Should i get rid of the car? Gearbox problems..

[k086956]

I am in the process of having my gearbox looked at.

The car is a E320 CDi W211 2003 REG with 74k miles on.

It either needs a new torque converter/reconditioning/or an entirely new gearbox.

74k miles and the gearbox has gone. Also i face a possible max bill off 1700 quid.

Prior to this, the car has had a full main dealer service history..

A garage that i had previously taken it to said he was bemused at the problem. He plugged in the STAR diagnostic system and it came back with a gearbox/torque converter code.

The car is now at another garage.

I am loathe to get keep the car once fixed. I think that 74k an auto box should not fail.

This is without doubt the last mercedes i have bought.

Anyone here think the car is a lemon? Moreover, how likely is a gearbox likely to be a recurring pain in the proverbial?

 

[wemorgan]

Sorry to hear the news.

If for example your car is worth £8-10k (?), then whilst spending £1700 is a lot of money you will maintain the car's value. If you don't get it fixed the value would be nearer to £5k, I'd guess.

So if it was me, I'd take a deep breath, get the car fixed and then keep it for some more years to get your money's worth from the repair bill. Some times it's better the devil you know then the devil you don't.

I hear many people saying I will never buy and such-a-such brand after a big bill. But I feel the bigger picture needs to be taken when buying your next car and appreciate not all E-class are unrelaible.

 

[Skintia99]

Sorry to hear the news.

If for example your car is worth £8-10k (?), then whilst spending £1700 is a lot of money you will maintain the car's value. If you don't get it fixed the value would be nearer to £5k, I'd guess.

So if it was me, I'd take a deep breath, get the car fixed and then keep it for some more years to get your money's worth from the repair bill. Some times it's better the devil you know then the devil you don't.

I hear many people saying I will never buy and such-a-such brand after a big bill. But I feel the bigger picture needs to be taken when buying your next car and appreciate not all E-class are unrelaible.

I agree,

I'd get it done, if you get a genuine new merc gearbox it may have some kind of warranty??

Is it a E320 CDI or E320? btw

 

[The Boss]

keep the car.

My c220 Diesel work horse, again one owner from new and full MB service history has over 450,000 miles and is on second gearbox... the car will last forever if you add the little now... do ittt!

 

[k086956]

I agree,

I'd get it done, if you get a genuine new merc gearbox it may have some kind of warranty??

Is it a E320 CDI or E320? btw

The garage looking at it are giving me a 12 month warranty on their work and parts.

Its a CDi.

The missus is not impressed at all lol. Her christmas spending has been kerbed to get the car fixed.

 

[Dieselman]

The missus is not impressed at all lol. Her christmas spending has been kerbed to get the car fixed.

Just give her a torque converter for Christmas, she can then fit it.

Two problems solved in one..she gets a present, you get the car fixed.

 

[jeremytaylor]

Do the work and keep the car. Any 5-year old 74k car could have these sort of problems, it all depends on the past history (which you don't know - but that's why used cars are cheaper than new cars!).

If you do the work, at least you know the gearbox is OK!

 

[crockers]

I know this is pushing your luck - but the car is under 6 years old - have you approached Mercedes for some goodwill? A gearbox should last more than 5 years. IMHO

 

[k086956]

Update:

I have just had the garage ring. The gearbox it seems is ruined due to the clutch mechanism coming apart.

In the words of the garage. "There are pieces of the clutch tray all over the place in your gearbox".

I need a new gearbox and torque converter. Total cost is 1450 quid...

I get 12 months warranty with that..

 

[neilrr]

Try a breaker. I think you'd find one for about £250 - 300.

 

[andy27168]

Is the gearbox and torque convertor new MB items? As £1450 seems way to cheap to be so.

 

[crockers]

Sounds like a recon box....

 

[k086956]

Sounds like a recon box....

Hi, what are the pro's/con's of a recon box?

I cant afford to pay out 2.5k+ for a new box and torque converter. Anyone on here had joy with a reconditioned box?

 

[vincenz]

A reconditioned box is a gearbox that is not brand new but has been refurbished in someway,

If you get 12 month warranty then you've got piece of mind for that period, I have bought one in the past and didnt have any problems, I doutb you'd get longer than 12 mnths with an MB item as they are seen as consumables really.

 

[whizzkid11]

You could try a breakers or even try EBAY.DE - you can always pick up cheap parts from across the channel.

 

[Smiley]

Is this from an auto box specialist - if not I would steer clear.
Also suggest you google the name of the place that you are thinking of having the work done at - see if that throws up any comments from previous customers.
There is some kind of association of auto box repairers - take a look on www.honestjohn.co.uk
last if the car has a full mbsh then I would defo be in touch with them about it via your local dealer - they will be desparate for work at the moment I would think and even if you got a 50% contribution then it may be less than £2k.
If I were looking at a second hand W211 with a "recon" autobox I would run a mile - but with a new box from MB it would be a benefit.
Lots to consider dont rush into it; but dont sell it as is.

And you are right an autobox should not fail at 74k; period.

 

[johnsco]

The main question to answer:
Is the rest of the car pretty sound ?
Everyone has these sort of expensive disasters once in a while.
I certainly have.

If the rest of the car is sound, then I would spend the money and cross my fingers.
The real worry is that the gearbox damage may have been caused by previous abuse by a former owner.
In which case, you really need to assess carefully that the rest of the car is OK.
Good Luck.
Johnsco

 

[k086956]

Is this from an auto box specialist - if not I would steer clear.
Also suggest you google the name of the place that you are thinking of having the work done at - see if that throws up any comments from previous customers.
There is some kind of association of auto box repairers - take a look on www.honestjohn.co.uk
last if the car has a full mbsh then I would defo be in touch with them about it via your local dealer - they will be desparate for work at the moment I would think and even if you got a 50% contribution then it may be less than £2k.
If I were looking at a second hand W211 with a "recon" autobox I would run a mile - but with a new box from MB it would be a benefit.
Lots to consider dont rush into it; but dont sell it as is.

And you are right an autobox should not fail at 74k; period.

Hi. Yes this is from an auto box specialist, i just want the car fixed so i can get back home.

The car broke down 150 miles away near relatives. And that is where i have been for the past week.

 

[k086956]

The main question to answer:
Is the rest of the car pretty sound ?
Everyone has these sort of expensive disasters once in a while.
I certainly have.

If the rest of the car is sound, then I would spend the money and cross my fingers.
The real worry is that the gearbox damage may have been caused by previous abuse by a former owner.
In which case, you really need to assess carefully that the rest of the car is OK.
Good Luck.
Johnsco

Hi. The rest of the car is pretty sound. Engine is 100%, interior is spot-on. No other glitches.

The abuse may well have been caused by abuse from the former owner. I will be hesitant to even put my foot down to be honest.

The first test will be the 150 mile journey back home once i pick the car up.

I have decided my next car will be an E90 330d, maybe in a year or so..

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
Just re-reading your post regarding your gearbox, i seem to recollect reading somewhere of 320CDI gearboxes not being able to cope with the torque of the engine.
I think it was when i was looking at American forums a year or so ago regarding C43 gearboxes.
I may be totally wrong, but do a search on a couple of American MB forums you may find some statement or other to reinforce your goodwill claim to MB.