CLK W208 big gearbox issues

[TheTololosh]

Hello all.

I am looking for some help with a gearbox issue with my CLK.

The story is that on Sunday I went out with the family and while on the motorway the orange engine light came on. All seemed fine so stupidly I carried on driving and headed for home.

After a short while the gears started slipping sometimes and then not going into the higher gears.

I pulled over, called the AA and after 10 minutes got out to have a look. There was a fairly large puddle of gearbox oil on the road. It was black and smelled a little burned. A tow truck was ordered and it was driven no more.

My question is this. Is it probable that I have done major damage? I will drop the sump and check for metal shavings or large cog components. If I find nothing, is it feasible to change the filter and all seals and then just top up and hope for the best?

If I do find bits of metal floating around, could anyone recommend an auto gearbox specialist in the Walton on Thames, Surrey area?

I have dabbled a bit with engines and cars and feel comfortable changing seals, but more than that it will have to go into a garage. The problem is that as with most people on motoring forums, we either don't have tons of money to throw at these problems or just prefer doing it ourselves.
Mine is the former so I really am trying to get this done as cheaply as possible. I can't see the point in spending more than I have to on what is realistically only about a £1500 car.

Sorry to be so long winded, but I thought I would give as much detail as possible.

Any help appreciated.
Cheers,
Warren

 

[clivemercedes]

Hi Warren, from what you have said if the gearbox oil was black and smelt burnt
then you would be better off fitting a s/h unit as yours would be fryed and need rebuilding and the fluid was never changed thus causing trans faliure .

 

[nb_racing]

There's a good gearbox on ebay at the moment I believe..

 

[nb_racing]

Mercedes auto gearbox from w210 E55 amg, e s c clk slk class | eBay

 

[TheTololosh]

Clive and NB

Thanks for your replies. In the back of my mind I always guessed that the box was shot, but was hoping someone would offer me some hope that it could be saved.

I was looking around for a second hand box NB but only for my model of vehicle. I need to do a search and find out which boxes are compatible so that I can have more choice.
Thanks for the Ebay link, I have bookmarked it.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[gbjeppm]

Lots of people recommend TM Motors in west molesey, not far from you. I have no first hand knowledge, but thought it might help.
TM Motors Mercedes specialist service & repair - Surrey

 

[Vlad]

This lot have a lot of recomendations.... king automatic gearboxes - repair, overhaul, replacement, recondition

 

[TheTololosh]

Thanks gbjeppm and Vlad,

I am no expert but I thing I will drop the sump and check if anything is floating around.

Once I know what the extent is I will then have to decide which direction to take.

As a matter of interest, I will post the results tomorrow and if it is feasible, I will take some pics.

Cheers,
Warren

 

[panason1c]

I would first try to locate the source of the leak, and then, if easily fixable, try a new filter and oil and see how it goes with the view of keeping it or sending it off to the auctions, depending on the final result. (or, ultimately, breaking it and selling parts)

 

[TheTololosh]

Hi Panos1c,

I was thinking along those lines. I think I will drop the sump first and see if there is anything floating around.
What I don't want to do is to throw £100 worth of parts and oil in there only to find out that the box is shot beyond repair.

By tomorrow evening I will have some more news.

Cheers,
Warren

 

[Captain Benz]

What happened with your gearbox. I have an autobox that has slipped out of gear twice so I am looking for somewhere to get it fixed..