I own a 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG (Coupe), I realized a while back that there is a leak under the transmission. I took the car to the official dealer in Kuwait and they informed me that the leak is very minor and its coming out form one of the transmission box main joints (attached are images of the leaking joint). The shocking news was that they told me that they cannot open and fix this problem and it has to be replaced!





They confirmed even that there is nothing wrong with the transmission mechanically!. But I that "They are not allowed to open or fix that problem, and as per recommendation from the factory, a whole new Transmission has to be installed"! The cost for that is around 23,000 USD! which in my opinion is crazy. As per the estimate, the Transmission (Part) cost alone is around 16,000 USD, which I think is way more than its actual cost in EU or US.

The car had only 19,000 KM on the odometer when the problem happened. I assumed that Mercedes AMG would have better quality Transmission. specially that the SLS is a super sports car. Mercedes should replace this i think as a quality issue and that the Transmission is faulty in the first place. I do understand that it is out of warranty, but still, it has only been driven occasionally and well taken car of.

My questions are (beside that I think Mercedes-AMG shall offer to help):

Could I do something to fix the transmission and avoid replacing it?
Could the AMG Center in Germany (assuming i ship the car to Germany) fix it and are allowed to open and rectify this leak? Maybe i could upgrade to AMG GT as well while I am there.
Are there any Special mechanics anywhere in the Middle East or Europe that are specialized in these Transmissions that car fix it?

Apologize for the elaborate post. but I am really frustrated with this issue and need help.

 

From my experience, incompetent dealers prefer replacing the whole part instead of fixing the specific issue. Our dealer in Saudi Arabia, wanted to replace the whole engine instead of replacing the intake camshaft adjusters.
Even if the leak is tiny, it will get worse. If I were in your place, I would look for and independent Mercedes shop, a place that has hands-on experience with the SLS (C197/R197) model.
Worst case, is you buy the whole transmission from abroad and let an independent Mercedes shop install it for you (Assuming they have all the necessary equipment, experience, and at least depend on EPC/WIS for service.
I also suggest you get in contact with Tasos:
https://www.youtube.com/user/tasosmos2
He works in UAE and has a lot of experience with AMGs, he might suggest something.

Good luck,

 

Oh yeah, I forgot!
You should contact the AMG Private Lounge. If you haven't done so, go to the AMG PL website, register and get in touch with the team.
Explain your issue, and what steps you have taken so far, and they will tell you what to do. Mostly they will tell you to go to your dealer and ask them to open a TIPS case where the dealer gets in touch with AMG Germany.

 

Solo Wing,

Thanks alot for the tips. I have already joined the AMG Lounge, and sent an email to them but still awaiting a proper feedback. However, i have not posted in their forum. I think i should too.

Thanks for reffering Tasosmos2, looks like he is an expert. i will try to get in touch with him.

btw, my car is originally bought from Saudi Arabia Riyadh dealer and still has the Saudi License plates.

Thanks again

 

Those trans are Getrag units built for MB, not an in house trans, so repairs are limited. I have replaced one on a GTS for a leak, there is a campaign, warranty cost was $22k USD for the trans alone so it is not cheap.

They are very similar to other Getrag DCT units used in other cars, any shop capable of doing exotic car transmission building should be able to reseal it and fix the leak, but I'm sure that would not be cheap either.

 

Are you calling that black goo looking stuff at the seam a leak? That is the sealer that was used at those parting faces when the unit was assembled. I don't see a leak of fluid in the photo.

 

No, I am aware of the black goo sealing glue. if you look closely, you will notice golden/greenish little droplets. there is also a little spot of leaked oil every time I drive the car for a while then park it over night.

 

I would bite the bullet and have it changed; the daily/weekly aggravation of seeing the leak and impending future failure are not worth it.

Confirm there is not a "core charge" so you can keep the old unit and it will have value (~$5,000-10,000) in 5-10yrs when Ferrari Californias need them none are available and its parts alone are worth it.

Same thing happened with FORD GT Ricardo transaxles and they sell for $30,000 used and $10,000 parts; no new available.

 

This company say they can fix it https://www.vggearbox.com
There is a known problem with transmission before 2014/2015. Mercedes know that. You have to speak with them.

Transmission is a GETRAG DCT 750. Used in many cars, Ferrari 458, 488, California, LaFerrari, new Ford GT, SLS, GT Family

If nothing helps try this way
http://www.getrag.com/en/archiv/part...termarket.html

 

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/the-m...e-b-1743456154

 

Hi, can you elaborate on the “known problem with transmission before 2014/15”? Anything to verify in particular when looking to buy a 2011-2013MY SLS?

 

read my 12/18 link above

Also, go on Autotrader / Cars.com and filter for SLS (Cpe & Rdstr), highest mileage

As of today 3 carfaxs show cars with "Transmission replaced" by M-B dealer in warranty between '14-'15

I have also read about dozen SLS Carfax reports with "check transmission leak" in last 36 mos.

Don't know if this qualifies as "known problem" or meets ISO fail ranking.

If you want totally certainty do a PPI with an expert that knows this Getrag DCT or buy a bare-bones "Bronze" after-market warranty that includes "transmission" for the $2-3K over 7yrs.

 

@FORDGT At least it’s not as bad a Ford GT! Can I ask why you’re reading dozens of Carfax reports on the SLS? Are you looking to buy one, or just bored? 😐

 

Ford GT is triple value of SLS and still climbing; not falling.

I collect Mercedes; vintage SL and 300 SL Gullwing

 

Hi All,

Curious to know the resolution to this issue.

Thank you!

SC

 

I have ordered the ATP AT-205 Re-Seal and probably going to give it a shot. not sure if it works or not! or if it works on DCTs.

 

Thanks for the reply.

So you have been driving the car for the last 2 years with that small leak with no issues?

 

Yes, i have. keeping in mind that i rarely drive the car. i only drove it 2,000 km max since then.

 

hello, I have the same issue just noticed it yesterday where I found an oil spot overnight so if you could please tell me at least which workshop you Dealt with in kuwait.

 

Having had cars like vintage 911s that leak oil all the time. The cheapest and easiest solution, may be to have a custom aluminum drip pan with small drain plug, installed on top of the aluminum cross member to catch any oil. And every few years, have mercedes top up the transmission oil. I know that is not the proper solution, however these transmissions are very rare, and not many people are fixing them in the world.

 

They are not that rare - Ferrari uses essentially the same transmission. The AMG GT also uses a similar, but improved, version. A shop that has serviced late model Ferraris will probably be able to help. Are you not able to find an AMG dealer in your area?

 

They are very rare, the production numbers on them are small. Otherwise you would just be able to get them serviced or swapped out with wrecker units.

I would bet they made less than 20k of them so far encompassing all the cars that use them.

 

Just adding this for reference... https://www.rennhaus.com/projects/fe...ission-rebuild