Trouble going into reverse
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Geneva, AL
93 500 SEL
Trouble going into reverse
I haven't had any transmission issues until now, and it was recently serviced by a dealer. When cold, my 93 500 SEL slips into reverse fairly easy. Once it warms up, for the past few days, it's having trouble. I know the dealer will want to put in another tranny, but this one works smoothly otherwise. Anybody have any ideas about what's causing the problem? A band? Electronic control unit somewhere?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Geneva, AL
93 500 SEL
I've lined up an appointment with an independent who specializes in Euro cars. He said it can be repaired without replacing the tranny. I know the dealer would say replacement is the only option. Will keep this thread updated for the benefit of others.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 713
Likes: 147
From: Aridzona
'15 S550, '10 E350 P1/P2, '02 ML320
I was told by my local Independent mechanic to get it in ASAP if I have problems getting it into reverse, or if I hear a clicking noise while I am backing up. Otherwise, replacement is the only option. Apparently this symptom indicates a slippage of components inside the tranny that will eventually lead to the tranny digesting itself. This relates to the units used on the 140 chassis.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Geneva, AL
93 500 SEL
I have an appointment with the mechanic on Wednesday morning. He said it would take about two hours to check it. Then, I'll get the good news, bad news report. It's a hydraulic transmission and could be the vacuum, bands, or whatever, but he suspects its fixable...he sounded familiar with the problem.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 713
Likes: 147
From: Aridzona
'15 S550, '10 E350 P1/P2, '02 ML320
No idea on the cost of the fix, only that it is cheaper to fix it now, than it would be later. A rebuild by a reputable shop in Phoenix is about $1,600.00, just for reference.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Geneva, AL
93 500 SEL
Problem solved
Mechanic put it on his machine, said pressure plate bad and something about an O ring. Since he has to take things apart to fix it anyway, he suggested a rebuild for $2K. Sounded reasonable, so we're doing it.
