I called the local dealer here to replace the Torque converter, transmission solenoid, and transmission pan but the dealer wants to check for coolant contamination. If it’s contaminated they want to charge me $9,000 for a remanufactured transmission and torque converter. I think it would be cheaper just to swap it out for a used transmission and torque converter which they will not install. The car isn’t worth $9,000 and has over 160,000 miles on it.

I access to a automotive shop and could replace it myself with help. Suggestions? I don’t trust this dealer. My old advisor never said what was wrong. He only mentioned how much it would cost (oh, this looks like $1000 in labor).

 

Are there any trustworthy local independent Mercedes shops in your area? I would imagine that an indy shop would be much more understanding of your preferences.

 

None that I’m aware of.

 

Start looking.... $400+ for a battery is insane, and indicates how much the other services are grossly overpriced.

 

Yes, please find an independent MB service shop.
$350 to replace a brake hose?? $766 to replace the oil filter housing?? Those are insane costs.

 

By coolant contamination I assume they want to check if engine coolant is present in transmission. If it is, then why don't they list replacing the radiator in the front that houses the transmission cooler in it?

 

I did all that myself and installed a new battery. Total cost was less than $350.00.

 

Apologies, that quote is from a out of state Mercedes specialist. Both stated it was the torque converter. Now my local dealer wants to do additional test instead of what I asked to be done.

 

Considering the battery dealers put retails at >$250 and $150/hr labor that is not bad.
Talking about transmission - dealers don't do any repairs. Their technicians on classes in Germany learn how to replace major components and that's all.
But 7G transmissions become pretty popular in USA, especially with Sprinter fleet, where some of them logged 600-700k miles.
So seek transmission shop who works on Sprinters.

 

where are you located?

 

Thank you!