1999 W210 gearbox fault.

[Mikeyboy]

Hello, I have done a few searches on here but can't seem to find anyone who has the same problem as me.


The car has always been problematic with the gearbox...usually when being pushed hard, but I don't normally drive fast so put up with it.


Problem is now that it jumps out of gear.


It has happened three time in the last two weeks.


It always seems to be when turning right whilst on the move.

I turn right at say 25 mph and go to accelerate then the engine just revs and there's no movement or pull from the car.


1st time it happened I coasted to a near stop then it seemed to drop the revs so I gently put my foot on the throttle and all was fine.

I changed the oil and filter (both genuine parts) about 6k miles ago because the change from 1st to 2nd was sometimes snatchy or it wouldn't engage 1st at all.

The oil change made no difference so I put it in to 'W' and ignored the occasional bang from 2nd to 3rd.


It has always been troublesome when it has been floored...it will go in to 3rd...limp home mode. Then it will be fine if you turn it off and restart it.


Problem is now that I no longer trust it if it keeps jumping in to neutral...even when being driven quite slowly.


I don't really want to get rid of it as I like it and it suits my driving style, etc.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[lynall]

Oil level ok? checked with engine running.



Lynall

 

[rpe2]

Have any fault codes read. It may be the speed sensor on the conductor plate heading south. Have just replaced mine, parts are circa £130 + fitting.

Richard

 

[Dieselman]

If it's not the electronic plate then is may be the valve chest or physical problem with the clutch packs.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Thanks.


I think I say the valve body when I replaced the filter.

Can it be removed and serviced?


I measured the oil that I removed and it was very close to the required amount...sorry, can't remember the exact qty now but I think 8L but what ever the figure I had at the time then it was very near to that.

So when I put new oil in I measured off the same amount.


I wish it had a bliddy dipstick like every other car on the planet!

I have looked on ebay and on here but none are available.

Does anyone know the length of them from the top of the spout to the recomended level?

Having said that I'll ring MB and find out if they have one.


I was thinking it could be the oil level because of the oil being thrown to one side of the gearbox as I corner thus maybe losing pressure.

 

[rpe2]

Thanks.


I think I say the valve body when I replaced the filter.

Can it be removed and serviced?


I measured the oil that I removed and it was very close to the required amount...sorry, can't remember the exact qty now but I think 8L but what ever the figure I had at the time then it was very near to that.

So when I put new oil in I measured off the same amount.


I wish it had a bliddy dipstick like every other car on the planet!

I have looked on ebay and on here but none are available.

Does anyone know the length of them from the top of the spout to the recomended level?

Having said that I'll ring MB and find out if they have one.


I was thinking it could be the oil level because of the oil being thrown to one side of the gearbox as I corner thus maybe losing pressure.

Some dealers are a bit silly, and won't sell them. Strangely you can get them from the MB website

Remember to check the level when hot.

DIPSTICK ATF - All Models 2006 - On BRABU - Mercedes-Benz Parts, Inchcape

Richard

 

[Mikeyboy]

Thanks again.

I think there is an indy at Tamworth so not far from me and I'll see about the STAR there.


How much is normal for a STAR test?

Also, anyone recommend a good indy in or around the Lichfield, Staffs area?

Thanks.

 

[rpe2]

Star, about £25 from an indie.

Try: http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/731021-post6.html

 

[rpe2]

Or in Lichfield...

Lanes Cars Mercedes Benz Independent Service Centre

 

[Mikeyboy]

Thanks for that.

 

[Dieselman]

The car has always been problematic with the gearbox...usually when being pushed hard, but I don't normally drive fast so put up with it.

Problem is now that it jumps out of gear.

It has happened three time in the last two weeks.

It always seems to be when turning right whilst on the move.

If the usual suspects fail to elicit a fix, check the engine and gearbox mountings and hte cabling to the gearbox connector.

Howard had a similar problem caused by the engine sitting too low causing the selector rod to be too tight when accelerating.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/53699-gearbox-not-changing-up.html

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/55242-stuck-gear.html

Losing drive on roundabouts.
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/21425-c-class-my-1998-gearbox-problems.html

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/35924-jumping-out-gear.html

 

[Mikeyboy]

Thanks again...I'll check that all out.

In the end the gearbox had hardly any oil in due to a leak on a seal at an electrical connection.

I had a gearbox service done by Lanes which encompassed the dodgey seal and everything appears to be fine.

He did say that the torque converter does take a while to fill up but am not sure what that means.

 

[johnsco]

This lack of a dipstick for the auto trans fluid level is an ongoing pain.
So much so, that I bought one this week from
www.mercedes-benz-parts.co.uk

Details:
DIPSTICK ATF Part No W140589152100 £33.38 + VAT

Arrived within 48 hours.
Was impressed by service.
They checked part number again my VIN to confirm correct part.
It's clearly a genuine MB part and looks exactly like the one I borrowed last year from my local indie who used to own my car.

Not expensive IMHO.

I don't think that MB do themselves any credit with these silly tricks.
ATF level is a really-critical element, and failure to maintain the level correct can wreck a good transmission.

Cheers.
Johnsco

 

[MBGUY]

I had a similar problem, it turned out to be the engine MAF sensor. It cause all sorts of problems with the gear change.
Worth a look!

 

[Mikeyboy]

Thanks again for the linky-poo's.

I have been trying to upload the diagnostic but found out the file was too big so here goes again...

I just think it may help someone.


I'll look again at the MAF but last time it was as clean as a whistle.

 

[BlackC55]

That does not look good. The first code does not mean much its the other two. I think the clutch packs are slipping.

It might be slipping because of low fluid level.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Hopefully.

I will buy a dipstick using the link left on here.

I tried Ebay but nothing doing.


I'll just have to watch the level like a hawk in future...hopefully that is why and hopefully it is not anything more sinister.

Mike.

 

[MellowJohhnny]

Hi Mike - I'm just experiencing very similar problems with my 99 E300TD, the 1st to 2nd gear "jump" and the car slipping out of gear. I've read the thread and am not sure whether you managed to solve the problem by changing or topping up the gearbox oil (ATF).

Could you please confirm whether this solved the problem?

Many thanks.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Yes, mate, it appears to be fine.

I will be buying a dipstick from the link provided above.


Also, you said ATF...some publications say ATF Dexron ll but I think this is wrong. It needs to be genuine MB oil or you will be back in a world of pain.

 

[johnsco]

Mine has Dexron III in it with no problems.