Gearbox failure on c240

[Kiki]

I need some advice please. Be gentle as 1st time user.

I have a c202 240 sport with 120K on the clock. Drove like new, until the gearbox failed recently. I have examined the gearbox oil and have found swarf indicating some mechnical failure.

I have read some of the other threads on auto gearbox problems-I wish I had read them earlier and replaced the gearbox oil and filter!

Given that it is a 1999 model, what do other members advise-is it cost effective to get it repaired?

 

[Grahamcol]

What a shame. I have a C200 with 127k and a C2680 V6 with 64k and my dilemma is that the C200 maybe could do with a gearbox oil + filter change but I'm worried to death in case this triggers a massive failure which I've read about happening to other cars where it hasn't been done before. On the other hand I guess it won't go on for ever. What do I do ? Similarly, the C280 is at what's the ideal mileage for a "preventative" oil / filter change but it changes perfectly and again I don't want to upseet matters. None of this, of course, helps you but if the rest of the car is OK I'd be very tempted to get either a second hand box put in or the current one rebuilt by a specialist. These cars are fantastic if looked after well and although either of my suggested options will be expensive you have to consdier whether you'd get a similar vehicle for that kind of money.

 

[kwakdonut]

What a shame. I have a C200 with 127k and a C2680 V6 with 64k and my dilemma is that the C200 maybe could do with a gearbox oil + filter change but I'm worried to death in case this triggers a massive failure which I've read about happening to other cars where it hasn't been done before. On the other hand I guess it won't go on for ever. What do I do ? Similarly, the C280 is at what's the ideal mileage for a "preventative" oil / filter change but it changes perfectly and again I don't want to upseet matters. None of this, of course, helps you but if the rest of the car is OK I'd be very tempted to get either a second hand box put in or the current one rebuilt by a specialist. These cars are fantastic if looked after well and although either of my suggested options will be expensive you have to consdier whether you'd get a similar vehicle for that kind of money.

Get the ATF & Filter changed on both!

 

[kwakdonut]

I need some advice please. Be gentle as 1st time user.

I have a c202 240 sport with 120K on the clock. Drove like new, until the gearbox failed recently. I have examined the gearbox oil and have found swarf indicating some mechnical failure.

I have read some of the other threads on auto gearbox problems-I wish I had read them earlier and replaced the gearbox oil and filter!

Given that it is a 1999 model, what do other members advise-is it cost effective to get it repaired?

Have you tried scrappies??

 

[BlackC55]

It will probably need a complete overhaul if there is metal in the pan. Budget £1500

 

[Buggerlugs]

Hi Kiki and welcome,

I suppose it depends on the overall condition of the rest of the car as to whether you have it fixed. Like already stated you should expect to pay about £1500 for a good job, but if you're prepared to take a punt you can probably get it cheaper, all I would say is try to pick someone on recommendation rather than lowest price.

I can also tell you that most catastrophic failures on this model and year can't be delayed or avoided by a simple gearbox service, there were a couple of design deficiencies in the geartrain which always led to failure on 100k plus cars, so don't feel guilty.

 

[Kiki]

Thanks for the advice.

The car has been regulary serviced, plus courtesy of MB had the bonnet and all 4 wings resprayed due to rust. Also, had some serious engine work done (about 4K worth) all on warranty.

So you can understand I am reticent to scrap it.

I live in Twickenham-any recomendations of local repairers.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

What was happening before it went? had it been playing up for a while?

 

[Stratman]

I can't remember the name, but there's an auto gearbox repair specialist behind Teddington station.

 

[Kiki]

What was happening before it went? had it been playing up for a while?

Hi Killerhertz,

The car was driving fine before the problem. I'd actually just driven home from Birmingham down the M40.

The gearbox went faulty as I parked outside the house.

 

[Kiki]

I can't remember the name, but there's an auto gearbox repair specialist behind Teddington station.

Hi Stratman,

Have you used this garage before or know someone who has?

 

[Will]

Bearing in mind that you know the car - you say it's had a fair bit of paintwork and engine work - it could be worthy of repair

Most W202s with 120k miles wouldn't generally make a econmonically viable repair, but I guess your one sounds like a nice car, and better the devil you know etc.

Perhaps look around for a decent used box from a breakers? Then get it fitted by a competent indi - BlackC55 runs a great MB specialists near Portsmouth. Failing that, there's a few good indis nearby otherwise.

Will

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Gutted

Touchwood ive never had any trouble on my C240 and its got 130K on it. - it is serviced every year mind

 

[Stratman]

I had work done there a long time ago. Wifey's Peugeot 205 auto box died and they repaired it. Not cheap but they did the job and the box was fine afterwards.

 

[Grahamcol]

I'm rather interested in the "design deficiencies" mentioned earlier. I've not heard of this before. What are they exactly ? Do they affect the 722.6 gearbox in general or only the tiptronic versions ? I thought that this box more or less lasted forever if proper maintenance is carried out.

 

[Buggerlugs]

For Grahamcol......

The "early" 722.6 up to about 99/2000 suffered from this kind of failure as one of the Torrington bearings located on the rear gearset is located in a shallow recess in the aluminium planet carrier and other than the recess itself there was no other means of holding the Toriington in position. With use the Torrington outer steel race gradually mills into the ally carrier allowing the bearing to shunt side to side, this then accelerates the wear in the recess until finally there is enough movement in the bearing for it to become completely dislodged, the rollers escape the cage and are flung staright onto the rear sungear and planet lineup, result, DOOOOOM.

Tha later assembly (and replacement parts) as well as the recess has 2 male tangs on the Torrington race and 2 female cutouts in the ally carrier to provide extra support to the bearing.

HTH.

 

[Grahamcol]

Thanks Buggerlugs. As I said, it's the first I've heard of this but you've obviously got some knowledge / experience of the 722.6 box failing and I'm grateful for the response. I'll keep my fingers crossed that both mine will be OK. The v6 has only done 64k and is a late 202 registered September 2000 (I think) so I'm hoping it won't be affected. If the C200 box goes west I will have it repaired as the rest of the car is superb and it would cost me much more than the £1500 or so to get hold of another Merc anywhere near as good.

 

[Lockking]

Hi Stratman,

Have you used this garage before or know someone who has?

If it's who I think its Rims Engineering Teddington 020 8977 9891. They did a Peugeot 406 box for me back in 2003 at 62k and the cars now on 102k and still OK. Complete overhaul. New torque coverter, clutches,TCC solenoid (whatever that is) etc, etc. £1300 quids worth but Peugeot wanted nearly £3000. Bit slow now on changing up sometimes when it's cold but fine after that. They done OK by me and they were always busy with the motor trade. Bit of a run down looking place but the work was good. Hope this helps.

 

[Stratman]

That's the place!

If I remember correctly they charged me £750 when Peugeot were asking £1500.

 

[Kiki]

If it's who I think its Rims Engineering Teddington 020 8977 9891. They did a Peugeot 406 box for me back in 2003 at 62k and the cars now on 102k and still OK. Complete overhaul. New torque coverter, clutches,TCC solenoid (whatever that is) etc, etc. £1300 quids worth but Peugeot wanted nearly £3000. Bit slow now on changing up sometimes when it's cold but fine after that. They done OK by me and they were always busy with the motor trade. Bit of a run down looking place but the work was good. Hope this helps.

Thanks Lockking.

I will give them a call.