jayafink

I have a 2004 ML350 with 140,000 miles on it. The transmission went out and I have two options from my shop.One is a used (90,000 mile) transmission with a one year parts and labor warranty if anything goes wrong.That cost is $2,000.00 including installation.The other option is a rebuilt transmission with a three year parts and labor warranty if anything goes wrong with it.That cost is $4,000.00 including installation.I was also told the codes came on for the catalytic converters and those are $2,000.00 to replace.However, the car has been running flawlessly other than the transmission so I am not so concerned about getting those fixed (no emissions tests needed in my state).So, my dilemma is what transmission to get because I am not sure when the catalytic converters will get to the point where they MUST be fixed.Do you think this car with 140k miles on it is worth fixing to last for another three years or is it so old that it is likely to have other problems (including the catalytic converter replacement) so that it probably won't last another three years anyway?If I have to replace those converters or repair other expensive problems in the next three years then the car is not worth another $2,000.00 plus to keep.

Thank you!

Maj. Dundee

Explain the problem with the trans.

jayafink

It sometimes will not shift into gear. I can give it gas from a stop and it takes a while to get moving. Or, sometimes I can only go 50 mph because the engine revs too high. Three different shops said it needs repair or replacing.

Maj. Dundee

You problem could very well be the Cats.

vmystikilv

Tried basics,

Checked transmission level?
Checked to make sure the electrical plugged on trans is not soaked in oil?
Did a basic filter and flush first?

mihir_d

It could be a contaminated valve body....my 2006 SLK experienced that symptom 2 years ago....the shifting would just not sync. with the throttle at random times coming off red lights, stop signs or from dead start....at high speeds, car would revert to limp mode (I guess, because, it was experiencing random shift problems)....

The 2005-2007 SLKs were notorious for the valve body contamination problem....the MLs have not been known for this...if you don't change the transmission fluid/filter for a long time...that has the potential of contaminating the valve body..

It is too bad...that inspite of such dangerous behavior..the car would not throw any error codes or idiot lamps on the dash to warn the driver to pull aside and stop driving the now unsafe car..

$1200 later and a valve body rebuild...the problem went away...
I would however work on the CATs first before the trans. they can cause a lot of abnormal behavior of the drivetrain..