My TRANNY DIED..WHAT TO DO???
02-05-2010, 08:36 AM
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ML 320
My TRANNY DIED..WHAT TO DO???
Sooooooo.........my 98 ML 320 Tranny has died on me and been sitting in garage for 2 mos. Car will not shift at all, I live in Atl, GA I need reputable mechanic to rebuild, please send me referrals. PLEASE!!! I dont want to get "taken" Cannot sell truck its paid for and was running great, outside air conditioning issue. 
Last edited by mzjay2; 02-05-2010 at 08:50 AM.
02-08-2010, 02:31 AM
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2008 C300
I don't think it's worth getting a new tranny... my 99 ML430 cost me 6.5g to repair and trying to sell it isn't worth it. I think KBB quote me 8g. I say you can get a new ML320 with that price. Up to you of course.
02-08-2010, 03:48 PM
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1998 ML 320 1975 450 SL
Have you tried to pull code? It maybe the transmission computer that died. If the trany computer or it turns out to be the tranny it self why not look into a used one? They generally run about $1000.00 more or less.
Boston Mark
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03-09-2010, 09:05 PM
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ML320
The transmission on my 99 ML320 seemed to die one day about two months ago (popped into neutral then to "get home mode" or whatever they call it). Had the car towed to MB dealer with instructions to open it up and if there were any metal filings to just close it up and tow away. The service advisors at my dealership are pretty reasonable (he also owns the same 99 ML) so I trusted him. As it turns out the transmission was not shot but there was leakage of some oil into one of the sensitive electronics areas. The mechanic cleaned it up, put it back together and it now runs fine again.
No way I would put a new transmission into a ten year old ML. They are only worth about $5-7K which is less than you would pay for a new tranny.
No way I would put a new transmission into a ten year old ML. They are only worth about $5-7K which is less than you would pay for a new tranny.
03-10-2010, 06:46 PM
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03-16-2010, 11:51 AM
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ML320
Junk it or sell it for parts. These MLs can be money pits especially when major components start failing. If I invested 7K in a new transmission and then MIGHT be able to sell it for 7K (very optomistic given rust and other niggling problems) then I might get my money back to invest in a new car. If I invest 7K and continue to drive it I will continue to invest in further maintenance in a downhill slide. My 99ML320 has eaten up about $5K in repairs in the past 12 months. Every vehicle has a point where it is no longer worthwhile maintaining. I'm arguing that for a 10+ year old ML with 150,000 miles on it that point comes when faced with a major (>5K) repair. At that point it is better to take the $5K and put it in a down payment on a newer vehicle loan. In my case I could easily have made payments on a two year old ML350 for the amount I poured into service last year.
I'd feel differently if this was a classic 'Benz but frankly the W163 was just a very good SUV with lots of reliability problems related to being produced in a new factory with many new untested parts suppliers and I have no particular emotional attachment to the vehicle.
I'd feel differently if this was a classic 'Benz but frankly the W163 was just a very good SUV with lots of reliability problems related to being produced in a new factory with many new untested parts suppliers and I have no particular emotional attachment to the vehicle.
Last edited by Island; 03-16-2010 at 11:56 AM.
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03-16-2010, 08:50 PM
#8
^ I can ceretainly understand that. Just make sure to call around before you go the "junking it" route. There is a European auto service place here that will do the job for less than $4,000. Find something like that then sell your ride for 7K and walk away with 3K.
03-17-2010, 10:34 PM
#9
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There are several issues that would cause your tranny not to shift such as the 13 pin connector and a bad conductor plate. Pull codes even if you don't have a check engine light. You don't mention exactly how the transmission died. These 722.6 trannys rarely go without symptoms unless it's an electronic problem. Have you pulled a fluid sample to see if it's burnt or has 'silver glop' in it?
If your transmission is, indeed, toast, then your vehicle is totaled. You can find later model ML's with much fewer miles for about what you'd spend to fix it. Do what Jefferino did on benzworld. He parted his to pieces because he couldn't get what he needed to pay off his ML55 AMG. There's people here and there that would like some of your parts.
If your transmission is, indeed, toast, then your vehicle is totaled. You can find later model ML's with much fewer miles for about what you'd spend to fix it. Do what Jefferino did on benzworld. He parted his to pieces because he couldn't get what he needed to pay off his ML55 AMG. There's people here and there that would like some of your parts.
03-25-2010, 11:19 AM
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As CMITCH said...you have to have some reason to think it went. Check the shift control on top...worst case its $400 installed at the dealer.
09-06-2010, 01:32 AM
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2001 ML320
What is the shift contol on top? Is it the TCM or HCM? I have the same problem with tranny locks in park position and brake light is not on. So I think the brake switch is ok. I am looking into the electronic controls, but don't know where to start. How does the shift solenoid receive a signal? Where does it get the signal from? Any helps would be deeply appreciated.
