Hello there,

Well, I just wrote a book and it was deleted before it was posted. Let''s try again.

I just purchased a 1999 ML430 Mercedes with 108,000 miles from it''s second owner 3 weeks ago. About a week ago, I started hearing a "clicking" sound coming from the front end, but was thinking that this was the front brakes, as they need replacing (And it might be). I had no tranny problems on the car except an occassional hesitation in shifting out of second on a couple of cold mornings.

A couple of days ago, when backing up from a level parking place, the car started "hopping" in reverse. I put the car into park, then in drive, and we took off with no problem. After less than a mile, the car slipped out of drive completely. I pulled over, turned the car off, and then back on. The vehicle engaged, and shifted fine out of 1,2, 3, and 4th gear. After a few miles, I pulled into a gas station to research what the problem was online. I found out that these cars are not designed to be serviced at all by an individual, and that there a "Lock" on the tranny oil filler. Upon inspection, I noticed that the locked cap had the lock broken. When I started the car and put it into drive, it would not engage, and just made a "rattling/clacking" sound. I left it, and the next morning it was towed to a local "Mercedes Specialist". After 2 hours with the car, he concluded exactly what a 16 year old at the gas station did "It must be the transmission". He said there were no codes for the tranny, and that he would be happy to fix it for $4000.00. Well, after paying again to have it delivered to another shop, they thought that it might be the torque converter. Well, this seems to not be the case, as yesterday I recieved a call that it was not the torque converter, even though they could not tell me what it was.

I would REALLY appreciate it if you guys can help me out. I have a few questions:

1. What do you think the problem might be?
2. What is the transmission code for the 1999 ML430 Mercedes (722 6??)?
3. Will a 2000 s430 transmission work in this vehicle in any form or fashion?
4. Where can I find the best deal on a used tranny for the best price if this is the problem?

I just think that it is strange that a tranny that has shifted as smooth as silk would just die with no prior warning or problems. Any input is GREATLY appreciated!

 

First off, a transmission that's 'silky smooth' is most likely a tranny on it's way out. It's really a misconception that one shouldn't feel the gears change. That said, your problem sounds like a conductor plate. But, without codes being thrown, it's really hard to say. Conductor plate failures usually exhibit themselves by throwing your tranny into limp mode. Are you sure there are no codes?

There is already a heated debate going on at another forum about fluid changes, whether they should be done or not. I do change the fluid in my ML's, but not all of it. Only what will drain out of the pan. I don't really know if a fluid change will help you. It wouldn't hurt to try it. But, it is very possible your tranny is shot and it isn't cheap to fix it.