MCT gearbox - clutch life?

[E55BOF]

I think I'm correct in thinking that my 2012 E63 5.5 TT has the MCT auto box, which I gather has a wet clutch rather than a torque converter. I read something suggesting that these clutches only do about 25-30K before needing replacement, at a cost of over £3k.

My car has done 85K miles with no invoice for gearbox work other than an oil and filter change, so I rather doubt that longevity claim. Has anybody had to have this clutch replaced, and if so, at what mileage and at what sort of cost?

Secondly, I presume that if I come to a halt on a slope and use the brake hold function, the clutch disengages completely to save wear. Does it also do so if I am stopped on level ground and do not use the brake hold function?

 

[AlexM]

I think I'm correct in thinking that my 2012 E63 5.5 TT has the MCT auto box, which I gather has a wet clutch rather than a torque converter. I read something suggesting that these clutches only do about 25-30K before needing replacement, at a cost of over £3k.

My car has done 85K miles with no invoice for gearbox work other than an oil and filter change, so I rather doubt that longevity claim. Has anybody had to have this clutch replaced, and if so, at what mileage and at what sort of cost?

Secondly, I presume that if I come to a halt on a slope and use the brake hold function, the clutch disengages completely to save wear. Does it also do so if I am stopped on level ground and do not use the brake hold function?

It's a good question, and I was also wondering this. I have yet to read about anyone needing MCT clutches to be replaced, and the 7g tronic+ with MCT has been around for ages, so I can't believe that the 25-30k figure has any credibility. Maybe if you're dragging and using launch control a lot.

Driving style has got to have a big bearing on the life of the clutch. I dont know what the design life of the MCT clutch pack is, but I think a wear percentage can be read via Star diagnostics.

I did wonder if starting in 1st rather than 2nd would help prolong life?.

Regards,
Alex

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

 

[grober]

Its really an automated multiplate clutch. Used in motorcycles to reduce size and in heavy equipment to handle torque- so nothing to worry about if looked after
Mercedes-AMG's MCT Transmission Explained In Layman's Terms

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[E55BOF]

I've had motorcycles for thirty years, so I'm not unfamiliar with wet multiplate clutches. If it started to slip, I doubt I'd be cleaning up the burrs on the plates or the prongs of the clutch basket with a file, though...

I'd still like to know the answers to my questions, and as Alex has considered, whether starting off in first would be less wearing than doing so in second.

 

[grober]

Oerlikon Graziano seems to be a name that crops up a lot in relation to Lamborghini's clutch systems. Altho the E/ F clutch is a simpler affair this lambo video "how to" poses some interesting questions - namely that driving these transmissions leisurely like an automatic may produce more wear than more aggressive use by driving them like a manual box -this down to when the control system "smoothes out" changes it involves more slippage than brisk instant engagement changes?? Evidently reversing up a hill in a Gallardo isn't a good idea either !

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[french]

Don't know about MCT/DCT etc but as far as I know wet clutches as in Bikes last longer & taske more abuse because they are wet so less slip/friction wear .

 

[AlexM]

Just to correct myself, the term 'MCT' refers to the clutch packs and bands for each gear, rather than the wet starting clutch.

Both will be subject to wear, but I guess I'm more concerned about the life of the starting clutch in stop/start traffic. I am theorising that the starting clutch would have an easier time of it starting from 1st gear rather than 2nd, just as a manual car would need more clutch slip to move the car from rest if you start in 2nd gear. I'd guess that any reliability issues would have surfaced by now - they've been around since 2012.

 

[grober]

I believe the HCC [Hydrodynamically Cooled Clutch] is made by ZF Sachs and a short description is to be found on page 8 of their brochure here. Think I would be more worried about the torsional damper springs than the friction plates!
https://www.zf.com/global/media/pro...les/pdf_10/pkw_a_aktiveanfahrsysteme_2017.pdf

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[AlexM]

Good find Graeme - interesting read!.

 

[350cls]

Just to correct myself, the term 'MCT' refers to the clutch packs and bands for each gear, rather than the wet starting clutch.

Both will be subject to wear, but I guess I'm more concerned about the life of the starting clutch in stop/start traffic. I am theorising that the starting clutch would have an easier time of it starting from 1st gear rather than 2nd, just as a manual car would need more clutch slip to move the car from rest if you start in 2nd gear. I'd guess that any reliability issues would have surfaced by now - they've been around since 2012.

The MCT transmission has been around since late 2009 on the W212. Even earlier on the SL, 2008 I believe.

 

[BlackC55]

They last between 30-100k usually. It all depends on how they have been driven and looked after. Its not a £3k bill either. Its about 5 hours work plus the part £500ish and then gearbox oil and filter. Do them all the time....

 

[gunning]

I’ve got a problem with my cls63 today.
It stalled at the lights but start stop saved it. Pulled off, got another 800 metres and it packed up. Clutch felt like it was staying engaged and was stalling the car. Then I lost drive unless I rev’d it and it eventually caught.

Now at MB but they can’t look at it for a week or so. Anyone had this issue?
No oil (well none that I can see) no warning lights

 

[gunning]

Just incase anyone gets the issues I had in the comment above, my car had a bit of a melt down and just wanted the clutch values resetting

I thought the clutch was in need of replacement but they said it’s completely fine and just a reset was needed. Picked the car up and it was spot on

 

[c3nturi0n]

What is typical manifestation of a worn clutch/es?

 

[Stratman]

The engine speeds up but the car doesn't.

 

[mbzclk]

What is typical manifestation of a worn clutch/es?

On the MCT boxes, I believe they begin to stall.

Not experienced it personally so can’t advise further.

However replacement is very cheap. I’ve heard people have paid 600-800 including parts and labour from independent specialists

 

[c3nturi0n]

could you suggest good independent specialist to have it checked?

 

[350cls]

PCS horndean service them. They did when I was looking to have mine serviced at just over 60k. The previous owner of my car had the car serviced at an MB main dealers at around 31k. I wanted to do it mine for piece of mind. Had lots of trouble with auto gear boxes especially with BMW vehicles. Depends where you are based. I had mine serviced from a guy in Hornchurch, Essex. He's place is a auto gear box/ transmissions company only.

 

[c3nturi0n]

PCS horndean service them. They did when I was looking to have mine serviced at just over 60k. The previous owner of my car had the car serviced at an MB main dealers at around 31k. I wanted to do it mine for piece of mind. Had lots of trouble with auto gear boxes especially with BMW vehicles. Depends where you are based. I had mine serviced from a guy in Hornchurch, Essex. He's place is a auto gear box/ transmissions company only.

Thanks much.

Do you have an indication of the cost/s involved (parts&labour)?

 

[Skd884]

could you suggest good independent specialist to have it checked?

London wayne gates -

Wayne Gates Specializing in Mercedes-Benz Servicing & Repairs

The Independent Merc Specialist you can trust. Based in Harrow, Middlesex servicing the surrounding areas and Hertfordshire. Call now to book

www.mercservicing.co.uk