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Thread: Suggestion: have a forum for discussing technical problems

  1. #1
    OG Moderator kameraguy's Avatar
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    Suggestion: have a forum for discussing technical problems

    I did not see an appropriate forum to discuss w202 related problems. I think this would be good to have so we can help each other out when a problem arises.

    For example, I am having transmission issues with my C36. I know of other members who have had similar. Where would I appropriately discuss this at the moment?

    If there is a forum to discuss this already, please let m eknow. If not, I think it would be good to have a general forum (or specific) to discuss problems.

    For example, we can have a "Troubleshoot your 202" section, or break down a troubleshooting section into catagories such as:

    Engine Woes
    Transmission Turmoil
    Electrical Gremlins
    Suspension Solutions

    Etc....

  2. #2
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    I agree with Kam. It would help facilitate problem solving if one would know where to look for answers.

    It should be only one category, that way readers will be aware of potential problems. Whereas if there are several categories, one might not look there until they actually have a problem. With one category you can at least see all the problems (in the thread titles).
    1998 C43
    1994 C280 (Retired)

    "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - da Vinci

  3. #3
    OG Moderator kameraguy's Avatar
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    Great idea Denla, one section would be a great way to get a heads-up for other issues you may not be looking for.

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    Kam,

    not that I have the answer to your tranny problem, but how is the status on the last repair....?
    Did it fix it..?

    I just find it odd that you have the tranny problem.

    I think I have read somewhere in www.mbworld.org or maybe www.benzworld.org that at least 2 member has 98 and 99 C43 experienced some "odd behavior" with their tranny shifting..

    not sure if they all have same symptons as you... but might worth contacting the person...

    We need to collect some fact, when the last time ATF fluid was changed, or none at all..?
    You know the basic fact data like that.



    A while back (5-6 yr) ago, when I have read on some forum that on some cars, you better off not changing the ATF fluid.
    It is found to cause some odd behavior..(reported on some cases). Even my BMW mechanic says "if you never change the ATF fluids at 30,000 interval then you better off not to do @60,000 nor @70,000 nor any other miles mark. Basically if you haven't done it in regular interval i.e evcery 30,000 then just don't ever change it"

    Anyway enough of the rambling..
    I hope you find the solution/fix for the problem.
    If you do please share..


    Regardz,

    J Irwan

  5. #5
    Originally posted by J Irwan
    Kam,

    A while back (5-6 yr) ago, when I have read on some forum that on some cars, you better off not changing the ATF fluid.
    It is found to cause some odd behavior..(reported on some cases). Even my BMW mechanic says "if you never change the ATF fluids at 30,000 interval then you better off not to do @60,000 nor @70,000 nor any other miles mark. Basically if you haven't done it in regular interval i.e evcery 30,000 then just don't ever change it"
    Unfortunately, J, I think that my dad's 210 can serve as an example that never changing the ATF is a bad thing. Took it to the stealership religeously for it's entire service life until it went out of warranty (100K miles). At 114K...tranny went out and had to be replaced. I wasn't too happy about the $5K repair bill for that. Granted it's not a 202, but I have yet to find an example of a car that made it without ever changing the ATF.
    If you can thread the needle... and if your drive can lead to Pole Position today, history may hold a place for you tomorrow.

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  6. #6
    OG Moderator kameraguy's Avatar
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    Renn, did they explain why your Dad's tranny went out?

    As for mine, I purchased the car with 63K miles, and changed the Tranny fluid @ 70K. I guess my tranny was already on it's way out or it didn't matter what was done with the fluid....


    I say this because Nokia's tranny went out less than 70K and i don't think he changed his fluid....


    Wow, if we had a troubleshooting section, I bet this would be a great first thread!

  7. #7
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    In an article in Mercedes Enthusiast, a specialist mechanic suggested to change the ATF every 30000 miles. I got my car with 67000 and havent done one yet. I plan on doing one soon and maybe get it looked over.
    1998 C43
    1994 C280 (Retired)

    "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - da Vinci

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    Den

    what's you mileage now..

    mine is 71,600
    I was thinking of doing ATF when I hit 66,000 ..but I didn't get a chance to do it...


    by the way any pic of your car..also what kind of tires are you running on..


    Regardz,

    J Irwan

  9. #9
    OG Moderator kameraguy's Avatar
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    I can only imagine changing transmission fluid regularly is better than not. So with that said, if you haven't done so already, might be a good thing for preventative maintinence.

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    yes,

    I am planning on doing my ATF in the near future kam..

    hey if turn out you have to replace the tranny unit (knock on wood, I really hope you don't have to)..

    might as well looking into possibility fitting 6 speed Getrax gearbox for E36 3 series.

    I think I remember rik (2phast) mentioned before that there is a guy who sell his C280 (renntech 3.6L conversion with getrag 5 speed gearbox from BMW)...

    that would be awesome..

    anyway, please let us know what's your finding on your tranny issue.

    I'll let you know, if I ever came any info on this matter.


    Regardz,


    J Irwan

  11. #11
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    J:

    I have about the same mileage as you, ~71500. I should have replaced the ATF when I first got the car at 66K. I dont really have the major symptoms as some people on the forums have, but when my car is cold shifting is kinda funny. No weird noises or anything, but shifts weird. Could be attributed to the fact I run my car lightly until the temps are at optimal levels. When they are up to temp runs just fine.

    Here's a link to my car:1998 C43

    Not really the bset picture, but you kinda get an idea. The pic was compressed, so wheels look bent. I am running 225/40/18 on an 18x8 35 offset front wheel, and 255/35/18 on an 18x9 31 offset rear wheel. The tires are Kuhmo Ecsta 712's.
    1998 C43
    1994 C280 (Retired)

    "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - da Vinci

  12. #12
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    In the newer Mercedes with 5 speed electronic transmission, the procedure to replace the ATF is abit tricky.

    There are two parts you need to drain:
    1. Torque converter
    2. Transmision oil pan

    There is a specific procedure on how to change the fluid.
    They have to be in certain temperature and certain order.
    Make sure the mechanic who will do it for you, understand the procedure completely.

    The fluid itself is about $9-$12 and you need 9 quarts.

    Denlasoul, have you ever replaced your tranny fluid?

    I replaced my tranny fluid about 6 months ago and I did not encounter any problems(knock on the wood).

  13. #13
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    Originally posted by Denlasoul
    J:

    Not really the bset picture, but you kinda get an idea. The pic was compressed, so wheels look bent. I am running 225/40/18 on an 18x8 35 offset front wheel, and 255/35/18 on an 18x9 31 offset rear wheel. The tires are Kuhmo Ecsta 712's.

    Dude you got the offset backward...

    front should be ET31, and rear ET35 (genuine AMG offset )


    Also when you change the ATF , I think the filter need to replace as well.
    I don't remember what's the part number on those.


    Regardz,

    J Irwan

  14. #14
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    J:

    You're right, I typed my offsets wrong. They are 31F and 35R. Damn dysl3xia! LOL.

    Pnsji:

    No I havent. I plan on doing it real soon. I hardly drive my car now that I am at home most of the time.

    I also heard that the filter needs to be replaced, actually every time you do the ATF.

    I'll search around for a tranny fluid how-to, or talk to my local MB specialist.

    Rregards,
    DLS
    1998 C43
    1994 C280 (Retired)

    "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - da Vinci

  15. #15
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    When you unscrew the transmision oil pan, you will see the filter. Just pull it downward and voila.
    One more thing is the gasket. You need to change it as well.

  16. #16
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    Hey all:

    I was looking around on the other forums, and stumbled on this thread and thought it was very interesting. I'll probably test this out on my car too.

    click here: C220 tranny problem

    and here:Tranny problem 2

    Maybe this could also apply to our cars as well.

    DLS
    1998 C43
    1994 C280 (Retired)

    "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - da Vinci

  17. #17
    OG Moderator kameraguy's Avatar
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    Thanks for the links DLS. Not sure if that would relate to my problems, but i am very curious to see the outcome to those tranny issues.

    As for what you experience DLS, I also have the same "issue" in the morning, but i'm not sure if it's a problem per-se, as i found it is almost always the case my tranny holds onto first gear and shifts abruptly to 2nd when cold. But after a few minutes of driving, the tranny starts shifting fine.

    This is something I experienced from day one of ownership. However the shifting problems i'm having now are different.

    I recall other bnzsporters responding to having the same "slow" or "abrupt" shifting issues in the morning or when the tranny is cold. So not sure if that helps you. I hope it's not a bad or constant issue as you drive your car through the day though.

  18. #18
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    i was told that changing the ATF at longer intervals is not the problem. it's FLUSHING the tranny that causes issues. apparently, flushing it loosens crud stuck in nooks and crannies and doesn't always get these bits out. now you just have chunks floating around in there looking for trouble.
    i'm not a mechanic, so i can't say for sure how true this is, but i've heard it from more than a few people.

  19. #19
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    I just noticed....SWEEEEEET! Got a repairs forum.

    edit: yeah, thanks mods!
    1998 C43
    1994 C280 (Retired)

    "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - da Vinci

  20. #20
    OG Moderator kameraguy's Avatar
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    Two things:

    1) COOL, thanks to the 202 mod gods for listening in making this forum!

    2) no update on my car yet...i'm getting nervous....

  21. #21
    Originally posted by kameraguy


    2) no update on my car yet...i'm getting nervous....

    oh i forgot to tell you. i was at the shop today. had an idea for a monster machine, needed a car and well your car was just right there and the plasma cutter was in my hand so.....
    0118 999 881 999 119 7253

  22. #22
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    Kam,

    This might just be the solution for your tranny problem ..


    http://www.bnzsport.com/forums/showt...&threadid=5174

    Check this out..


    Regardz,

    J Irwan

  23. #23
    Originally posted by J Irwan
    Kam,

    This might just be the solution for your tranny problem ..


    http://www.bnzsport.com/forums/showt...&threadid=5174

    Check this out..


    Regardz,

    J Irwan
    sir the post you are linking too is also posted on this site as well
    0118 999 881 999 119 7253

  24. #24
    Originally posted by nokia8860
    oh i forgot to tell you. i was at the shop today. had an idea for a monster machine, needed a car and well your car was just right there and the plasma cutter was in my hand so.....
    You've been watching monster machine too.....
    How you doin mang? Not seen you for a while..
    E55 2000
    M-3 2014

  25. #25
    OG Moderator kameraguy's Avatar
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    Three things:

    1) Joey...HAHAHAHAHA...NOT FUNNY!!!!!!

    2) Thanks for the link J, it does sound similar to what's happenning to my car. Well, I would be interested to see how my mechanic fixes my issue, and then compare notes. So i don't wanna bring it up to him at this time. Maybe my issue is different, then we will have more information on what it took to fix the tranny gremlins. Thank you for the link!

    3) Jun, Hi! Sorry yet again. I have not been able to see you and finally pick up the trunk lid as almost all my free time has been devoted to getting my car sorted out. Been to Burlingame a record of five times within a seven day period!!

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