What are the symptoms of a bad tranny?

[97C28O]

I know that the W202 has known issues of having bad transmissions, but I'd like to know how you can tell or signs of it on its way out..

I currently have 67K miles (I know its low for a ('97).

I'm not sure if the tranny has gotten worse than before but I would notice sometimes on cold starts and I drive it, the gear would "stick" and rev pretty high before it shifts. And when it does shift, it jerks a bit. Also, sometimes when I go from R to D (say.. parking) when the shifter is in D, the car would "stall" before it gets into gear and jerk, kinda like the clutch on a manual car grabbing... I've done an transmission flush/fluid change about 4K miles ago too, it was shifting pretty good at the time.

Recently, I installed springs on the car, but after a few drives, I notice that sometimes when I start off from a red light or stop sign, the car would make a clunk/click noise and that only happens when I take off... I'm pretty sure that it's not the suspension because I've went over many bumps and I wouldn't hear anything. Driver over 250miles on it already and everything seems fine. Maybe over tightened lug bolts?

But anyways, how can I tell if my transmission is going out?

[NW_Merc]

Originally posted by 97C28O
I know that the W202 has known issues of having bad transmissions, but I'd like to know how you can tell or signs of it on its way out..

I currently have 67K miles (I know its low for a ('97).

I'm not sure if the tranny has gotten worse than before but I would notice sometimes on cold starts and I drive it, the gear would "stick" and rev pretty high before it shifts. And when it does shift, it jerks a bit. Also, sometimes when I go from R to D (say.. parking) when the shifter is in D, the car would "stall" before it gets into gear and jerk, kinda like the clutch on a manual car grabbing... I've done an transmission flush/fluid change about 4K miles ago too, it was shifting pretty good at the time.

Recently, I installed springs on the car, but after a few drives, I notice that sometimes when I start off from a red light or stop sign, the car would make a clunk/click noise and that only happens when I take off... I'm pretty sure that it's not the suspension because I've went over many bumps and I wouldn't hear anything. Driver over 250miles on it already and everything seems fine. Maybe over tightened lug bolts?

But anyways, how can I tell if my transmission is going out?

This happened on my car and the gearbox ended up needing to be rebuilt. The valve seals may well have gone and so as the gearbox works using oil pressure, it cannot do it's job. Maybe check the mounts and/or drive shaft coupling?

[JRE320]

My tranny went out when I put it in reverse. That's time I knew it's my tranny. :( it cost $3,400 part and labor with 2 yr warranty + 1 yr from the shop.

[97C28O]

Originally posted by JRE320
My tranny went out when I put it in reverse. That's time I knew it's my tranny. :( it cost $3,400 part and labor with 2 yr warranty + 1 yr from the shop.

Jun, did you get it replaced at a certified Mercedes Benz shop? Or transmission specialist?

[JRE320]

I got it from Mercedes Only in Fremont. ;)

[Logic]

Originally posted by 97C28O
I know that the W202 has known issues of having bad transmissions, but I'd like to know how you can tell or signs of it on its way out..

I currently have 67K miles (I know its low for a ('97).

I'm not sure if the tranny has gotten worse than before but I would notice sometimes on cold starts and I drive it, the gear would "stick" and rev pretty high before it shifts. And when it does shift, it jerks a bit. Also, sometimes when I go from R to D (say.. parking) when the shifter is in D, the car would "stall" before it gets into gear and jerk, kinda like the clutch on a manual car grabbing... I've done an transmission flush/fluid change about 4K miles ago too, it was shifting pretty good at the time.

Recently, I installed springs on the car, but after a few drives, I notice that sometimes when I start off from a red light or stop sign, the car would make a clunk/click noise and that only happens when I take off... I'm pretty sure that it's not the suspension because I've went over many bumps and I wouldn't hear anything. Driver over 250miles on it already and everything seems fine. Maybe over tightened lug bolts?

But anyways, how can I tell if my transmission is going out?
when you replaced your springs did you put the spring pads back in right?

[97C28O]

Umm. I'm pretty sure their in correctly. Is there suppose to be a proper way of install it?

[Cru328prod]

Who changed your transmission fuild? and is the correct amount in it....last time tranny blew a seal because they put to much because all data told them about 6 (or 8 can't remember) quarts but thats 6/8 with the torque converter drained also.

I think thats pretty typical on a cold start....it happens to me also on a cold start....it revs pretty high, you let go of the gas it kinda slows down (feels like a jerk) and then it shifts. I've had werid problems where i floor it...and then it will slowly get to 4k and then all of a sudden feel like i hit the nitrous button. it also would grab the gear and chirp the tires...and the nice little warning triangle would pop up.

[97C28O]

Originally posted by Cru328prod
Who changed your transmission fuild? and is the correct amount in it....last time tranny blew a seal because they put to much because all data told them about 6 (or 8 can't remember) quarts but thats 6/8 with the torque converter drained also.

I think thats pretty typical on a cold start....it happens to me also on a cold start....it revs pretty high, you let go of the gas it kinda slows down (feels like a jerk) and then it shifts. I've had werid problems where i floor it...and then it will slowly get to 4k and then all of a sudden feel like i hit the nitrous button. it also would grab the gear and chirp the tires...and the nice little warning triangle would pop up.

I had a Mercedes Specialist shop do it... So I'm not sure, and it's been almost two years since I did the change. This car rarely drives, but I'm trying to drive it more often now.

When I did my suspension install, I took the under cover off and found tremendous amount of oil residue/ grease all over the front sway bar, motor, and everywhere near the sway bar. I noticed that this one section of the under side with a bolt had oil residue coming out from it, I can see the trail of it. But it didn't look like it was dripping/leaking. Could that have been a broken seal?

[Cru328prod]

i don't think so, i think you should drive it around some more with some 44k in the tank...and see if that helps...the issue might just clear up

[RemoLexi]

Ive recently had a 210 E320 w/type 6 have similar issues.

-would get stuck in a gear/jerked upon shifting to reverse.
-sometimes was fine,


I removed the valve body and replace the plastic electronic board (forgot the correct name, was like $200 though) I guess its something that is common to wear.

the real fix came later after a check engine light showed low voltage to the solinoids ... bad battery. simple yet had me twisted.


hope my experiance helps someway somehow. ;)

[BALLLR]

As far as the 4 sp. in my car... the tranny does act a little funny sometimes, snappy I would say. It doesnt make noises or anything, just doesnt shift like I think it should. Others who've driven my car dont even notice it. Holding the gear on the cold start is normal.

[xvvvz]

The 97 has the 4 speed non-electronic transmission, right? Otherwise, if you had an electronic version I would suggest you also check for the common leaking electrical connector going to the transmission ECU.

[97C28O]

I'm not even sure.

My shifter says D, 4, 3, 2, 1 is that still a 4Speed?

[hvmercy]

Originally posted by 97C28O
I'm not even sure.

My shifter says D, 4, 3, 2, 1 is that still a 4Speed?

That's 5 speed. Same as my C230's

[dezinetech1000]

That sucks man.. I'd change the Tranny fluid if I were you. I had mine at 98k miles and putting the gear from P to R it clunked pretty loud.. and when I slowed down to the red light it clunked from 2nd to 1st.. that's when I had to change the tranny fluid. Once I got it changed my tranny is smooth like butter and it currently has 160k miles on it.. I'm gonna do another tranny fluid change this week along with some tune ups. These cars are great if you do preventative maintenance on 'em. Just got to be on top of things. They're not like the hondas or the toyotas where you can skip a routine maintenance and still drives good. Good Luck :P

[xvvvz]

If it is a 5 speed, jack it up and get under there to check the transmission electrical connector. I have put up some posts about it here and at mbworld.org.