ultracarnut

I have a 99 ml430 with 115K . did a major fluid change at 65K . last nite starts slight grinding of transmission when it goes slow fwd. today also but reverse ...it shutters slightly....arrrrrg! This cant be good.
went to MBZ shop...not dealer...Stephen Motors. and was told need new transmission. some bushings got worn out. he said would be better to get mfg.rebuilt for about $3200....recommend changing transfer cases fluid too.
total aprox....$5000
merry christmas to me......O U C H @@@@@ bend me over .
any one have an idea where I can get this same transmission for less....

mihir_d

The transmissions are sealed for life...wonder, how they fail....did you or the past user(s) (if any) abuse it?

I am at about 86K miles on my 00 320, and as I head to the 100K mark, these are the very things that scare me the most...

I am planning on getting the spark plugs, fuel filter, MAF sensor replaced at 100K miles, along with a complete flush of all fluids (except the transmission fluid) done as preventive maintanence...and just all of this preventive maintanence will cost me almost $2K or so...

Is there anything besides the above that I should consider replacing at 100K miles?

Chedman13

ultracarnut:
I'd check out online transmission rebuild places or ebay:
http://tinyurl.com/d46xm
http://tinyurl.com/aqjf7
http://tinyurl.com/7g5ls

I have no knowledge of the places so do research before you buy.

StapleGun

This has been subject of conjecture for sometime, it's applicable to many of MB's trans. I had my tranny flushed and refilled even though it's sealed, it should be done at least every 50K miles if not more often depending on your driving.

I have worked on too many cars to believe that MB has perfected a transmission that will not require maintenance for 100K miles....it's a scam. If it was that good, MB would warranty its product for that mileage. Please let us know who you find for a reasonable rebuild. I have heard about the Phoenix shop from others here and they seem to do a good job.

StapleGun

Just for your 411, the transmission fluid replacement is the first thing you should do!!!! Firstly, it's the most expensive if it fails and with that mileage it IS due. Also, there's no need to reaplce the MAF unless you have 'other' indicators that point to its replacement.

Chedman13

If you plan to keep your car for a while, I suggest doing the following:
1) Change your transmission fluid at 90,000-100,000 miles. While you're at it, change the transmission connector 0-Rings to the updated ones to prevent tranny leaks. Why change tranny fluid? No fluid is lifetime. It is synthetic, but I'm sure after 100,000 miles it's dirty. Why risk a tranny break down over a $200-$500 tranny flush/fluid change? I have a 2001 QX4 and it is recommended I change the tranny, transfer case, diff at 60,000 miles. 100,000 for a MB sealed "lifetime" fluid seems reasonable to me. Take in mind that the QX4 had OEM dino oil and not synthetic (I did switch to syn in the qx4).

2) If you change fuel filter, you might as well change to the updated fuel pump and fuel lines. That can save a lot of headache later.

3) MAF sensor, don't replace it if it's not broken. I actually clean mine every 30,000 miles. I forgot what I used, I think it's electrically cleaner. It's specifically made to clean it. I found some post online when my MAF needed replacing. I took out my MAF and sprayed for about 30 seconds, let it dry and my engine no longer stalled at park, and smooth acceleration. a $5.00 can saved me a $400 MAF. Just becareful not to spray a strong stream directly at the sensor, it's very sensitive.

3) Find out what fluids MB uses in their tranny, diff, and t-case. I'd probably just go with all synthetic Mobil 1 stuff. I'd buy it all from like autozone or online and then go to some local import specialist (maybe even midas?) and them just pay them for labor to drain, and refill your tranny, diff and t-case. Don't do a "power" flush (I doubt they'll offer, but just in case) because it possibly could harm the internals. Not sure if it will, but not worth risking. Only power flush stuff like coolant and brake fluid which leads me too..

4) Someone posted coolant fluid flush every 3 years and brake fluid flush every 2 years, so keep to that schedule and not on mileage. These for sure you can get done at like midas for much cheaper. you can go ahead and buy the right fluids online and autozone etc... and just bring it over.

5) Don't forget in cabin air filter, but it online and do it yourself.

6) Make sure you auxillary fan wiring harness and fuse have been updated, if not go change that asap. It's probably blown if you haven't changed it.

7) I haven't had an issue with this, but check the E Box Cooling Fan. $130 fix at dealer?

8) Power steering hose and clamps updated?

9) Checked harmonic balancer?

10) Got your cat converter replaced?

Like I said, buy the fluids yourself (find the right brand and amounts) and then bring those to whoever you trust. Then go to dealer if they can't do something.

springerfever

ultracarnut

Please keep us posted on your transmission woes. A lot of early ML owners will be facing a transmission replacement within the next few years and it will be helpful to know who provides the best deal on a replacement.....

BTW, I agree with Chedman13 regarding the swap on the connector O-rings. That is definately an item that can cause problems; it did for me ! Also, I feel the transmission fluid drain/fill with new MB synthetic every 100,000 is good preventative maintainence, and I've got 240,000 miles on my ML430....

sosh

When you changed the trans fluid what type did you use?? Only MB reccommended fluid should be used!!

mihir_d

Chedman13, I have most of the major items you mentioned already taken care of - almost all of it under warranty...

Here's the cronology of everything that's been done so far...

1. Fuel lines were updated on the very first A service at 9.5K miles
2. Power steering hose clamp replaced at 40K miles
3. Aux. fan wiring harness changed at 55K miles (Good will warranty)
4. CATs changed at 66K miles (Emissions warranty)
5. Harmonic balancer checked at 84K miles after recall notice - is okay.

Yep, I very much planning on keeping my truck for a long long time...I just love it and am far from feeling excited about replacing it for a new ride...

I will definitely keep the tranny fluid in mind at the 100K milestone...

Thanks again to you all for all your advice..
Mihir.

ultracarnut

well after $5200 bucks picked up my ml. not 10 min into the drive the damm ml is sticking in gears.... what a piece of crap@#$@#% Q. check engine light is on too. brought back to shop....
41 fault codes.....
main one i code p1831 limphome mode
shop owner called and said the motor on the transfer case is not compatable with the new transmission.
he looked up and found a bulletin tsimbna28.19/02 which was posted march of 1999.......before my ml was built!! they knew there was a compatability problem and now no warrentee anylonger.
This part should have been included with the new transmission and now my shop wants more $$ for this new transfer motor........

who the hell is to blame for this crap and what are my options...