PewterML500

Last week the ML started having issues, while driving, RPMs shot up and she wouldnt accelerate and then she shut off completely. Restarted her and limped back home, less than 3 miles. She was making an AWFUL noise. Had her towed to Baker Motor Company in Charleston and just got the phone call. She needs a new transmission and torque convertor, due to the pump failing. My first question was, have you contacted MB USA to see what they are going to do and the reply was, they are doing nothing. I requested a meeting with the rep, so we will see where it goes from there. Not a happy camper right now. I can see if she had 240k on her, but 38k and change, come on...
Dave

KA8

Ouch! Hope you can sort this out. Did you ever service the transmission and transaxle? I know they recommend it changed at 39K miles but I think it would be problematic if oils weren't changed for 7 years.

dgiturbo

Welcome to the club.
Oil pump failures are one of the more common failures, next to the valve body/computer.
Unfortunately your worries are just beginning. When I had my failure in November, it took a month plus to get a new tranny from Germany. There is a world wide back order, rumored to be because MB doesn't want to ship a bad unit? Another rumor is the electronics supplier has issues, and replacement valve body/computer parts are far and few between.
I was lucky, mine failed with 2000 miles left on the extended warranty, so the $7500 bill was covered. And I replaced my fluids at MB at 35, and 70K miles. By the way, make sure the tech who works on it knows really well how to set adaptations, or else....

See the thread below. Search around for transmission failures in 06-11 ML's

2007 ML350 Being Held Hostage By MB Corporate

PewterML500

Dealer is wanting to install a Remanufactured unit, which I assume is what you are talking about as well? I know the fight is just beginning with MB. Just seems that if the KNOW there are issues, it shouldnt be such an ordeal. Thank you for the link as well.

dgiturbo

Yes, I meant to say re-manufactured. Basically looks brand new and shiny, and all the important and wearable parts are replaced. Mine came in a crate with Deutsch schreiben all over the package. Torque converter was brand new.
If the dealer can actually get one, GRAB IT and have it installed.
I must again emphasize that the tech knows how to set the adaptations, or you won't like what happens next.
Also, the latest software has a "feature" where it selects first gear about .5 of a second after the wheels actually stop turning. Nice idea, until you try to creep into a parking spot, and when you stop to judge the clearance, you get the dreaded "bump". Happens at drive thru's also, so don't get too close to the car in front of you without firm brake pressure. The software prevents anyone from adjusting this.
Other than that, shift quality is unbelievable, much smoother than new, to the point where passengers have asked if this was one of those CV tranny's because they couldn't feel the shifting.

dgiturbo

Also, I would push for them to do something for you. (Goodwill comes to mind)
38K miles is an embarrassing shame for an oil pump failure.
Mine had a valve body failure around 20K miles, but that was an electrical component that failed which I accept can happen. A Mercedes branded mechanical gear pump that pumps oil on the other hand should perform well past 38K miles.

PewterML500

Oh yes, I agree. I am pushing for anything other than the 10% Baker so graciously offered. There is no excuse for the part failing and taking out the tranny at this mileage. Guess we shall see. Thanks.

PewterML500

Well, what I expected. MB USA is declining ANY assistance whatsoever. With all of these failing, seems like a class action suite would fit this, i.e. same parts failing continuously. Not sure where to go from here. Just makes me sick that they wont do anything at all.

dgiturbo

That blows. You haven't even driven the 50K mileage to be out of warranty. Just timed out. Hopefully the dealer will give you a good trade in price, if that is feasable for you? Or a discount on the service.

PewterML500

It's in process of being picked up and taken to a recommended independent that has done quite a few of these fixes and for about half the money. Pissed at MB USA right now...

paracutin

If the trans is on back order thru dealers how will your indy shop be able to get one? Don't get me wrong, I am not a fan of dealers, just asking.

PewterML500

Well, when I asked Baker, I was told that there was no shortage any longer. Maybe they were just playing stupid. The indy shop does nothing but MB transmission work. No service, nothing else but tranny stuff.

paracutin

If that is accurate it will be welcome news. 722.9 trannys and parts have been pretty hard to come by. Perhaps with the redesign for the 2012 models they have been able to "catch up" on spare parts production.