SL/R231: Transmission Service
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 56
From: Massachusetts
1986 560SL, 2017 E300, 2018 Sl550, 2020 E350
Hi Randall,
Great that they are covering this.
BUT
I'm sure you and all of us would like to know the following so can you please ask them:
1)WHY this happened
2)Are they seeing this on a number of 231's
3)Is there a recall
Hopefully CR is looking at this thread as well and will chime in with his thoughts.
Again pls ask the dealer the 3 questions above and let us all know their responses.
Tx, Steve
Great that they are covering this.
BUT
I'm sure you and all of us would like to know the following so can you please ask them:
1)WHY this happened
2)Are they seeing this on a number of 231's
3)Is there a recall
Hopefully CR is looking at this thread as well and will chime in with his thoughts.
Again pls ask the dealer the 3 questions above and let us all know their responses.
Tx, Steve
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,497
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
A “seeping” cylinder head would imply a blown head gasket, which is catastrophic.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
From the invoice (which is a great price, by the way), the cylinder heads are NOT seeping, the valve covers (cylinder head covers) are leaking. This is a relatively simple fix, but time consuming considering all that needs to be done to remove the valve covers and reapply sealant. Leaking valve covers make the engine messy and allows some oil to escape, but it’s not catastrophic.
A “seeping” cylinder head would imply a blown head gasket, which is catastrophic.
A “seeping” cylinder head would imply a blown head gasket, which is catastrophic.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
My independent mechanic is quoting around $500 for a trans oil and filter change. Add the rear end oil change, a regular oil change, cabin filter and lube/treat seals on top and I am up to $1150, provided no new problem is found. No one ever said owning a Mercedes is cheap but I am sure it is a bargain compared to a Porsche or Ferrari!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
The engine oil and filter is pretty simple. I have a friend with a lift. This really helps especially if you drain the oil. You do have to remove a shield to access the drain plug. Oil filter is readily accessible and easy to replace. The rear diff is also easy IF you have something to pump the new gear oil into the fill hole. Do NOT drain the diff until you remove the top plug to ensure you can refill. It is an easy job if you have access to a lift. Otherwise it can be somewhat of a pain IMHO. I paid a dealer to do the tranny fluid change. It can be messy.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,497
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
My independent mechanic is quoting around $500 for a trans oil and filter change. Add the rear end oil change, a regular oil change, cabin filter and lube/treat seals on top and I am up to $1150, provided no new problem is found. No one ever said owning a Mercedes is cheap but I am sure it is a bargain compared to a Porsche or Ferrari!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
FYI if you call the Mercedes Benz customer service line for the company and give them your vin# they will tell you all recalls available for your car if any. They can also make sure that you, or whoever the owner is (you, your spouse) is listed in their records as the owner. On two occasions a former vehicle owner was still listed when I had called them. I have also found out what the original list price of my particular car w/ my options was listed for.
I call them each time I purchase a Benz. It's interesting to me to speak with them about my cars. Yes, some info you can find out online, but just sharing here..
I call them each time I purchase a Benz. It's interesting to me to speak with them about my cars. Yes, some info you can find out online, but just sharing here..
