W210, E320 CDi gearbox/torque converter issue!

[Damogsta]

Hi All,

I have a 2001 E320CDi, Avantgarde Estate, approx 110k, FSH (not all MB).

Back in December I lost all drive going up the motorway, no warning lights/faults, turn off & back on again and it would move a bit then lose drive again (forward and reverse). Got recovered home, changed ALL the transmission fluid and filter (many thanks to BlackC55 for his excellent and informative post) No water or metal in the oil, thankfully I don't have a Valeo radiator, and all was well again, 'til last week.

Travelling back from South Wales to Leicester the car felt like it was misfiring under hard-ish acceleration but otherwise was fine 'til I got nearly home when I stopped at a junction and lost all drive again, this time it didn't return immediately after a re-start although if I go out now it probably will. Have checked the transmission fluid (cold) and there's still plenty in. I also noticed the Tiptronic is not changing up and down, or at least the dashboard indicator says it isn't and the engine will not rev beyond 1200rpm.

My dilemma is: Do I take it to a MB specialist and get the codes read to then have to take it to an Auto-box specialist to get the work done? If it's the torque converter then how easy is a DIY change (In a nice warm workshop with tools and maintenance engineers skills)

Most suggestions welcome. . . . .

 

[mauno]

i recon it eill be a stepper motor fault.similar symptoms to a nissan primera cvt auto.goes forward and reverse.then lost power, restart.same thing.i have replaced the stepper motor and flushed the gearbox fluid.now runs like a dream.if need further help just message me

 

[mauno]

also i have gone deeper into it i realized the fault was caused by low resistance on one section by 9ohms.original value was 32/16ohm. nissans upgraded model had 42/21.but they obviously denied the design fault.this fault expected also if no regular flush an fluid change

 

[panason1c]

Probably an 'electro/hydraulic plate' fault (located inside the gearbox and easily replaceable without gearbox removal) but best to have codes read before you do anything else.

First check the large electric plug in the side of the gearbox........A common fault is that the seals leak and allow oil to migrate internally along the loom and into the control unit inside the car.............remove the plug, it should be dry inside both the socket and plug, if oil drips from it, or it is wet, then that could be the cause of your problem.

 

[Damogsta]

I'm guessing this is the problem. . . .

 

[Damogsta]

How much oil should come out when I take the pilot bush out please?

I reckon at least half a pint just came out, am I likely to get away with just changing the bush or should I check the electric plate too?

 

[BlackC55]

Maybe not. Get the codes read first.

 

[Damogsta]

I think I'll have to replace the pilot bush so I can take it somewhere for that, if it'll drive. . .

The wife's getting p***ed off with towing me around.

 

[Damogsta]

OK, so yesterday I fitted a new pilot bushing and cleaned out everything as best I could, still the same.
Called our local Indie and described the symptoms, 'Sounds like the torque converter', and was put onto a local garage who could possibly come round and read the codes for me. . (Obviously still can't move the car!) Phoned the local (BMW indie, yuk!) garage who said 'yes I can read the codes but won't know what they mean, try D&K Automatics, they're the best in Leicester. . .
So I phone D&K Auto's and describe the symptoms, 'sounds like the friction plates in the gearbox are eroding and breaking up and the particles of friction material are blocking the filter, when you run it'. . . Anyone heard of this please?

£2k all in for a gearbox and torque converter refurbishment, Going to RAC or 'Wife' it to the Auto-box place on Monday, watch this space. . . .

 

[Damogsta]

Update:

OK, so eventually took it to D & K Automatics near Leicester, codes read which said 'the gearbox had been slipping'.

Further investigation has revealed the Torque converter had started to break up, the fluid test showed some water in the fluid, (which was changed 2000 miles ago), despite having a Behr radiator, subsequently the steel gearbox internals are rusty and the rust & metal from the T-C are blocking the filter.

Full G-box and T-C refurbishment £2k + £150 for a new radiator (they'll fit this for free). . . .

 

[airportstar]

I had the exactly the same problems on my 2003 E320CDI 220K.

Torque Converter was in bits blocking up the filter and losing drive.

Torque Converter and Gearbox reconditioned (ouch!) and now its 100% again.

your quote of £2k seems a little steep to me....

OK, so eventually took it to D & K Automatics near Leicester, codes read which said 'the gearbox had been slipping'.

Further investigation has revealed the Torque converter had started to break up, the fluid test showed some water in the fluid, (which was changed 2000 miles ago), despite having a Behr radiator, subsequently the steel gearbox internals are rusty and the rust & metal from the T-C are blocking the filter.

Full G-box and T-C refurbishment £2k + £150 for a new radiator (they'll fit this for free). . . .

 

[Damogsta]

It comes to £2064 all in, I have it on good authority that these guys are the best in Leicester, we'll see!

Oh and it's a new T-C apparently. . .

 

[jaymanek]

We use these guys, never had an issue>

VMTP Midlands Contact

 

[Damogsta]

Many thanks but they now have the car, the biggest issue always was the fact that I couldn't drive it anywhere!

 

[Damogsta]

Got the car back today, fingers crossed that's the last of the gremlins. . . .

I guess that's the problem with buying a car from a solicitor who only drove around locally, loading it with half a ton of kit and then pasting it around the motorway network!