My 2006 MB R350 4MATIC has a problem in the drive train. When I accellerate from stationary, there is a nasty sound of ratcheting sprocket and chain. I tried to compensate for this by accellerating very slowly, but cars behind me don't like my driving style. Sometimes I end up standing still with a slight slope up. Then it's even more difficult to start driving without this nasty sound. Recently this sound of a car that's about to fall apart has occurred more and more, and I don't want to take this car further than neccessary to avoid getting stuck far from home. It is clear something needs to be done about this problem.

Strange enough it only happens when accellerating from stationary. If I'm driving 30 mph or faster, I can accellerate normal again, although I still feel it can break up anytime. If suspect that's because the torque on this part that is about to break apart is highest at slow speeds.

I went to a local transmission service and quickly they diagnosed a transfer case about to fail, by just listening to this awful sound when I accellerate. A new transfer case costs about $5k, just parts. The garage suggested a used part replacement for a total of $2k including labor and oil, excl tax. I think that's quite an expense on an 8 year old car.

I have to mention here, the car has accumulated a total of 220k miles in 8 years, which is considered more than average. Previous owner was a taxi company for the first 180k miles. The mileage of the car may explain the wear and consequent imminent failure of the transfer case.

I've read multiple threads on this forum about this 7g-tronic transmission, concerning DIY transmission oil changes, transmission problems and transfer case (aka transfer box) problems. But nobody talks about this problems with an R350 to my knowledge. Only other types, such as E350, CLK350, and GLK350, so I don't know if the information I learn from those is applicable in my case.

I see als other numbers as W212, and W204. I have no idea what the W-number is that is in my car or how I can find it.

What I'm looking for is a transfer case that I can use to replace the one I have. Or just the components that need to be replaced. I think it's just a sprocket and a chain, but people have told me Mercedes doesn't sell components, only complete subsystems.

Anyone with similar problems with similar or same type?

Does some one know what causes the problem? If I replace the transfer case, is it likely I get the same problem again? What else needs to be looked at to avoid repetition after replacement?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Martin
CA, USA

 

it's 2 planetary gears and 2 roller bearings.
2 bottles of Mercedes atf and sealant for transfer case cover.
kit is around 260.00. have a indy shop do it going to need gear pulley.
after completed drive vehicle in open lot and do figure 8's to lube clutch pack nicely.
a little late but info can help someone in the future.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-BEN...-/221579312105

 

Teflock,

I appreciate your help to answer my case. But from the picture it looks like you're talking about another part. The failing transfer case was swapped with a used one from euro chop shop. Then I opened up the failing tx case afterwards and noticed the chain was worn and had caused skipping teeth when torque was applied. I ordered a new chain and installed it in the old tx case ande thereaftere it ran smooth. Now I am driving a car without a problem, and I have a refurbished transfer case for sale.

Thanks,

Martin

 

Good to here .
Sorry forgot that yours is the older version that runs on a chain system.
Even with the planetary gears they still seem to be problematic.
Just had mine replaced .

 

How many miles before you had it replaced?

Thanks,

 

At 18.000 + miles

 

Okay Thanks.