Bang & Kaput!

[NormanB]

My auto gearbox went bang today, launching from rest at a roundabout - no drive in forward or reverse!!

Its in a Merc specialist nearby and will be investigated in the morning.

So any advice form the gearbox gurus?

What are my options and likely costs?

Is this the end of my Merc relationship?

Feeling pretty hacked off!

 

[Satch]

If you need a replacement box check here.

http://www.mbatc.de/english/index_e.htm

Search under Autotransmission. Helps if you know the part number

 

[Will]

Sorry to hear of your bad luck Norman,

Perhaps try a breakers yard / specialist MB dismantler? Give Ricky/V12 a call?

Obviously check to make sure that it isn't anything simple/cheap to repair first?!?

Perhaps someone here will know common weaknesses of this box, and also what models share the same transmission as yours?

Hope you can get it sorted, and without breaking the bank!

Good Luck,

Will

 

[Sp!ke]

Oh dear what a pain. What's your mileage up to now?

Keep us posted as to how you get on.

 

[Robby]

Assuming its the same 4 speed autobox that mercedes put in everything for years, it may well be worth picking up a knacker with a blown engine off ebay and transferring the box, then breaking the rest.

When I sold my 190E with a knackered engine but good everything else I only got £350 for it, so a rusty old shell should be very cheap.

 

[NormanB]

If you need a replacement box check here.

http://www.mbatc.de/english/index_e.htm

Search under Autotransmission. Helps if you know the part number

Had a look thanks and will (might) contact - not cheap!

 

[NormanB]

Sorry to hear of your bad luck Norman,

Perhaps try a breakers yard / specialist MB dismantler? Give Ricky/V12 a call?

Obviously check to make sure that it isn't anything simple/cheap to repair first?!?

Perhaps someone here will know common weaknesses of this box, and also what models share the same transmission as yours?

Hope you can get it sorted, and without breaking the bank!

Good Luck,

Will

I've PMd V12!
Thanks

 

[NormanB]

Oh dear what a pain. What's your mileage up to now?

Keep us posted as to how you get on.

Hi Spike

Err 154500 miles.
I will but I reckon the fat lady is limbering up!

 

[NormanB]

Assuming its the same 4 speed autobox that mercedes put in everything for years, it may well be worth picking up a knacker with a blown engine off ebay and transferring the box, then breaking the rest.

When I sold my 190E with a knackered engine but good everything else I only got £350 for it, so a rusty old shell should be very cheap.

Thanks Robby - it may well come to that!

 

[jimmy]

There is a MB breaker specialist near me at Rushden, his name is Lock, (miserable so and so) he always seems to be able to help out on older vehicles, maybe worth a phone call.

H.A Lock
Northampton Rd, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 6AP
Tel: 01933 313077
Classification:
Garage Services

 

[andy_k]

the gearboxes on W124s seem to last about 160k so it sounds ominous and there are very few (if any) other things it could be unless the prop shaft is hanging off the car.

Andy Gayle does a rebuild service it may be worth contacting him - see if the AA can relay you up there - "honest guv it just broke down as I was setting off an a 300 mile journey" (get one of your friends to tow you the first couple of miles so you are not at home )

Personally if you plan on keeping the car I'd go for a rebuild or replacement box and you'll find that it lasts as long as you keep the car - a new gearbox will cost a lot less than a new car.

HTH

Andy

 

[NormanB]

the gearboxes on W124s seem to last about 160k so it sounds ominous and there are very few (if any) other things it could be unless the prop shaft is hanging off the car.

Andy Gayle does a rebuild service it may be worth contacting him - see if the AA can relay you up there - "honest guv it just broke down as I was setting off an a 300 mile journey" (get one of your friends to tow you the first couple of miles so you are not at home )

Personally if you plan on keeping the car I'd go for a rebuild or replacement box and you'll find that it lasts as long as you keep the car - a new gearbox will cost a lot less than a new car.

HTH

Andy

Yeah that is a good idea (AndyG) but I have blown it - I used the RAC to lift it to the garage where it is now languishing!

I was fffffffffreezing as well waited over an hour - and I was not dressed for standing around in near zero temps!

Thanks for the input though

 

[guydewdney]

oh - you poor sod.

Get a replacement from v12 - but make sure you get a low mileage one - im not at home at the mo - but when im back ill look up the gearbox numbers for you.

Or george fraser in W london... he prob has one there ready tbh...

Guy

 

[Ian B Walker]

If you want me to look oop narth for you I will, I owe you a favour anyway. Pity this didnt happen 6 months ago as I had a spare cluttering up my garage. AND........ dont give up on Mercs You know they make sense.

 

[NormanB]

the gearboxes on W124s seem to last about 160k so it sounds ominous and there are very few (if any) other things it could be unless the prop shaft is hanging off the car.
HTH
Andy

Update:

Good news/ Bad news - not entirely sure just yet.

Autobox is fine.

Half shaft snapped (between diff and rear wheel) did not ask which one and I have not clapped eyes on it yet.

So may not be as as terminal or the end of a beautiful relationship just yet!

 

[andy_k]

that's not really bad news although they are a bit of a sod to fit and I wasn't far off the mark with the propshaft comment and it's going to cost you a whole lot less than a gearbox (wasn't there any noise from the shaft waving about or did the inner joint fail?)

Andy

 

[Dieselman]

Update:

Good news/ Bad news - not entirely sure just yet.

Autobox is fine.

Half shaft snapped (between diff and rear wheel) did not ask which one and I have not clapped eyes on it yet.

So may not be as as terminal or the end of a beautiful relationship just yet!

We had this a while ago on another 124..interesting.

 

[NormanB]

that's not really bad news although they are a bit of a sod to fit and I wasn't far off the mark with the propshaft comment and it's going to cost you a whole lot less than a gearbox (wasn't there any noise from the shaft waving about or did the inner joint fail?)

Andy

Yes yours was a logical possibility, and it proved 100% correct - thats why I quoted you.

There was a loud clunk and no noise thereafter, even with car in drive and engine running so I guess there were no raggy ends flailing about. The Merc specialist said it is the third on a TE in the past 18 months (in his shop).

The bloody obvious clue which I now recall but did not post is the speedo was indicating while the engine was running but no drive - really bloody obvious what had happened - in hindsight. I guess I was in shock!

As to where exactly it (half-shaft) failed - I will have a look tomorrow and report back to you all (with pics!).

 

[Robby]

Well one of them must be rather cheap from a breakers.

As for fitting.. well its an excuse to change the oil in the diff.

These 124s are tough compared the new stuff.

 

[Howard]

Yeah !!! 124's rock you can't get rid of the old girl!!

Its like putting your granny to sleep becuase she twisted her ankle !!