SL/R231: Transmission Problem
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
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From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
Transmission Problem
18,000 miles on my 2017 SL550. Suddenly a problem while driving at moderate speeds. Transmission made low-level noise before moving to a higher gear. I then used the paddle shifters to shift up and down multiple times and the problem seems to have disappeared. When I returned home, I checked the transmission fluid level and it was low. There have never been any fluid stains on the garage floor where the SL is parked. Even though the problem seemed to be resolved, I had the car flatbed trucked to my MB dealer one hour away. The dealer now has the car and is troubleshooting this issue. At no time did I get any warning lights like check engine etc.
Has anyone experienced a similar problem with their similar 2014-2021 SL? If yes, what was your outcome?
Hoping this is just a case of low transmission fluid but I cannot understand why there have never been any floor stains under the vehicle. I purchased this car CPO when it had 2,800 miles on it. I assumed the transmission fluid level was checked by the dealer before my purchase. The transmission has never been serviced prior to this incident.
Has anyone experienced a similar problem with their similar 2014-2021 SL? If yes, what was your outcome?
Hoping this is just a case of low transmission fluid but I cannot understand why there have never been any floor stains under the vehicle. I purchased this car CPO when it had 2,800 miles on it. I assumed the transmission fluid level was checked by the dealer before my purchase. The transmission has never been serviced prior to this incident.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
1. How did you check the transmission fluid level? It can only be done by removing the drain plug with the fluid at a specific temperature.
2. Get a Mercedes-specific scanner and scan for codes. DO NOT rely on dash lights to warn you of problems.
2. Get a Mercedes-specific scanner and scan for codes. DO NOT rely on dash lights to warn you of problems.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 99
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
Pulled the transmission fluid dip stick and checked while fluid was both hot and cold. Car is at MB dealer now to determine the problem.
Hoping someone on this forum may have experienced the same problem and how it was resolved.
Hoping someone on this forum may have experienced the same problem and how it was resolved.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,493
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 99
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
The car is at the MB dealer right now. The dipstick on the 2017 SL550 is in the right rear of the engine compartment against the firewall. Has a red cap on it.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
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From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
Not under any warranty currently. We need to wait for the estimate and make a decision if it is worth it to fix. I'm willing to pay up to 25% of the SL's current market price. Hoping it will be something minor but fully realize it could be goodbye time. I was hoping this post might reach out to someone who had this same transmission issue and how it was (or was not) fixed.
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2019 SL450; 2023 M850i coupe
Have you considered an Indy shop for an estimate?
I hope it all works out and that it's nothing too serious.
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Not under any warranty currently. We need to wait for the estimate and make a decision if it is worth it to fix. I'm willing to pay up to 25% of the SL's current market price. Hoping it will be something minor but fully realize it could be goodbye time. I was hoping this post might reach out to someone who had this same transmission issue and how it was (or was not) fixed.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,493
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Unless the newer 9-speed or the 7-speed MCT trannies have a transmission tube, @fun33 measured the wrong fluid. It will be interesting to see what the dealer says.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2019 SL450; 2023 M850i coupe
It was like that on my 2004 SL500 with the M113 engine. The trannies are sealed. My 2015 SL400 does NOT have a separate tube from the dipstick tube. On the 2004 SL, oil level was measured electronically, which I never trusted. The oil tube was to be used for diagnostic purposes, I guess. It would require a special temporary dipstick to measure the oil level mechanically.
Unless the newer 9-speed or the 7-speed MCT trannies have a transmission tube, @fun33 measured the wrong fluid. It will be interesting to see what the dealer says.
Unless the newer 9-speed or the 7-speed MCT trannies have a transmission tube, @fun33 measured the wrong fluid. It will be interesting to see what the dealer says.
Hopefully they'll get back with a pic of the tube they referenced.
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My thought is Fun33's car has ABC Suspension and what he experienced was failure of the ABC Pulsation Damper. I had that part fail on my 2009 Silver Arrow and on my 2013 SL550. When they fail it'll send the strangest noise, vibration, sensation, growl through the whole car and just won't take off from a traffic light the way it should. I currently own a 2020 SL550 and have previously owned a 2013 and neither had or have a dipstick for the transmission. The transmission fluid can only be checked by the prescribed method JettaRed noted in his post. It should be interesting to hear what's going on with his SL550.
Thor
Thor
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
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From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
What was the cost of replacing your ABC Pulsation Damper? Did it resolve your problem? Your description of the sounds is very similar to what I experienced. When you had the problem, was it intermittent? Did it appear to be resolved before replacing the ABC Pulsation Damper and then return?
Last edited by fun33; Aug 13, 2024 at 01:48 PM. Reason: Added details
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,493
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
What was the cost of replacing your ABC Pulsation Damper? Did it resolve your problem? Your description of the sounds is very similar to what I experienced. When you had the problem, was it intermittent? Did it appear to be resolved before replacing the ABC Pulsation Damper and then return?
Maybe if you post your VIN, we can see how the car was configured.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
It has ABC and just about every accessory & package available in 2017. VIN is WDDJK7DA3HF045054.
The MB dealership just called. They told me the transmission fluid was "filled" with shredded metal. They checked out the ABC and could not find any issues with it. They recommended replacing the entire transmission for $11,000 with a 24-month parts and labor warranty. I have authorized the repair.
I think the car was worth @ $45,000 before the transmission damage. The car is truly in like new condition with only 18,000 miles. I have never loved any car I have ever owned more than this. I was willing to pay up to 25% of the car's current value for the repair, so I'm a bit poorer but happy I could salvage it. Time will tell if it was a good decision.
The MB dealership just called. They told me the transmission fluid was "filled" with shredded metal. They checked out the ABC and could not find any issues with it. They recommended replacing the entire transmission for $11,000 with a 24-month parts and labor warranty. I have authorized the repair.
I think the car was worth @ $45,000 before the transmission damage. The car is truly in like new condition with only 18,000 miles. I have never loved any car I have ever owned more than this. I was willing to pay up to 25% of the car's current value for the repair, so I'm a bit poorer but happy I could salvage it. Time will tell if it was a good decision.
Last edited by fun33; Aug 13, 2024 at 04:23 PM. Reason: Add detail
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
It has ABC and just about every accessory & package available in 2017. VIN is WDDJK7DA3HF045054.
The MB dealership just called. They told me the transmission fluid was "filled" with shredded metal. They checked out the ABC and could not find any issues with it. They recommended replacing the entire transmission for $11,000 with a 24-month parts and labor warranty. I have authorized the repair.
I think the car was worth @ $45,000 before the transmission damage. The car is truly in like new condition with only 18,000 miles. I have never loved any car I have ever owned more than this. I was willing to pay up to 25% of the car's current value for the repair, so I'm a bit poorer but happy I could salvage it. Time will tell if it was a good decision.
The MB dealership just called. They told me the transmission fluid was "filled" with shredded metal. They checked out the ABC and could not find any issues with it. They recommended replacing the entire transmission for $11,000 with a 24-month parts and labor warranty. I have authorized the repair.
I think the car was worth @ $45,000 before the transmission damage. The car is truly in like new condition with only 18,000 miles. I have never loved any car I have ever owned more than this. I was willing to pay up to 25% of the car's current value for the repair, so I'm a bit poorer but happy I could salvage it. Time will tell if it was a good decision.
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Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 26
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From: El Cajon / San Diego
2015 sl550 Designo
sounds fishy, full of metal ?? and it worked fine with manual shifting. . . . I'd want to see the trans, fluid and filter. . why at only 18k miles?
Kinda doesn't make sense.
Kinda doesn't make sense.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,493
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
It has ABC and just about every accessory & package available in 2017. VIN is WDDJK7DA3HF045054.
The MB dealership just called. They told me the transmission fluid was "filled" with shredded metal. They checked out the ABC and could not find any issues with it. They recommended replacing the entire transmission for $11,000 with a 24-month parts and labor warranty. I have authorized the repair.
I think the car was worth @ $45,000 before the transmission damage. The car is truly in like new condition with only 18,000 miles. I have never loved any car I have ever owned more than this. I was willing to pay up to 25% of the car's current value for the repair, so I'm a bit poorer but happy I could salvage it. Time will tell if it was a good decision.
The MB dealership just called. They told me the transmission fluid was "filled" with shredded metal. They checked out the ABC and could not find any issues with it. They recommended replacing the entire transmission for $11,000 with a 24-month parts and labor warranty. I have authorized the repair.
I think the car was worth @ $45,000 before the transmission damage. The car is truly in like new condition with only 18,000 miles. I have never loved any car I have ever owned more than this. I was willing to pay up to 25% of the car's current value for the repair, so I'm a bit poorer but happy I could salvage it. Time will tell if it was a good decision.
I would get a second opinion or try to get Mercedes to give you some "customer loyalty" discount. There is no way your tranny should be destroyed in 18k miles. However, you know best what your tolerance is.
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From: DFW
SL63
The missing fluid had to go somewhere. It either burned off, which would have left some kind of smoke signature. It could have leaked out, but you have excluded that possibility because you saw no sign of leakage. Or, it mixed with another fluid, similar to engine oil in the anti freeze because of a faulty seal. If there is a radiator for the tranny fluid, where there is a core cooled by the anti freeze, there might be a compromised core. Has anyone checked for oil in the anti freeze,? Or weird smoke?
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My pulsation dampers in my 2009 & 2013 SL550's were replaced under warranty. However, they are not too expensive, a few hundred bucks and probably minimal labor to replace. The pulsation damper resolved the issues I experienced and it's not an intermittent problem, once they go bad they're shot. In regards to your transmission fluid being filled with shredded metal, you need to make a trip to the dealer and have the tech show you what they found. The 7 & 9 speed transmissions used in Mercedes-Benz are almost bullet proof. With 18,000 miles it's hard to believe it let go. Please keep us informed.
Thor
Thor
