I'll know more when I get the paper work from the dealer. But the dealer is replacing the valve body and the transmission control unit (I'm happy I have the Starmark warranty !). My first question is, will this mean all the tranny fluid is changed also ?

Second question; I've read about the valve body problems, can I assume I'm getting a better part, or will it fail again in a few years ?

My C280 is a 1998 with about 69K on it.



Thanks,

 

Only the fluid in the pan wil be change ) t/c will not.
Dont no of any problems with the valve body.

 

Sorry, it all depends, they may reuse the old trany fluid (syntetic)

 

I would think the tranny would be drained first, repaired, and then refilled…oh well.

Maybe I should call them tomorrow and see if I can request new fluid. I believe after the work is finished the work order will show what was done and what shop supplies were used. Of course, if the fluid was not changed (just topped off), it would be too late to have them do it for little or no cost. Seems like most of us don’t believe in MBs “life time” tranny fluid.

 

Most tecnicians only replace the fluid if you request that & pick up the bill, the syntetic fluid is very expensive & warranty may not cover it.

 

Well, I'd pay for the fluid, that's not a problem. But I'm sure they wouldn't do it, unless it was part of the repair. I've read about people (from MBworld) going into the dealer to have their tranny fluid changed and the dealership said they wouldn't do it.

Well, my car is ready today, so I'll find out soon enough. But I would think in order to get to the parts some fluid would have to be drained.

With all the of MBs tranny issues, I'm surprised there aren't more replies...

Oh well,

 

If they are replacing the valve body, the pan will have to be drain.
There will be at least 3 litres in there.

 

The work ticket says 5 liters. So, I would figure 4 liters plus part of one to top it off.

Also listed is "Trans Oil Fi" (it's cut off), I'm guessing that is the Trans Oil Filter along with; 1 - control unit, 1 - valve gear and some other misc parts.

So far it's working well. I'm hoping to get a good life out of this tranny, any other weaknesses (other than the valve gear) I should know about ?


Thanks for your input.