4MATIC on W212 (E350) - internal transfer case?
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2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
4MATIC on W212 (E350) - internal transfer case?
Hello all.
I know the E350 uses the 7G Tronic or 7G Tronic Plus in the W212 series. My question is....is the 4MATIC system the same as the C/GLK where the transfer case is internal to the transmission? Or does the bigger and more expensive W212 get a separate transfer case - eliminating the need to replace entire 7G unit when transfer case goes bad like in W204?
Anyone confirm for me?
Thanks!
I know the E350 uses the 7G Tronic or 7G Tronic Plus in the W212 series. My question is....is the 4MATIC system the same as the C/GLK where the transfer case is internal to the transmission? Or does the bigger and more expensive W212 get a separate transfer case - eliminating the need to replace entire 7G unit when transfer case goes bad like in W204?
Anyone confirm for me?
Thanks!
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2015 E250 BT 4M
4Matic transfer case
The answer to your 1st question is YES.
On all MB passengers cars and the GLK, the transfer case is integrated with the 7G+ transmission (reference: MBUSA website & Motor Trend, March 2012: 'Mercedes 4Matic Wintertime Experience'). Torque is permanently spilt F/R 45/55%.
On all MB passengers cars and the GLK, the transfer case is integrated with the 7G+ transmission (reference: MBUSA website & Motor Trend, March 2012: 'Mercedes 4Matic Wintertime Experience'). Torque is permanently spilt F/R 45/55%.
Last edited by DerekACS; Jan 18, 2014 at 08:57 PM.
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2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
Thanks Derek!
Do you know - are E Class owners experiencing transfer case failures at the same rate C Class owners are? I would guess so if it's the same transmission/drive train.
Do you know - are E Class owners experiencing transfer case failures at the same rate C Class owners are? I would guess so if it's the same transmission/drive train.
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2023 AMG EQS
So far in W212 forum land no failures reported.
Check the W211 guys and see how the older ones are holding up.
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2015 E250 BT 4M
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2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
Cool. Thanks for the replies.
4MATIC W204s from 2008 until 7G PLUS (2013 for C300 in U.S.) have transfer case failures quite a bit. Since E Class doesn't, makes me think the 7G on W212 4MATICS must somehow be different. But I have no proof or documentation...just a guess.
Apparently most W211 with 4MATIC were actually 5 speed units? Those have separate transfer cases as opposed to internal transfer cases on 7 speeds.
Thanks again.
4MATIC W204s from 2008 until 7G PLUS (2013 for C300 in U.S.) have transfer case failures quite a bit. Since E Class doesn't, makes me think the 7G on W212 4MATICS must somehow be different. But I have no proof or documentation...just a guess.
Apparently most W211 with 4MATIC were actually 5 speed units? Those have separate transfer cases as opposed to internal transfer cases on 7 speeds.
Thanks again.
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From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
Cool. Thanks for the replies.
4MATIC W204s from 2008 until 7G PLUS (2013 for C300 in U.S.) have transfer case failures quite a bit. Since E Class doesn't, makes me think the 7G on W212 4MATICS must somehow be different. But I have no proof or documentation...just a guess.
Apparently most W211 with 4MATIC were actually 5 speed units?
Thanks again.
4MATIC W204s from 2008 until 7G PLUS (2013 for C300 in U.S.) have transfer case failures quite a bit. Since E Class doesn't, makes me think the 7G on W212 4MATICS must somehow be different. But I have no proof or documentation...just a guess.
Apparently most W211 with 4MATIC were actually 5 speed units?
Thanks again.
FYI, RWD W212 are not available in Canada, only 4Matic versions.
After some further research on this forum, 3 examples of transfer case failure in 2010 GLK and 2 examples in C Class have been mentioned; zero E Class.
Last edited by DerekACS; Jan 19, 2014 at 01:25 AM.
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2010 mercedes e 350 4 matic
I have a 2010 Mercedes e350 4 Matic end Is making with a weird noise inside in the The cabin Something like vibration so I change the CV axle‘s in the front I change the driveshaft the front driveshaft that short one I change the front differential and the noise is still there so it’s another mechanic he tell me that he can be the transfer case the problem but I really don’t know I throw a lot of money in this car and the problem is still there so if you’ll have more knowledge about that please help me out I want to specify that when I’m in the parking lot I try to park the car I turn the steering wheel left or right and I release my food from the break it start shaking all the car he’s basically shaking and he’s vibrating everything inside like all the dashboard and everything is vibrating if somebody of you guys if you have experience like this please let me know what to do next step thank you very much
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2010 E350 4Matic
I have a 2010 Mercedes e350 4 Matic end Is making with a weird noise inside in the The cabin Something like vibration so I change the CV axle‘s in the front I change the driveshaft the front driveshaft that short one I change the front differential and the noise is still there so it’s another mechanic he tell me that he can be the transfer case the problem but I really don’t know I throw a lot of money in this car and the problem is still there so if you’ll have more knowledge about that please help me out I want to specify that when I’m in the parking lot I try to park the car I turn the steering wheel left or right and I release my food from the break it start shaking all the car he’s basically shaking and he’s vibrating everything inside like all the dashboard and everything is vibrating if somebody of you guys if you have experience like this please let me know what to do next step thank you very much
Last edited by MBNUT1; Jun 14, 2019 at 12:31 PM.
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2010 Mercedes Benz E350 4Matic
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2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
I have a 2010 Mercedes e350 4 Matic end Is making with a weird noise inside in the The cabin Something like vibration so I change the CV axle‘s in the front I change the driveshaft the front driveshaft that short one I change the front differential and the noise is still there so it’s another mechanic he tell me that he can be the transfer case the problem but I really don’t know I throw a lot of money in this car and the problem is still there so if you’ll have more knowledge about that please help me out I want to specify that when I’m in the parking lot I try to park the car I turn the steering wheel left or right and I release my food from the break it start shaking all the car he’s basically shaking and he’s vibrating everything inside like all the dashboard and everything is vibrating if somebody of you guys if you have experience like this please let me know what to do next step thank you very much
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2014 E350 4matic, 2016 G550, 2010 911Turbo, 1971 280SL
I can almost guarantee it is the center differential lock. Your problem does not exist other than when you turn and gets worse with start turns. Going straight you do not have vibration because going straight does not generate speed difference between front and rear axles, only turning does. It is poorly lubricated disk pack and MB has specific instructions now how the disks must be soaked in oil before assembly. Search internet. I have seen a YouTube video of the dusk pack repair too.
. Gonna have a hefty bill after this but at least I’ll get the trans flushed at same time. I came from an Audi s4 daily and knew I made a mistake getting into a Benz. Bought this car to be the boring reliable car that I just gas oil changes and go during the off time away from the turbo. I was wrong, last Benz I buy for sure. Sad to see a car like this have such issues so soon.
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As a tech in a mostly import shop, 4matic t-case shudder/noise has been noticed. So far only the E class cars are the ones that we have actually fixed by replacing the whole transmission assembly (7 speed). Seems the C class owners either traded it in after receiving the estimate or just kept driving the way it was. (or customer base is mostly C and E class stuff)
I would not go so far as to say it is a common issue. Though i will say if you have a trans/t-case issue it is likely this.
Its been a while but i want to say the rebuilt trans from MB were in the 3700 range. Plus labor.
Personally, i am confident in the reliability of MB (i chose a benz for my "daily"). We see our MB owners mostly just for regular maintenance. VW/Audi are around a little more. We get to know our BMW drivers very well....
I would not go so far as to say it is a common issue. Though i will say if you have a trans/t-case issue it is likely this.
Its been a while but i want to say the rebuilt trans from MB were in the 3700 range. Plus labor.
Personally, i am confident in the reliability of MB (i chose a benz for my "daily"). We see our MB owners mostly just for regular maintenance. VW/Audi are around a little more. We get to know our BMW drivers very well....
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2016 E350 AMG Sport Sedan
im going through this exact thing as I type. I got car with 60k on it a couple years ago. Noticed vibration in D and R only in idle and everyone said mounts. I let it go cause it really wasn’t that bad. It really started to get worse recently and I’m at 76k miles now. Noticed it’s a big issue as car gets warm to temp after a drive and in a parking lot, lock to lock and only idling into a space car shutters and makes a mechanical clunk click like a big 4x4 pick up in 4L. I instantly knew it’s more than mounts and took car straight to mercedes specialist. He said likely mounts. Calls me today and says not mounts at all, you have. Clutching system in the trans that needs to be replaced and a bad wheel bearing up front?? He said the bucking and clinking was from the Trans area I’m assuming this is the PGT (planetary gear) binding up or something of that nature. And bearing I had a feeling was going people kept telling me sounds like tires, I knew it was more than tires and was hoping it was mounts transmitting sound through to the cabin. My worst case hypothesis came true . Gonna have a hefty bill after this but at least I’ll get the trans flushed at same time. I came from an Audi s4 daily and knew I made a mistake getting into a Benz. Bought this car to be the boring reliable car that I just gas oil changes and go during the off time away from the turbo. I was wrong, last Benz I buy for sure. Sad to see a car like this have such issues so soon.
. Gonna have a hefty bill after this but at least I’ll get the trans flushed at same time. I came from an Audi s4 daily and knew I made a mistake getting into a Benz. Bought this car to be the boring reliable car that I just gas oil changes and go during the off time away from the turbo. I was wrong, last Benz I buy for sure. Sad to see a car like this have such issues so soon.
