Need new Transmission! Went bad at 70k on my 2007 mercedes benz S550
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 4
From: Columbus, Ohio
Mercedes S550
07 transmission issues
Interesting point about a number of 07's having the transmission problems.... But correct me if I am wrong but the 7G trans. was introduced in 2003 and is used and has made it's way across much of mercedes lineup. I had to have the valve body changed on my 07. It was not an early 07. Production number was 147,256 (last 6 of vin). What's funny is the service advisor at the dealership said it was a "first".... he had never seen this issue before with a transmission.
Last edited by spadre59c3z; Apr 10, 2011 at 07:34 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 386
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
CL550 1976 450 SL
I had untenable tranny tremor when coming to a halt. SA's and mechs @ dlr. were worthless. This forum had a thread suggesting motor mounts. Sure enough, bad mounts. Indy replaced and vibration/tremor/shudder et al went away. Sad we have to play "20 questions" with a vehicle of this stature. I have been in MB since 1989 E320; Audi prior 11. This is the spookiest platform I have experienced. Sad as heck. Expensive as heck. Good luck.
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
2007 S550
My car was 80,539 off the line so it's a very early car.
I'm my case its not the motor mounts. The vibration is very weird. I've been around cars where the tranny was bad and its always been at the shift points where you really feel it or the car delivers power improperly. This is just vibration/shutter. More so when the car has been driver for a over 45 minutes.
Very un-S-Class like. I'll go to Fletcher for this but I'd like to gather the opinons on the forums first just so I don't get scewed by the stealership.
I'm my case its not the motor mounts. The vibration is very weird. I've been around cars where the tranny was bad and its always been at the shift points where you really feel it or the car delivers power improperly. This is just vibration/shutter. More so when the car has been driver for a over 45 minutes.
Very un-S-Class like. I'll go to Fletcher for this but I'd like to gather the opinons on the forums first just so I don't get scewed by the stealership.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2008 s550 4matic
This is very unfortunate. 2 days ago I was sriving my father's 08 s550 with 54,000 miles and the same thing happened, just started freely revving. Pulled over to the side, and it would not engage R or D at all. Dealership says the transmission is gone wants 6,000 dollars for the repair. Is there anything that can be done about this? Will MB pay the bill? Isn't this considered premature failure?
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 4
From: Columbus, Ohio
Mercedes S550
So you pulled over and put the car in park and then it would no longer shift out of park? Most of the people who have had issues with the transmission were still able to get the vehicle in drive and get to the dealer in a limp mode. Has the dealer actually run diagnostics? It's possible it could be the valve body although this still runs over a grand.
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2008 s550 4matic
No, it would go in R or D, but only free rev (like I was in neutral)
dealer said that all the gears and the torque converter were burned, mind that it was a service rep (not the actual tech)
They are still determining the actual cost..
dealer said that all the gears and the torque converter were burned, mind that it was a service rep (not the actual tech)
They are still determining the actual cost..
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Mine was the tranny valve body as everyone elses. Covered by my extended warranty (except they only pay $85 labor and tried to tell MB Manhattan how much time they can take to fix. Rubbish but whatever - still had to have a bit of out of pocket expenses for it - but nothing like paying for the entire bill.
MB really messed it up here I think. Way too many people losing trannys between 55k and 65k miles.
Thats a serious mess up.
MB really messed it up here I think. Way too many people losing trannys between 55k and 65k miles.
Thats a serious mess up.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 4
From: Columbus, Ohio
Mercedes S550
Sorry to hear that (you should not have to deal with problems like that at 55,000 miles). I had the transmission valve body fail but my transmission went in to a limp mode (stayed in second gear I believe). It was different then what you are experiencing. Keep us updated.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Irmo, SC
2008 S550, 2008 CLK 350
Wouldn't think a car of this status could have tranny issues. Are the other models having the same problems. I purchased my S550 under warranty, if my tranny went, would it be covered?
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans
2008 S550 AMG
I have been telling everyone that I meet, that My Transmission went out at 51,567. Five months out of the three year warranty and a few thousand miles outside of the mileage warranty. It cost me over $6,000 to replace my transmission with no extended warranty and I have been at a loss for words since.
I really hope that my story can help someone else.
I really hope that my story can help someone else.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 386
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
CL550 1976 450 SL
I have asked this twice before on this thread w/in the past three-four weeks.
But, does anyone know if changing/updating the valve body preempts or prevents the entire transmission from blowing up?
If it does, it would be relatively inexpensive insurance against a $6000+ replacement. Particularly if, as I, am out of warranty, have no extended warr. and plan to keep it for a while.
If no one knows whether the valve body is the culprit and replacing solves things, can anyone think of how we can find out? I surely am not the only reader/owner scared to take a deep breath, as it were, due to the transmission.
This is obviously a real issue. Anyone help?
But, does anyone know if changing/updating the valve body preempts or prevents the entire transmission from blowing up?
If it does, it would be relatively inexpensive insurance against a $6000+ replacement. Particularly if, as I, am out of warranty, have no extended warr. and plan to keep it for a while.
If no one knows whether the valve body is the culprit and replacing solves things, can anyone think of how we can find out? I surely am not the only reader/owner scared to take a deep breath, as it were, due to the transmission.
This is obviously a real issue. Anyone help?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,632
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
After initial change @ 39000 miles, change ATF every 30000-40000 miles thereafter. MB requires ATF change once @ 39000 however, as of MY09 changed requirement to every 40000 miles. Furthermore have current ATF analyzed and with each change to a certain extent, this will give an indication of what may be going on (i.e.: particulate level, etc.) http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ (no affiliation).
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
2007 S550
I have asked this twice before on this thread w/in the past three-four weeks.
But, does anyone know if changing/updating the valve body preempts or prevents the entire transmission from blowing up?
If it does, it would be relatively inexpensive insurance against a $6000+ replacement. Particularly if, as I, am out of warranty, have no extended warr. and plan to keep it for a while.
If no one knows whether the valve body is the culprit and replacing solves things, can anyone think of how we can find out? I surely am not the only reader/owner scared to take a deep breath, as it were, due to the transmission.
This is obviously a real issue. Anyone help?
But, does anyone know if changing/updating the valve body preempts or prevents the entire transmission from blowing up?
If it does, it would be relatively inexpensive insurance against a $6000+ replacement. Particularly if, as I, am out of warranty, have no extended warr. and plan to keep it for a while.
If no one knows whether the valve body is the culprit and replacing solves things, can anyone think of how we can find out? I surely am not the only reader/owner scared to take a deep breath, as it were, due to the transmission.
This is obviously a real issue. Anyone help?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Wow, weird, I didn't know that the 7G was having so many failures.
I don't hear about many (or really any) failures of it on W211's, so I'm wondering if maybe the V8 and/or weight of the W221 are a bit over-stretched for the tranny's capabilities?
I don't hear about many (or really any) failures of it on W211's, so I'm wondering if maybe the V8 and/or weight of the W221 are a bit over-stretched for the tranny's capabilities?
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Aventura, FL
S550
Mine went at 14-15k
I had my transmission replaced at 15K I didn't understand it. This is my 3rd Merc and am surprised that it needed a new Tranny at that low mileage. By the way it's an '07 S550.
I still have it but recently it developed a thumping sound when stopped while in drive. Dealer said its the ABC pump when it's warming up and it's normal and not something that can be fixed. Doesn't make sense to me.
I still have it but recently it developed a thumping sound when stopped while in drive. Dealer said its the ABC pump when it's warming up and it's normal and not something that can be fixed. Doesn't make sense to me.
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
SL65 AMG
I had my transmission replaced at 15K I didn't understand it. This is my 3rd Merc and am surprised that it needed a new Tranny at that low mileage. By the way it's an '07 S550.
I still have it but recently it developed a thumping sound when stopped while in drive. Dealer said its the ABC pump when it's warming up and it's normal and not something that can be fixed. Doesn't make sense to me.
I still have it but recently it developed a thumping sound when stopped while in drive. Dealer said its the ABC pump when it's warming up and it's normal and not something that can be fixed. Doesn't make sense to me.
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
2007 S550
I had my transmission replaced at 15K I didn't understand it. This is my 3rd Merc and am surprised that it needed a new Tranny at that low mileage. By the way it's an '07 S550.
I still have it but recently it developed a thumping sound when stopped while in drive. Dealer said its the ABC pump when it's warming up and it's normal and not something that can be fixed. Doesn't make sense to me.
I still have it but recently it developed a thumping sound when stopped while in drive. Dealer said its the ABC pump when it's warming up and it's normal and not something that can be fixed. Doesn't make sense to me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 9
From: Toronto
V12TT
Happened to my friends car same problem turned out to be a bad solenoid on the valve body. Valve body was replaced and the TCM was recoded with the new software and reset. Problem is gone and has been for the last 6k. Also recommend changing the trans fluid and filter while your in there...
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
2007 S550
Happened to my friends car same problem turned out to be a bad solenoid on the valve body. Valve body was replaced and the TCM was recoded with the new software and reset. Problem is gone and has been for the last 6k. Also recommend changing the trans fluid and filter while your in there...
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 730
Likes: 3
I know everyone assumes I am biased as I sell extended warranties, and I probably am. But I buy a LOT of AMG and 600-series cars for my clients on a custom-order basis. At this point, I won't take on a retained search unless my client agrees up front to buy an extended warranty. I don't even care if they get it from me or not, as long as they get one.
I just know that I can triple inspect the car including one inspection at an MB dealer, pull the VMI to make sure it's been cared for since new, and STILL after 6 months they can incur some huge unforseen problem (and blame me for it!). Life is too short to have people hate me for things that are not my fault.
These cars are just not reliable in the long-term, and hideously expensive to repair out of warranty. Yet because the pool of cars overall is large (C-class, E-class, etc) they do not get rated too badly by warranty companies unless starting miles are very high. So you can get a good warranty for a reasonable price.
If anyone would like a quote (not with pre-existing condition please!), shoot me an email with your car's VIN# and current odometer reading to brucem105@comcast.net.
Bruce
I just know that I can triple inspect the car including one inspection at an MB dealer, pull the VMI to make sure it's been cared for since new, and STILL after 6 months they can incur some huge unforseen problem (and blame me for it!). Life is too short to have people hate me for things that are not my fault.
These cars are just not reliable in the long-term, and hideously expensive to repair out of warranty. Yet because the pool of cars overall is large (C-class, E-class, etc) they do not get rated too badly by warranty companies unless starting miles are very high. So you can get a good warranty for a reasonable price.
If anyone would like a quote (not with pre-existing condition please!), shoot me an email with your car's VIN# and current odometer reading to brucem105@comcast.net.
Bruce
Last edited by Becks Imports; May 5, 2011 at 09:32 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
From: Stuttgart
2018 C180 9G
Here in Germany there is a guy named Tim Eckart who developed a machine to completely flush the MB automatic transmission system since the regular dealer fluid change only changes out a little over 50% of fluid.
Apparently a lot of transmission suffer from glycol contamination and by completely flushing the system all the bad stuff gets removed. There is great testimony from taxi drivers and others on the dramatic improvements after just one flush.
Regards, L
Apparently a lot of transmission suffer from glycol contamination and by completely flushing the system all the bad stuff gets removed. There is great testimony from taxi drivers and others on the dramatic improvements after just one flush.
Regards, L
Last edited by lingnoi; May 7, 2011 at 01:15 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
I know everyone assumes I am biased as I sell extended warranties, and I probably am. But I buy a LOT of AMG and 600-series cars for my clients on a custom-order basis. At this point, I won't take on a retained search unless my client agrees up front to buy an extended warranty. I don't even care if they get it from me or not, as long as they get one.
I just know that I can triple inspect the car including one inspection at an MB dealer, pull the VMI to make sure it's been cared for since new, and STILL after 6 months they can incur some huge unforseen problem (and blame me for it!). Life is too short to have people hate me for things that are not my fault.
These cars are just not reliable in the long-term, and hideously expensive to repair out of warranty. Yet because the pool of cars overall is large (C-class, E-class, etc) they do not get rated too badly by warranty companies unless starting miles are very high. So you can get a good warranty for a reasonable price.
If anyone would like a quote (not with pre-existing condition please!), shoot me an email with your car's VIN# and current odometer reading to brucem105@comcast.net.
Bruce
I just know that I can triple inspect the car including one inspection at an MB dealer, pull the VMI to make sure it's been cared for since new, and STILL after 6 months they can incur some huge unforseen problem (and blame me for it!). Life is too short to have people hate me for things that are not my fault.
These cars are just not reliable in the long-term, and hideously expensive to repair out of warranty. Yet because the pool of cars overall is large (C-class, E-class, etc) they do not get rated too badly by warranty companies unless starting miles are very high. So you can get a good warranty for a reasonable price.
If anyone would like a quote (not with pre-existing condition please!), shoot me an email with your car's VIN# and current odometer reading to brucem105@comcast.net.
Bruce
