My 1997 5speed auto C180 seems to be having a soft whining sound emanating from the gearbox mechanicals or other parts of the drivetrain I don't know. Its gone 225,000kms when I bought it and looks great inside and outside. Is it due to a box needing fluid change or has moving parts gone or worn out? I always thought the fluid was in for life? Will a change help at all? Can other parts be the cause of this sound like bearings, driveshaft or the chain? I certainly hope nothing serious is coming up. I do intend to send it to the indie to connect it to the Benz analyser to see if any codes come out. Let me know if anyone is also having this symptom and tell me what steps you have taken, thanks.
My 1997 5speed auto C180 seems to be having a soft whining sound emanating from the gearbox mechanicals or other parts of the drivetrain I don't know. Its gone 225,000kms when I bought it and looks great inside and outside. Is it due to a box needing fluid change or has moving parts gone or worn out? I always thought the fluid was in for life? Will a change help at all? Can other parts be the cause of this sound like bearings, driveshaft or the chain? I certainly hope nothing serious is coming up. I do intend to send it to the indie to connect it to the Benz analyser to see if any codes come out. Let me know if anyone is also having this symptom and tell me what steps you have taken, thanks.
BenzComander
MB Enthusiast
In my experience of high mileage cars, it is usually the diff that starts to whine first.
If you feel confident to do this, put the car up on ramps with the wheels suspended, then have someone gently "drive" the car while you listen to the gearbox and diff. (Keep hands, hair and any other part of your body away from any bits that are spinning
)
A long screwdriver is useful in hearing what is going on inside the gearbox and diff if you put the pinted end against the casings and then the handle against your ear! (No, honestly!!)
After all that, are you sure it is not just a wheel bearing??
If you feel confident to do this, put the car up on ramps with the wheels suspended, then have someone gently "drive" the car while you listen to the gearbox and diff. (Keep hands, hair and any other part of your body away from any bits that are spinning
)A long screwdriver is useful in hearing what is going on inside the gearbox and diff if you put the pinted end against the casings and then the handle against your ear! (No, honestly!!)
After all that, are you sure it is not just a wheel bearing??
gearbox whine or other?
Thanks mates for your great inputs. I will certainly try the closer listening of the mechanicals and use a screwdriver or such and hope I don't get sucked up by the turning things! The analyser will be the next professional step and maybe oil change, trans fluid change, sparks change, filter change and so on. Wow! That will all cost quite a bit unless I do it in stages. Perhaps the diagnostics will do first and change the trans fluid to see if it works wonders. Was told this would easily cost A$300 due to some other small parts needed. Next will be the service/oil change which will include all sparks removed and changed if needed. Then I may have to get the hiccuppy cold start fixed if all the changes have not fixed it yet. More stories from you people will be greatly appreciated. 
Thanks mates for your great inputs. I will certainly try the closer listening of the mechanicals and use a screwdriver or such and hope I don't get sucked up by the turning things! The analyser will be the next professional step and maybe oil change, trans fluid change, sparks change, filter change and so on. Wow! That will all cost quite a bit unless I do it in stages. Perhaps the diagnostics will do first and change the trans fluid to see if it works wonders. Was told this would easily cost A$300 due to some other small parts needed. Next will be the service/oil change which will include all sparks removed and changed if needed. Then I may have to get the hiccuppy cold start fixed if all the changes have not fixed it yet. More stories from you people will be greatly appreciated.
