W203 high mileage - gearbox concerns

[C250TD_Auto]

Hi all,

looking at buying a W203 C270CDI Auto (Elegance) with 146k on the clock.

I've been in touch with Mercedes and it was built 15th October 2004, registered 4th Feb 2005 so it shouldn't have the Valeo radiator issue (my understanding is Merc didn't fit the Valeo radiator starting Quarter 4 of 2003). So that's a tick in the box.

It's been serviced regularly so that's another tick in the box -

As it's 2004 build it should be galvanised - tick in the box -

I'm aware of the thermostat issue but I can check this by checking kick-down and if it'll rev OK over 3k (so i'm told) - but this can be a DIY So i'm not overly fussed - more of a bargaining tool if it's evident.

I know the engine will go for a lot more (I have a 1.9TDI VAG engine which is fine @ 152k)

But Mercedes have no record of a Gearbox fluid change being done and there is no paperwork with the car to suggest it's been done either - so the big question is whether the fact the gearbox oil hasn't been changed is an issue. Mercedes have quoted me at £302 all in - which I can live with (the dentist fleeced me for £450 this morning!) - The gearbox is my main concern, the car is a great spec and my drive to work is A roads doing between 50-60 so it's not going to have a hard life

Any advice on the gearbox would be appreciated

I've not viewed the car yet so i'll need to ensure the changes are smooth and no clunkings etc

Thanks for reading

 

[markjay]

The 5 gear boxes are very strong.

Get the ATF and filter changed at an independent (£170-£200), just make sure they replace also the ATF in the Torque Converter.

And have the car checked on MB STAR for any fault codes.

 

[C250TD_Auto]

Thanks for the quick reply, i'm suspecting the ATF and filter change at MB will just be drop the pan job rather than the full works - i was thinking of going to MB for the initial fluid change just incase there are issues afterward it'll be easier to get them to look into it than a specialist - but i'll check some indie prices

Is there a list of recommended by members indies here? I live in Northampton

thanks

 

[Deleted member 37751]

My 2004 E270 CDI (same engine and box) is at 260k miles and still going strong, although the box was refurbed about 5k ago.

 

[C250TD_Auto]

thanks for the reply

wow, how often do you service the engine (oil change)

do you mind letting me know how much the gearbox refurb cost was?

Has your gearbox had regular fluid changes?

 

[Deleted member 37751]

thanks for the reply

wow, how often do you service the engine (oil change)

do you mind letting me know how much the gearbox refurb cost was?

Has your gearbox had regular fluid changes?

The refurb was carried out by the previous owner along with a big engine service.

I service every diesel I buy at 10k whether it's recommended or not, petrols at 8k.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Hi all,

I'm aware of the thermostat issue but I can check this by checking kick-down and if it'll rev OK over 3k (so i'm told) - but this can be a DIY So i'm not overly fussed - more of a bargaining tool if it's evident.

Thanks for reading

The above will not give any indication of a faulty thermostat.

You need to give it a run of 5 - 10 miles (if from cold) and see if the temperature gauge reaches 80º or above, 90º being the optimum, but it's difficult get an accurate reading and to be sure, as the gauges on these cars are not marked with 90º. The needle on mine sits a little above the 80º mark when hot. (With new thermostat).

If at any time it should need replacing they come complete with the housing and cost circa £43 from a main dealer. It is also worth replacing the small tube which fits underneath the stat, whilst doing the job. It is much easier to do with the oil filter removed and there is an excellent write up on here somewhere with full instructions.

My indie quoted me £180 all inclusive for an ATF and filter change.

Can't help with recommending an indie in Northampton, but suggest you start a new thread asking for recommendations.