W208 320 auto oil leak

[Mark W208 320]

1997 reg, 82,000 miles. Fully serviced and well loved. Lost most of the gearbox oil over the last few months - thought the small amount on the garage floor wasn't significant - the garage said it was from the air conditioning! Now identified as leak from seal to wiring loom and fixed, but oil was very low and burnt, with iron filings in oil. I recal now that in January with minus 8 centigrade and a cold engine had trouble getting into garage over 35mm step - slipping clutch, which didn't happen again, also had two or three occasions when stuck in second gear. Garage said switch off engine and should clear which it did. Now have bumpy gear changing when not under load. Specialist (not agent) ran diagnostic and thinks air mass meter might be faulty, telling engine to change at inappropriate time.

I would be grateful for guidance on where to take car for advice on gear box. Do I need to strip and clean out all the iron filings? Father-in-law (enthusiast) says all old auto cars have filings and not a big problem just change the filter. Is the burning a sign of certain major and imminent calamity? Honest John says this oil leak is a standard major problem. Do I spend £250 or so on a new air mass meter, which might not be the problem?

 

[mr. shr]

Hi Mark,
Welcom to the forum.

Where are you based as that will help people suggest an auto specialist near you.

I think I have heard somewhere before that some MB boxes might have some filings in them and that is actually quite normal, but others here will soon be able to confirm.

Personally I would hold off changing the MAF until you know it definitely is at fault. A decent indy should help you diagnose this.
What neck of the woods are you in?

 

[Roger Jones]

Autobox?

Honestjohn: Frequently Asked Questions

Automatic gearbox servicing, repairs and reconditioning - Home

Recommended in the MB Club Good Garage Guide (members' recommendations):
Gearbox Repair - London Gearbox Repairs - Hardy Engineering
Stephens Engineering - Automatic Transmission specialists, Car Repairs and Servicing

 

[BlackC55]

If it has metal filings inside then your gearbox has had it.

 

[Mark W208 320]

Hi Mr Shr,

Many thanks for the reply and sensible question! I am Somerset, near Yeovil.

I like the 10 types. I get it. I trust that is advantageous!!

Regards

Mark

 

[Mark W208 320]

I guess I can't argue with that! It seems I need to spend the £1500 to £2000 suggested for a rebuild.

I hope Mr Shr is right that other members near Somerset can point me to a trustworthy independant.

Many thanks

Mark

 

[Mark W208 320]

Many thanks Roger Jones.

 

[Mark W208 320]

If it has metal filings inside then your gearbox has had it.

Would you be interested in taking a closer look at my issues?

 

[BlackC55]

I cant answer that yet.

 

[Mark W208 320]

I cant answer that yet.

I think I am looking for someone who can look at the gearbox and fix what's wrong - that might mean a transmission specialist - is that what you mean?

 

[BlackC55]

I do fix Mercedes for a living and I can help you but I can't advertise yet on this site.

 

[wemorgan]

I think I am looking for someone who can look at the gearbox and fix what's wrong - that might mean a transmission specialist - is that what you mean?

For contact details see:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/memb...r-service-mercedes-specialist-portsmouth.html

ps. I presume I can send links?

 

[BlackC55]

Thanks.

 

[Mark W208 320]

I do fix Mercedes for a living and I can help you but I can't advertise yet on this site.

I see. I am sorry if I have broken a rule. I noted the answers you were giving to other posts and was interested in what you might have to say about my car. I don't know if your answering my question would be advertising?

 

[Mark W208 320]

For contact details see:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/memb...r-service-mercedes-specialist-portsmouth.html

ps. I presume I can send links?

Thanks for this. I had already located Prestige Car Services on Google and I would have made contact if the website had any content! Now have the contact details. Thanks. I will ring tomorrow.

 

[BlackC55]

Lose the "S" on services.

My website has had a meltdown but will be up soon.

 

[Smiley]

loose the "S" on services.

My website has had a meltdown but will be up soon.

as long as you lose the o in loose