dbs600

Hello:

I am the owner of a 1994 S500 and over the past year I began experiencing transmission problems. First there would be a delay shifting into reverse (2 seconds), then the delay gradually increased (5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc...), then to get the car to actually move I would need to give it gas with the vehicle sometimes jerking backwards. As of two days ago the car no longer goes in reverse. I press the gas, but all that happens is that the engine revs - no wheel movement. Otherwise, the forward gears work fine (although, I have noticed a little bit of a hard shift from first to second in recent days).

I have been searching various forums and have determined that I should either have it rebuilt or have it replaced. However, I would like to clarify the following:

1. Which transmission does my car use - the 722.2 or the 722.3? What are the differences between these?
2. Is the dealer quoted price of $6,500 for a replacement too high? Should I get a second estimate?
3. How much should I expect an independent shop / tech to charge?
4. What would a "valve body mod to increase the fill rate of the reverse clutch pack" do in my situation? Does this require transmission disassembly?
5. If the dealer replaces the transmission would it cause added stress on the engine - and / or cause it or other components to fail sooner?
6. Would it be possible for the dealer to replace the transmission with the 5-speed version of the 1996 - 1999 W140's?

Last, is there something that I could / should have done to prevent this? I have owned the car since new and cannot understand why a pre-95 Mercedes with less than 100k miles should experience a transmission failure.

Thank you very much.

dbs600

Hello again:

I am also debating the possibility of selling the vehicle and replacing it with a 1998 or 1999 S500. In working condition it seems that I would be able to get $10 - 15k for my 1994, and that a mint 1998 or 1999 would be between $20 - 25k. Problem being, I have no clue how much a 1994 with no reverse gear (needing a transmission overhaul) would likely fetch - hopefully not $10 - 15k minus my $6500 estimate!?). Other than the transmission my car is in perfect condition. I do not have experience purchasing preowned vehicles and do not know if it is worth the risk. I love the aura of the W140s too much to go on not having one!

Anyone have any insight for such a decision – rebuild / replace tranny vs. replace vehicle?

Thank you.

Peter Guenther

I saw your post to my identical dilemma, slow to engage in reverse, and then a lurch. I debated trading it while it still worked, my wife hates the 220 and barely tolerates the new model.
My service writer, who used to provide good advice, has left the dealership, the shop foreman has not called me back on the message I left Friday. The trans started clicking in reverse we discussed it, and seemed better after a flush. After a discussion with them it was "wait untill it fails", it has to come out either way. The parts guy gave me a trans price of $3510, $1700 for a converter which shocked him, but suggested they both be done. This is for a reman MB with 2/24 warranty, somewhere south of $6 I immagine.
I might regret this one, Adsit sells rebuilts for less than half, but I have heard horror stories about them, and the others I dont know about. There are good independents, Continental Imports in FL but not close to me. The parts guy said MB uses someone but only on cars they are taking to auction?

Peter Guenther

I went the MB route today, we will see. I just backed into my stall after having issues with reverse after it was warm, I can drive to the dealer now!

brandon101

Hey guys - just checking to see what ended up happening with your trannys. I have the reverse problem also. It is slow to engage and/or slips when the car is at operating temperature. When it's cold it works fine. The forward gears are ok, although there is some slippage between 2 & 3 and 3 & 4, but nothing too horrible. I just bought the car (I knew about this problem), and the guy who had it said his mechanic told him that the 'valve body needed to be flushed', or worst case have the tranny pulled down and 'repair the accumulation valve and band'.

I've heard from a couple of people that it's not always necessary to replace/rebuild these. I'm hoping there is a relatively reasonable solution out there.

Any insights?

Thanks!