between. Its "almost perfect". Once in a while I think I notice the tiniest of shudders, maybe. I may have avoided a big expensive problem.
I asked about any warranty coverage, but they wouldn't go for it given the car is 10 years old. However they did give me 15% off on the parts.
If you have glycol in the tranny, your radiator is finished, kaput, done. Get it replaced as fast as humanly possible!
See attached PDF.
Anyways, I took it in to my M-B dealership. They had to replace the entire radiator and they cleaned the lines between the transmission and the radiator. They actually wanted to rebuild the transmission and torque converter!. Instead they flushed and filled the transmission 4 times with test drives in between. Its "almost perfect". Once in a while I think I notice the tiniest of shudders, maybe. I may have avoided a big expensive problem.
I asked about any warranty coverage, but they wouldn't go for it given the car is 10 years old. However they did give me 15% off on the parts.
If you have glycol in the tranny, your radiator is finished, kaput, done. Get it replaced as fast as humanly possible!
See attached PDF.
Last edited by wallfly54; Nov 30, 2012 at 07:09 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 9
From: Atlanta
2002 G500, 2007 CLS 550, 2018 GLC 300
Hope your transmission turns out better than mine...the problem came back worse than ever after a day. I took it to my independent mechanic and he replaced the radiator, then flushed the transmission twice and replaced the filter again. He replaced the radiator with the updated MB unit (PN# A2115003102), total bill for the new radiator and transmission service was $800.
The transmission is still popping out of gear and shuddering a lot. He is installing a rebuilt transmission and new torque converter from a local European transmission specialist with an amazing reputation. It comes with a 2 year / 24,000 mile warranty. $4500 parts & labor. I questioned spending $4500 on a $10,000 car, but it's still in immaculate condition inside and out, and with the exception of the transmission, it's a very solid, smooth car. I was going to sell it after buying a newer MB next year (2009+ CLS550), but now I'll just keep it as a spare.
The transmission is still popping out of gear and shuddering a lot. He is installing a rebuilt transmission and new torque converter from a local European transmission specialist with an amazing reputation. It comes with a 2 year / 24,000 mile warranty. $4500 parts & labor. I questioned spending $4500 on a $10,000 car, but it's still in immaculate condition inside and out, and with the exception of the transmission, it's a very solid, smooth car. I was going to sell it after buying a newer MB next year (2009+ CLS550), but now I'll just keep it as a spare.
Last edited by foreyes; Dec 1, 2012 at 07:58 AM.
