2013 E350 Wagon Shuddering
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 63
Likes: 3
From: Texas
2013 E350 Wagon
2013 E350 Wagon Shuddering
Not to sound too stupid, but my heart is broken---caused by a transfer case problem with my most wonderful wagon. This car is in near-perfect condition with an excellent engine and all options except the parking sensors.
It just reached 143,000 and recently I began to notice a groaning, shuddering noise coming from underneath the car when turning tight circles, either way and below 12 mph. Otherwise the car runs and drives perfectly.
After eliminating the steering rack it has been determined that the transfer case is the issue. Apparently the planetary gear set and clutches are the issue. The tranny is a 722.9 and when I went to try and get a quote to replace the gearset ($412 from MB) I found that none of the shops I contacted would do the work claiming that the 722.9 was a "*****" and difficult to repair. All of them suggested only a replacement or rebuild. Either one would cost $10,000!!! I also found that MB is totally aware of this problem and issued a long TSB to the dealers, which helps confirm my diagnosis. However the TSB won't get me help from MB, I don't think, esp. with the age of the car.
Checking further I find many many of these tranny's are available, used, with varying mileage. But once I checked with shops to install a used one for me I was told NO because they have to be programmed to the car and it often does not work well.??
I have not contacted the stealer because here in Austin Tx the stealer is notorius for massively overblown pricing and low quality work.
Does anyone have any suggestions that might help save my very best car? I'm sure the value of the car is around only 10k so I can't afford to spend that money. If I can do the job for $2-3K I could live with that but otherwise......
Appreciate all good ideas!!!!
It just reached 143,000 and recently I began to notice a groaning, shuddering noise coming from underneath the car when turning tight circles, either way and below 12 mph. Otherwise the car runs and drives perfectly.
After eliminating the steering rack it has been determined that the transfer case is the issue. Apparently the planetary gear set and clutches are the issue. The tranny is a 722.9 and when I went to try and get a quote to replace the gearset ($412 from MB) I found that none of the shops I contacted would do the work claiming that the 722.9 was a "*****" and difficult to repair. All of them suggested only a replacement or rebuild. Either one would cost $10,000!!! I also found that MB is totally aware of this problem and issued a long TSB to the dealers, which helps confirm my diagnosis. However the TSB won't get me help from MB, I don't think, esp. with the age of the car.
Checking further I find many many of these tranny's are available, used, with varying mileage. But once I checked with shops to install a used one for me I was told NO because they have to be programmed to the car and it often does not work well.??
I have not contacted the stealer because here in Austin Tx the stealer is notorius for massively overblown pricing and low quality work.
Does anyone have any suggestions that might help save my very best car? I'm sure the value of the car is around only 10k so I can't afford to spend that money. If I can do the job for $2-3K I could live with that but otherwise......
Appreciate all good ideas!!!!
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 4
From: PA USA
2006 s500, 2014 e350, 2009 Cayenne GTS
Used to live in Austin...I'm thinking it's that dealer on 35. Man I miss Pluckers.
Anyhow...just learning this car myself, you have San Antonio and Dallas, maybe call some Indy's with your thoughts and start getting quotes, or see if they'd like to buy the car? Wagons are well liked and we have a possible tariff situation looming. Random idea, best of luck.
Anyhow...just learning this car myself, you have San Antonio and Dallas, maybe call some Indy's with your thoughts and start getting quotes, or see if they'd like to buy the car? Wagons are well liked and we have a possible tariff situation looming. Random idea, best of luck.
