E300TD W210 transmission fault - update.

[Mikeyboy]

Hi there.

After taking advice from some of you about my transmission fault I changed the oil, filter and sump gasket.

The car had a tendency to not engage when you set off id D.

It would rev but little would happen then if you weren't quick enough in taking your foot off the accelerator it would bang and jolt forward as drive was taken up.

The car now feels smoother and has not slipped once (yet).

It used to happen every 4-5 weeks so we'll see.

The oil that I took out (7.25L) was very dark, very smelly but had not bits in it.

I replaced it with the MB stuff again recommended by you guys.

Thanks to Parrot of Doom for his excellent 'How To'.

Whilst the sump pan was off I did locate the two T45 Torx bolts but could not try to tighten them because a big casting was in the way.

I shall try to post up some pics of them to see if I have the right bolts.

They were towards the back/prop end of the 'box.

Thanks again for your help previously.

 

[Glenn Roberts]

1999 E300 TD Auto fluid

Please could you tell me how do you get the dipstick out, it says workshop only? Also what oil is the reccomendation. I have just had a nightmare trying to get the right pipes to fit the radiator heat exchanger after they rusted through at the bottom? the chassis I.D. does not seem to enable me to get the right pipes, it was only the storeman rummaging through all the pipes untill he got the right ones, is this normal for MB?

 

[Ian B Walker]

There is no dipstick. What you see is a plug that covers the hole where you insert a Mercedes dip stick. To remove the cap snap off the tag on the top of the cover and press downwards (with a screwdriver) the exposed plastic clip. The oil you should use is to Mb specification 3353 and is available from your dealers (at about £8 per ltr). Dont forget to drain the torque converter, I believe you may have one being a 1999 car. Your ATF system holds approx 7 ltrs of fluid and if everything is drained out you will possible be able to refill 6.5 ltrs. For some unknown reason the system holds on to the remaining half ltr.

 

[Glenn Roberts]

E300 TD Auto fluid

Thanks for your prompt reply. Any idea if Castrol do an equivelent grade oil?

 

[vijilants]

Get the official oil from MB if you want to preserve your gearbox.

 

[Mikeyboy]

I have managed to upload two pics.

The first shows the T45 Torx bolts that can come loose.

IMine seemed tight but you can't get in to check because of the casting plate below it.

Can you remove the casting safley or will untold millions of springs, etc. fly out...never to return!

Thanks.

 

[BlackC55]

Thats the valve body that you need to remove. It is very unlikely that they are loose. I suspect the box is probably tired.

Removing it is straight forward but be careful its quite heavy.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Thanks.

The transmission feels good now the oil is changed.

I was just told to tighten the T45's as they can become loose.

I will not go back in there now.

I was going to drop the oil in 5K miles time to use the current oil as a 'flush' but unless the problem comes back I think I'll leave it.