2008 S550 4matic (92k) needs new transmission...
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 3
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From: Highland Park, IL
'08 S550 4matic
2008 S550 4matic (92k) needs new transmission...
Took our car to the dealer because we're hearing a noise, a kind of high-pitched whine that seems to get worse with higher speeds which we thought was the a/c fan. Tech took a ride with us and said it sounds like the transmission. Left it to be diagnosed, sure enough he said the ball bearings in the transmission are bad, and we need a new trans. The total is around $7k. This all happened Friday, the SA we usually deal with will be back Monday, and we've had the whole weekend to stew about this and read lots of posts about W221 trans problems....Also, a front axle boot is leaking.
We love this car, and hoped to keep it for a couple of more years, but these two issues are making us rethink that plan.
I probably should add that back in March, we had a small fire under the hood that was started by a faulty windshield wiper motor...and we needed to have the main wiring harness replaced - that had to be ordered from Germany. So, we were without our car for over 4 months, but were provided loaners from our dealership the entire time. Our regular car insurance paid most of that.
We don't have an extended warranty. We are not DIY when it comes to this car, so almost all of the service has been done at the dealership. We've had some other repairs like engine/trans mounts, speed sensors in both front wheels, but nothing too big until now.
My question is, other than my current issues, what other big things can we reasonably expect to go wrong?
We love this car, and hoped to keep it for a couple of more years, but these two issues are making us rethink that plan.
I probably should add that back in March, we had a small fire under the hood that was started by a faulty windshield wiper motor...and we needed to have the main wiring harness replaced - that had to be ordered from Germany. So, we were without our car for over 4 months, but were provided loaners from our dealership the entire time. Our regular car insurance paid most of that.
We don't have an extended warranty. We are not DIY when it comes to this car, so almost all of the service has been done at the dealership. We've had some other repairs like engine/trans mounts, speed sensors in both front wheels, but nothing too big until now.
My question is, other than my current issues, what other big things can we reasonably expect to go wrong?
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Joined: Dec 2004
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It is usually either the tranny pump or the tail bearing. Find a tranny shop that understands the 722.9 tranny and have them do the work. I personally would first change the tranny oil and see if that reduces the whine to acceptable levels.
Owning a w221 out of warranty if you are not a diy kind may be a costly proposition.
Owning a w221 out of warranty if you are not a diy kind may be a costly proposition.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 303
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Agree with the above posts - find a local transmission place that preferably specializes in Mercedes or European makes. Since your car is long out of warranty it makes sense to only use the dealership when you need to. Because you "love the car" it might also make sense to find a local mechanic that will look after it at a lower cost than the dealer.
I think the only big things I can think of are:
- Airmatic struts and air compressor - that could theoretically leave you stranded if they fail en route.
- Leaking or defective A/C evaporator or HVAC air box - because of the tremendous labor of dis-assembling the dash to get to it.
I think the only big things I can think of are:
- Airmatic struts and air compressor - that could theoretically leave you stranded if they fail en route.
- Leaking or defective A/C evaporator or HVAC air box - because of the tremendous labor of dis-assembling the dash to get to it.
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Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Highland Park, IL
'08 S550 4matic
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 3
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From: Highland Park, IL
'08 S550 4matic
An update of sorts, and another question.
The SA has found a rebuilt transmission, for $5500 installed. He said this includes a new torque converter.
I called our local independent shop guy, who said they will rebuild our transmission (that is, sends it out to a place he said he trusts) for $4000.
Both the dealer and the indie will then warranty the trans for 2 years.
I have called back the indie and left a message asking if his price includes a torque converter.
Question: do we need a new torque converter?? Is this typically replaced when the trans is fixed??
Thanks.
The SA has found a rebuilt transmission, for $5500 installed. He said this includes a new torque converter.
I called our local independent shop guy, who said they will rebuild our transmission (that is, sends it out to a place he said he trusts) for $4000.
Both the dealer and the indie will then warranty the trans for 2 years.
I have called back the indie and left a message asking if his price includes a torque converter.
Question: do we need a new torque converter?? Is this typically replaced when the trans is fixed??
Thanks.
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