Hello everyone I just purchase 2008 e320 bluetech from the dealer with 220000 miles on it. Of course I was rushed to purchase, but it’s a different story. So when I got had a chance to spend some time with my car I realized that transmission is kind of jerking at downshift and upshift at somewhere 2nd and 3rd gears.
Also it has this strange vibration:
when you driving 60 and up speed, I guess on the last 7th gear and hit incline it starts vibrating and the noise is like you hit the rumble strip on the highway. It last for a second and disappears. When I call dealer they said that it cannot be service because of mileage. When I called another dealer they opened car history and told me that these transmissions are serviced ones at 40000 miles then sealed for live.

Do you know how long is it going to last if not serviced again?
Should I service it anyway?
Do you know if those symptoms I described are bad and how bad?
How much is it to replace transmission on this car?
Thank you
Arthur

 

Anyone experience with these transmissions?

 

If trans is not serviced according the book, there will be a lot of issues. This trans need to be serviced every 40k miles. Valve body (bunch of pressure valves inside) of the transmission controls the shifts in trans. 2-3 jerk is most likely related to not enough pressure in valve body (usually cold starts) or the valve body is getting clogged. If these issues are not taken care of early; wear and tear will cause the trans to fail over time (note: trans is virtually bullet proof and will take a lot of punishment).

You best bet would be take it to your dealer and let them diagnose it properly instead of taking any actions. Dealer can pin point the issues with your trans and will give you the details you need to take the next step. Usually repairs at dealer is cost $$$ but at least you will have a proper diagnostic in your hand.

Sorry to hear about this. MB are built like a tank if maintained properly.

 

Thank you for reply

So you saying that it should not be sealed for live. Right? According to their records last service was made at 40000 miles.
What if it was not serviced for 180000 miles? can i still service it?
What could happened to it if i'll flash it?
Both dealers said that it should not be touched. I don't know who should I trust.

 

Nothing is sealed for life it is bunch of BS. Sealed for life definition = till the warranty goes up. MB 7G trans need to serviced every 40k miles; it is in the book (it is very important to do this service properly and on time).
Last thing I would do now is service the transmission (after 180k miles of use). Dealer can flash transmission properly (they connect to STAR net; have many different patches to apply based on condition, these patches are only available to MB dealers not to any Indy). Other flashes are sold by turners - There make the shifts more aggressive (hold gear longer) but don't add anything else (there is no valve in my mind).
Did you let your dealer diagnose the issue?

 

Thank you,

 

Hey, I just made a service. Tranny just a bit better- no big changes,but vibration is progressing. They told me that this is torque converter. Replacement $3200.00 = $1500.00 converter and the rest is labor. Any one knows anything about converters? Is there cheaper way out? What’s the circumstances could be to keep driving with a bad converter? i spent $1000.00 + another $3200 = $4200.00 may be i would better of buying new tranny? Thank you

 

Hey, guys Have any one replace THE MAIN REAR SEAL? I did two times with my local mechanic. I had to go through the oil cooler job, because they were blaming it leaking the first time main seal was leaking. Now they replaced main seal again and it still leaks. Do you know any tricks or what wasn’t done properly, and why would it leak again? First seal plate was steel, but second time aluminum. Also aluminum one is covering oil canals from the top engine. I don't know if that makes a difference.