MBSL4me

First, let me say this is my first MB and I love this car. I bought it (2003 SL500) with only 4300 miles on the car! Everything was great for the first two months then I started noticing the reddish/orangish fluid leak.

I put the car on a lift and can see where its coming from. As you face the car, its on the drivers side at the very front of the transmission. It's coming from a bolt (I beleive 17MM) that has a tube or lever attached and passes through a rubber grommet into the transmission.

This bolt was a little loose and I tightened it about 1/4 of an inch before being tight. I thought that would stop the leak, but I found out it didn't a couple days after.

Can anyone familiar with what I'm talking about know if this bolt/grommett can be changed without dropping the transmission? Any recommended steps to fix this would be appreciated!

Thanks is advance!

Jon

MBSL4me

Transmission line cooler connector (the bolt I was talking about) was fixed by the stealership today for $228

They also said a transmission electrical connector on the passenger side was leaking and replaced/fixed it as well.

$56 for parts, $150 labor, $5.69 sales tax and $16 shop fee. The repair took about 40 minutes, then another 10 minute to test drive (and probably pick up lunch!).

Geez, $16 shop fee for the one rag he used to wipe it down with LOL!

monstermanfive9

yes i agree...I own a 1999 sl and i have 39000 miles on mine..i just recently noticed a leak under my rig..turns out to be the tranny connector..im still debating on the repair any info on how to remove the connector

MBSL4me

If it's the connector for the transmission cooler line, then I'd go to the stealership and buy the parts and do it yourself.

I spoke with the mechanic and he said it's basically a "crush ring" with an o-ring inside. You just turn the old one out and screw the new one in and top off the fluid.

I wish I'd known this because it would have saved me $170...