W216 gearbox issue

[DRIXTON]

Hi all. Have an 07 CL500 which will not shift beyond 3rd. It makes a pretty solid 'thump' shifting from neutral to drive or reverse.
Car has 35k miles and full MB history. Have no access to code reader etc. so have no idea what to do next. Have cycled the sport / comfort / manual mode with no effect. The buttons on the steering wheel have no effect. Would it help to disconnect battery and leave overnight? Am convinced it's an electronic glitch. Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[abecketts]

get it on a star machine before you do anything else, the forum will probably list a good indie in Belfast or if not those in the know locally will be along to offer advice.

 

[DRIXTON]

Thanks - trying to find recommended indies....

 

[bme63]

Have no personal experience of MB in N.Ireland but...
Merc-Tech of Kennedy Way Ind Est, Belfast has got a previous mention on this forum.

 

[DRIXTON]

Haven't facility to do anything myself anymore - apt living is good in some ways....

 

[panason1c]

You might not need a new tcm.....

The first thing I would do is to unplug the gearbox electric plug, if atf oil dribbles out after you unplug it then that means you need new 'pilot bush' seals.

The gearbox electrical plug is a common source of leaks on the 722.6 gearbox, and the leaking fluid can travel through the inside of the wiring loom via capillary action and up into the transmission control module (tcm) casing.

If the 'TCM' is contaminated with oil you can remove it and open up the casing and 'hose' it off with an electrical spray cleaner....you will then need to renew the seals in the gearbox plug (easy 30 minute job)

 

[DRIXTON]

Well got the car on Star diag. yesterday.
Gearbox conductor plate / electronic control for valve body is duff.
Indie seems good - Creevy Autos - friendly and free diag.
jJust waiting for parts to arrive.
Good thing is 'box will get fresh fluid and filter so it'll be ok for 30-40k miles before I have to do a fluid change again.
Driving there was interesting. First it was 4000 rpm for 35mph then it acted like a CVT...and had no accel. but would at least hum along at 60....
Also changing ABC damper - been 'buzzing' since I bought it and dealer said he pay for that, as I spotted the very subtle noise when I picked it up.
Having been sitting unused for 2 weeks it was quiet for first few miles and I got a sense of how smooth the car really should be... Even with odd g/box operation.
Then it started to buzz again.
Am desperate to enjoy this car as it should be !!
Expect to have it fixed this week. Am prepping my argument with dealer.... Lol

 

[panason1c]

In post#5, which you've now edited, you posted that you were told you needed a new tcm and that you had ordered one and awaiting receipt

What changed???

 

[DRIXTON]

Hi sorry for confusion. Edited because I sent same thing twice. Second post is a bit more detail just. Finger trouble.
I have no way of doing work on the car myself so can't check the leak thing. Am happy to go with Star diag and get new conductor plate. Seems they do have issues so a new one clears my conscience.
Also am waiting to get warranty confirmation so happy to do what Indie and Star diag say.
Thanks

 

[DRIXTON]

Well just to update the gearbox thing of some time back, first sorry for the delay been a tad busy rebuilding my old Honda, so has taken me time to get it and the car done, and get back on here.
Had a new gearbox electronics board (and of course oil) fitted and it has transformed the car. Sharp as a pin in Sport mode - catches me out some times but fantastic. The changes in Comfort are seamless. Have settled in to the car now and it is really nice. Sooth and serene but can so easily be a hooligan if ya want. Great fun. Love the passing punch, always pleasantly surprised at the speed gained when I glance down...
Would recommend the W216 to anyone, it is a superb car. New front pads and tyres has made it even better - smoother and quieter on the new boots, and tremendous stopping feel now.
Next task is exhaust mod - a couple of cut out type valves on Y pipes fitted just in front of the back boxes is the plan - then clay bar and proper polish before winter sets in.
Am seeing 28-29 mpg on a run at the 'Mainland UK std' () motorway speed so am well chuffed at the efficiency also.
CLS diesel prior to this was doing 37 ish but nothing like as nice to drive. Harsh and noisy and nose heavy, compared to the CL.
The Indie guy David, who did the job is excellent - got new ABC sphere also which stopped a very annoying buzzing noise - am very pleased at his attention to detail, honest, explains what is wrong etc., so easy to get on with, not hard to pay, and as a bonus he's a bike guy so we see eye-to-eye on a lot of tech stuff.
I guess the only comment would be he is very very busy - so many cars all the time can mean its hard to get time to chat, discuss etc. but am glad to see someone doing well at the MB indie game. He knows his stuff.
Creevy Autos in Ballygowan for those who live in NI.
Will take a few snaps - hopefully before and after - when I do the polish job.
Cheers.

 

[FunToy]

New to forum, excuse mistakes. I have a 07 cl600 w216. The gearbox trans/electro plate changed after star machine showed speed sensor 3 faulty. New one from dealer and same error after the car was driven around for a few miles. Would go into safe mode and then reset if I press remote to lock car and jump back in. same would keep happening every 5-10miles. Took it to dealer as indie said the plate at fault. Dealer (Slough) booked and charged diagnostics fee and a lot more and said I need a new gearbox and would supply a recon price as a good gesture. I then took it to several gearbox specialist who all wanted to charge for Merc diagnostics even though I showed then Merc report/letter. I found a lot of gearbox places to be untrust worthy as they kept car and then said we have to rebuild or put recon one in. Eventually, I found a very good place in Alperton (not saying name incase you think i'm touting). Turned out the fix was torque convertor overheating, K1 clutch and bearings - WTF that bad!! Anyway, had it fixed and drives and goes like a rocket again. If anyone wants the number of the place, then if admin allow, i will send to them or you PM me but as a new member, I might not be allowed. I just thought i'd share my story with you. I have another one on ABC pipes and pumps - will post in right section later. I am now confident of keeping my CL600 - previously was going to PX it. Its a dream right now

 

[zipdip]

I think if you do get problems with the gearbox it is important to get the Star on it,it is the only way to get the fault codes,after that it depends on how much you want to spend,if you go the new electro conductor plate i.e a virgin plate from MB then it will cost a lot and will need programming to the car more money,now from what I have gathered in many cases you do not need a new plate,there are about 4/5 codes that are connected to valves not working properly,which mean that the conductor plate can be repaired and because it is your original plate the gearbox does not need recoding to the car,if you are able to do the work your self or have a mechanic who will do the work then have a look at this site ,and yes I know it is in Bulgaria ,Repair and auto programming computers, unlocking car navigations repair trucks just looking at their repair page I had no idea two companies had made these plates I thought just Siemans had been involved but early ones were made by Continental,anyway they seem to be able to repair these plates and cheaply and quick,there are a few places here who seem to repair the plates for around £500 +vat,so if you do get a problem this may be the way to go,such a shame that a superb box is let down by these electro plates.

 

[FunToy]

very good to know zipdip. I was just pointing out, the electro plate was not the problem that my indie diagnosed from his star machine (had latest software update). Even the dealer couldn't find the problem and only opening the box up could the real problem be identified. I was only pointing out that if your gearbox goes into safe mode when at full operating temperature, it could even be your torque convertor (like mine was)...