transmission problem, please help!

Jul 12, 2007 | 01:29 PM

redrush

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transmission problem, please help!

Hi all, new to the site!
I was driving my 99 ml 320 the other day and noticed it would not go faster than 60km/h. I brought it to the dealer and was told the Electronic Selector Module and transmission needs to be replaced which will cost me $7000 total.

My question is, if it is the transmission would'nt it be impossible to drive even up to 60 km? just needs some opinions.

thanks!

Jul 15, 2007 | 07:16 PM

davethebenzman

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Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 32

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From: Mukilteo WA

1988 300E, 1973 450 sl, 1999 ML320, 1986 300E, 1985 190D

the anser is

no do to the trans and the hole car for that matter has a limp home mode and will go in to the fist and sencond. you myt try to take the car to the shop and have them do a trans flush. but you need to have the MB trans flued. do to the right stuff is hard to find, like the redline and others and then have the trans filter changed and then more MB atf. if that didnt work well then you know the trans is bad

Jul 16, 2007 | 01:11 AM

Darkmann

Super Member

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 864

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Quote:

Originally Posted by davethebenzman

For crying out loud Dave, if you're going to respond, at least don't do it when you're drunk or on something. Can you even read and understand what you just posted? Try again because I'm sure you're trying real hard to give some really good advice.

Jul 16, 2007 | 02:20 PM

redrush

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haha, thanks anyway. I can drive it still but there telliing me the transmission has to be replaced. Is it possible to even drive if it is the transmission?

Jul 16, 2007 | 05:22 PM

MB-Dude

Super Member

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 591

Likes: 9

From: Covington, WA

'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230

Quote:

Originally Posted by redrush

I can drive it still but there telliing me the transmission has to be replaced. Is it possible to even drive if it is the transmission?

Yes, you can drive your vehicle under the conditions you describe. By your description, you're doing about 40 mph, tops. This could be the infamous 'Limp Mode'. To tell if you are in Limp Mode, from a dead stop, accelerate and count the number of gear changes the transmission performs. If it's one or two only, you're in Limp Mode. The transmission could still be used as long as the failure is not a major mechanical one. But I would advise against driving the vehicle any more than you have to.

I suspect the dealer wants to change both the Module and the Transmission because A) they are not be sure which is really bad, and B) both are expensive. Try to find a good independent repair shop and get a second opinion. You might be surprised. Regardless of how you proceed, good luck... and let us know how it works out.

Jul 24, 2007 | 06:18 PM

redrush

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its the transmission I was told which will cost me nearly $5000 and has nothing to do with the Electronic Selector Module.
Never will I buy a Mercedes again!!!!

Jul 24, 2007 | 07:55 PM

mihir_d

Super Member

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 690

Likes: 33

From: Bay area - California

2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350

Look for a salvaged transmission...

Quote:

Originally Posted by redrush

its the transmission I was told which will cost me nearly $5000 and has nothing to do with the Electronic Selector Module.
Never will I buy a Mercedes again!!!!

My friend's 2002 Mazda 626 just blew its tranny....the cars KBB value is $6000 and the tranny could run him $3000 or $2200 to rebuild. He has opted to settle for a salvaged transmission for around $750 instead...

If you get lucky, the salvaged tranny may last you forever, if you are still skeptical, most salvage tranny shops will sell you extended warranty on the tranny...