hey guys, my 2007 e63 has 60k miles on it now, and for the past couple months sometimes when i'm getting off the freeway, the car will remain in 7th gear and i need to turn the car off then on to get it going properly again. it doesn't do it every time i'm on the freeway, maybe like once a month (car is not my DD) but today i was driving it on the freeway that it usually happens on and it did it again and i finally noticed it a few minutes before my exit. i couldn't shift down manually, not by flooring it, nothing. got off the freeway turned the car off and on with the key never coming out and it was fine after.

i did some research and i found out that on the 722.9 system it is a common issue with the valve body http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...e-problem.html and a bit pricey.

here are my main questions: can anyone pretty much guarantee it being a bad valve body and then i just go to my indy and have him replace the whole valve body, or should i take it to the dealer, have them diagnose it first and then prepare for rape. also can it lead to any other issues or is that all a bad valve body can do? car runs perfectly performance wise. i'm gonna talk to my indy first either way to see what he says.
thanks in advance guys

 

I would probably ask the dealer if they could do one or two hours tops on diagnostics, so you don't get a fat bill. Then you will know exactly what's wrong hopefully. Most techs can solve things within an hour of diagnostics. My dealer has a flat fee for it no matter how long.

 

If your replacing the valve body it needs to be scn coded. Most indy's can't do this. Just something to be aware of. I would have a dealer diag it. Mb is constantly updating parts, software and repair procedures. Indy's don't have this info usually. 722.9's are there own animal and can easily screwed up if someone inexperienced is working on it. Alloy bolts, no dip stick tube, many more adaptations etc. Also I noticed wistech sells modded .9 valve bodies, maybe something worth considering. It may not need to be coded if its a rebuild and not a replacement. You would need to ask them.

 

same happened to me, in short time it will completely **** on you and go into limp mode...

thought it was the valve body also, but it turned out to be a speed sensor code in trans module... replaced trans electronic control module/plate assembly

the job cost me $1,100 at benz dealer, parts were $516

 

I would recommend getting it diagnosed by the dealership (they will charge you an hour of labor or less). They can pinpoint the issue. They usually do re adaptations and software updates before changing the valve body or conductor plate. But if the data from TCU says something else they will recommend changing the valve body.

MB Indy can diagnose the car correctly (if MB experts) but dont have the software update or valve body replacement capabilities (its need to be programmed to the car). Most honest MB Indy would not even bother diagnosing the transmission because they cant do much and would recommend you going to the dealer.

 

thanks for the help guys. i decided it would be best to take the car to the dealer which i scheduled to have dropped off tomorrow. expecting to spend $1,200-$1,800 on the whole job including the $175/hr. diagnostic fee. will update in a few days.

 

Wow. I guess everything's more in Cali. My dealers $139hr. Hopfully your car has the 2nd or 3rd gen control unit and you won't need a whole valve body. I don't think any e63's had the first gen anyway.

 

I have had this happen twice over 111k miles. It was on the same off ramp and a "reboot" worked for me as well.

I can only guess a certain set of conditions did this.

At this point I will wait and see. 9k more and I am due for my third tranny service. I will update if any change.

 

Conducter plate on tranny is bad. Well the ecu on it is bad and it's all one piece so it's getting replaced. RIP my wallet.

 

I have the complete tranny from my 07 E63 and parts from it if you need..

 

Dealer took care of it, replaced the conductor plate and serviced the transmission. $1,400 later.