Major gearbox problems.

[meri_gadi]

hi all.

my dad took the car down south and it was okay. it would give a slight judder very occasionally going from 2nd to 3rd.
any way he was driving about in London. He came to stop at a set of traffic lights and the when he tried pulling away noting. Eventually car pulled away and with a big jolt and it kept juddering and grinding noises. he then tried sticking it into 1-2, 2-3, 3-4.... when got it up to 40 and 4th. The grinding would go away till he slows down.

Thats the description i got over the phone.

hes in leyton area and i think thats east london.

now 1stly what can be wrong? where to go get it fixed? He has no idea what to do?

please people help…

 

[meri_gadi]

its a s280 w140 with a 722604 box

 

[grober]

Sounds fairly terminal from your description. If you are a member of any recovery service---AA or Green flag etc ( these are sometimes part of your insurance policy) then get your car recovered to your normal garage which services your car. If not then see if he can drive the car to the nearest MB dealer or independant MB specialist in the area he is in now. Even if the service area is closed for the weekend it will save recovery costs later. Then make arrangements to collect your dad. You might get some info from this forum about any good MB garages in the area he is in. Sounds as if a new/recon gearbox will be required but might be another component in the transmission like the propshaft bearing or UJs.

 

[meri_gadi]

well lads, just as the worst case scenario, what is replacement recon box price from mercedes? is it cheaper and quicker getting a recon box or rebuild.

 

[Ian B Walker]

A box is going to cost you in excess of £1500 unless you can find one from a breakers (no guarantee ) Rebuild or recon? Rebuilding your box would take I think about a couple of days, but there is the taking out and the putting back which I think would be a day each, so plan on a week at least. Subject to parts being available. Recon, if one is readily available then with a bit of luck you may just have it done within 48 hours. Hard choice to make. Given the same I would go for the recon with a guarantee. It will cost you a little more unless you change the box yourself (not rocket science) but it would be quicker and you keep your hands clean.

 

[frog1520]

bugger! just out of interest, how many miles ?

 

[meri_gadi]

125k.... i was going to change the gearbox oil and i jus couldnt be bothered as. tought will do it after dads trip... propa gutted. its alwayz gona be in the back of my head what if i had changed the oil.... gutted...

 

[frog1520]

My W140's had some sorta problems since about 110K - now on 115. Its driveable, but doesnt like going above 3rd gear when its cold. I've been told it'll need a new valve body in the gearbox.....

If its any consolation I've changed the oil in mine twice in the last 40K, so....

Good luck!

 

[meri_gadi]

right these ppl are going to fix the car hopefully...

http://www.webvert.co.uk/stephenseng/index.htm

they are going to recon everything inc a recon torque convertor but not the gearsets. £1650 all in... does that seem okay for a recon job?



Called the local MB dealer and they wanted £1280 (inc my exchange box)+vat+fitting for recon box and 887+vat +fitting for the torque convertor...

also i got adviced that there is a shortage in these gearboxes and MB in germany even dont have any in stock, u can come pay for it and we will let u know when we get it in. no timescales...

 

[frog1520]

Good luck!!

PLEASE let us know how you get on!

Thanks!

 

[BaldGuy]

Try these people first before you comit.... I used to have an S Type that had a gearbox problem just before i sold it, a jag specialist wanted 1500 to replace with a recon unit, saying that they cant be fixed........ these guys replaced the faulty part all in for 550......

http://www.expressgearbox.co.uk/

I cant reccomend them highly enough

 

[grober]

right these ppl are going to fix the car hopefully...

http://www.webvert.co.uk/stephenseng/index.htm

they are going to recon everything inc a recon torque convertor but not the gearsets. £1650 all in... does that seem okay for a recon job?



Called the local MB dealer and they wanted £1280 (inc my exchange box)+vat+fitting for recon box and 887+vat +fitting for the torque convertor...

also i got adviced that there is a shortage in these gearboxes and MB in germany even dont have any in stock, u can come pay for it and we will let u know when we get it in. no timescales...

Considering whats involved seems a reasonable quote (INC VAT ??) provided the gearsets are OK? I would ask 2 questions---
1. what happens if the some of the gearsets are damaged --- what happens then? (I didn't like your description of the problem which talked about grinding noises hence the question)
2.what sort of warranty do they offer?

I can well believe the back order in Germany thing.

 

[meri_gadi]

Considering whats involved seems a reasonable quote (INC VAT ??) provided the gearsets are OK? I would ask 2 questions---
1. what happens if the some of the gearsets are damaged --- what happens then? (I didn't like your description of the problem which talked about grinding noises hence the question)
2.what sort of warranty do they offer?

I can well believe the back order in Germany thing.

price inc VAT. if gearsets are damaged then will be replaced at an extra cost.

1 years warrenty on the repairs.

 

[grober]

price inc VAT. if gearsets are damaged then will be replaced at an extra cost.

1 years warrenty on the repairs.

Sounds OK then, provided they can get the gearsets if required. Hope things work out.

 

[frog1520]

SO what was the final outcome?

 

[panason1c]

they are going to recon everything inc a recon torque convertor

I've always been curious as to how a torque converter can be 'reconditioned'...? it is a solidly welded unit so how are the internals accessed?....or is it simply a matter of flushing it through and then labelling it 'reconditioned'?

 

[meri_gadi]

SO what was the final outcome?

i posted up pics in a new thread.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=35234

 

[W210 Fan]

I've always been curious as to how a torque converter can be 'reconditioned'...? it is a solidly welded unit so how are the internals accessed?....or is it simply a matter of flushing it through and then labelling it 'reconditioned'?

Its a flush and labelled reconditioned, we do the same on the trucks we sell with a ZF unit, but the MoD know its only flushed not taken to bits and checked

 

[ppuch1]

I paid around £1500 for a recon box for my C200 a few years ago - that included fitting and everything - done by Gravesend Transmissions - was quite happy with their service - not sure if anyone here has used these people or can rate them.

 

[meri_gadi]

Its a flush and labelled reconditioned, we do the same on the trucks we sell with a ZF unit, but the MoD know its only flushed not taken to bits and checked

The guy had it advertised at respestion as a brand new Gearbox and had it there for 2 years.