2009 C320 CDi Sport - new gearbox?

[Banana Pancakes]

Hi guys,

Wonder if you can help me with a query.

This is actually my mum's car, a 2009 C320 CDi sport with approx 25k miles on the clock. It's serviced at regular intervals and isn't at all abused -- she really just potters around town and one or two motorway trips a week.

Last time she was in for a service (May) they told her she would need a new gearbox but they would put it off until September time. It's the 7 speed tiptronic box so I'm guessing this isn't cheap!

It sounds ludicrous to me that a 3 year old car with less than average mileage would need a new gearbox. I've had a bit of a look around but can't see anything to suggest it's a known issue but obviously you guys know more than me!

Does it sound right to you that it would need a new gearbox so soon?!!

Thanks in advance.

 

[st4]

I'd get a 2nd opinion. Its rare for a 7g to fully fail and if the car remains drivable with no loss of power, no bad shifting (they are not great it has to be said even on a good day) and no loss of available gears she should just carry on driving it and honestly, get a second opinion and if they say its fine, as it probably will be, not bother going back to where they said it was bad.

7g cars have an issue with the electroplate, you merely need to change the valve body and this will be no more than £1500. The car will not change up from 2nd IIRC.

 

[Banana Pancakes]

I'd get a 2nd opinion. Its rare for a 7g to fully fail and if the car remains drivable with no loss of power, no bad shifting (they are not great it has to be said even on a good day) and no loss of available gears she should just carry on driving it and honestly, get a second opinion and if they say its fine, as it probably will be, not bother going back to where they said it was bad.

7g cars have an issue with the electroplate, you merely need to change the valve body and this will be no more than £1500. The car will not change up from 2nd IIRC.

Thanks very much for your help!

She's only ever had it serviced by the MB dealership where it was purchased and it was them that said it would need replaced. She's always hesitant to take it anywhere else -- they've even replaced the tyres when she needs them!!

TBH, she hasn't had any problems with the car so I was surprised when she told me. I'll definitely tell her to go elsewhere and get a second opinion. I just wondered if there were any known issues -- I've had a few MINIs (ssshhh!) and the last one had a gearbox problem which was recognised by MINI UK so they contributed to the cost.

 

[st4]

The known issue would the be the valve block/electro plate and the car going into a limp home mode.

I assume the car changes all the way to 7th and back and makes full power. At 25k miles the dealer wouldn't even check the gearbox as it not due an oil change to 37k miles. Unless the car drives poorly, I'd be inclined to leave well alone.

 

[Banana Pancakes]

Brilliant, thanks -- it's always good to be armed with at least a bit of info and like I say, I'm a bit of out my depth eith Mercedes.

Thanks again!

 

[Benza750]

If there is no know faults could it be that they have just advised that it needs the gearbox service, not in fact a new gearbox
It's getting to that age

 

[davidjpowell]

Hi guys,

Wonder if you can help me with a query.

This is actually my mum's car, a 2009 C320 CDi sport with approx 25k miles on the clock. It's serviced at regular intervals and isn't at all abused -- she really just potters around town and one or two motorway trips a week.

Last time she was in for a service (May) they told her she would need a new gearbox but they would put it off until September time. It's the 7 speed tiptronic box so I'm guessing this isn't cheap!

It sounds ludicrous to me that a 3 year old car with less than average mileage would need a new gearbox. I've had a bit of a look around but can't see anything to suggest it's a known issue but obviously you guys know more than me!

Does it sound right to you that it would need a new gearbox so soon?!!

Thanks in advance.

It does happen though. I had to have one replaced, no-one ever investigated beyond the burn't oil that was drained.

If they have not already investigated, you should speak directly to MB re a goodwill contribution. On a 3 year old 25k car with full dealer history I would be looking from something significant.

Don't be afraid to write to the directors to express your disappointment in the Marque, when Customer Service offer derisory goodwill. They are likely to pass on to someone senior.

 

[st4]

David, was yours giving trouble?

Car seems young, too young ever for an ATF change and if it shifts ok, its probably fine. Why would an MB dealer even look at the box on a car before the fluid needs changed.