99 E430 Trans Problem & Resolution
08-10-2004, 05:00 PM
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2010 X204 GLK350 4matic
99 E430 Trans Problem & Resolution
Hi all,
My transmission (722.6 and late 1998 build) had a problem (74k miles) where I noticed slippage/(difficulty engaging) starting from a stop particulary heading up an incline (even modest ones and I was in the "S" mode). When I slowed to a stop entering my garage and my rear wheels came to rest just before the concrete edge or "lip", I had to really crank up the rpm just to get over it to move forward. Needless to say, I was "somewhat" concerned that the tranny would engage at the wrong moment and my car just might end up in the family room.
I took it to my trusted indenpendent shop who sublet the job to another shop whose $10,000 MB diagnostic machine spat out "electrical relay problem" (this was relayed to me by the first shop).
A day later, the repair bill showed that they repaired the bad "electrical plate" and replaced oil (8) + filter + gasket for $730. Transmission oil was not bad and didn't show abuse. I am happy to report that the car regained the sure touch starting from stops.
Question for the gurus, any idea what was replaced? I thought plates were mechanical items and that only the electrical stuff like the often mentioned valves or sensors generated fault codes. As I would like to keep the car for a long time, would I have been better off with transmission replacement (the ones with steel needle bearings) and take the BIG hit now instead of many small ones in the future?
My transmission (722.6 and late 1998 build) had a problem (74k miles) where I noticed slippage/(difficulty engaging) starting from a stop particulary heading up an incline (even modest ones and I was in the "S" mode). When I slowed to a stop entering my garage and my rear wheels came to rest just before the concrete edge or "lip", I had to really crank up the rpm just to get over it to move forward. Needless to say, I was "somewhat" concerned that the tranny would engage at the wrong moment and my car just might end up in the family room.
I took it to my trusted indenpendent shop who sublet the job to another shop whose $10,000 MB diagnostic machine spat out "electrical relay problem" (this was relayed to me by the first shop).
A day later, the repair bill showed that they repaired the bad "electrical plate" and replaced oil (8) + filter + gasket for $730. Transmission oil was not bad and didn't show abuse. I am happy to report that the car regained the sure touch starting from stops.
Question for the gurus, any idea what was replaced? I thought plates were mechanical items and that only the electrical stuff like the often mentioned valves or sensors generated fault codes. As I would like to keep the car for a long time, would I have been better off with transmission replacement (the ones with steel needle bearings) and take the BIG hit now instead of many small ones in the future?
