w211 e320cdi won't move

[millo777]

My 53 plate w211 (Om648, 722.626) has suddenly refused to move anywhere. Was absolutely fine on Tuesday, no transmission noises, clunks, slipping or any other hints, but Wednesday it moved forward just enough to get out of a parking space then refused to go any further.

Engine is running fine, and gear selector seems to engage drive and reverse ok.

When I get in the car, it will initially move a few feet, then just rev freely as if the engine is under no load. Based on that, it seems the gear selector connector is still intact.

It's currently parked on a hill facing downwards so fluid levels are impossible to read properly, but there is definitely trans fluid in there, but it's reading way to full presumably due to facing down hill. The fluid also seems to be a yellowish brown colour which can't be good.

The coolant seems to be in god condition with no oil in it (I thought it may be a Valeo radiator victim).

Is there anything else I can check before handing it over to an indie for star diagnosis etc?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Auto-mobile]

Probably a leaking pilot bush, transmission oil leaks onto the under tray so you probably won't see it, oil level is critical on Mercs, get it checked first, worst case it will be the true converter.

 

[millo777]

Finally getting around to sorting this car out, a full month and a half later.

So, hooked up an obd2 reader and got code P0730. Checked the trans fluid level and its a smidge below the 25c level when cold. I can't check the 80c level as the car won't move at all now, not even enough to drive onto ramps.

Pulled the under trays, and the front one released a torrent of burnt smelling trans fluid.

Looks like one of the cooler lines has failed right at the joint between the hose and the metal line at the front of the car.

How difficult are these to change? also, I assume these would be a dealer only part?

 

[merc85]

Yes the lines are dealer only.

 

[bob6600]

Hopefully no damage has occurred and just pipes, ATF and filter will be sufficient although I would change the pilot bush too.

 

[millo777]

Already got the replacement pilot bush, filter, gasket and atf from the main dealer which was going to be my job for today.

Just started the car to see how bad the leak was under pressure. Pin hole leak just above the compression joint to the rigid pipe. Peeing fluid at an impressive rate!

looks like another trip to the dealer tomorrow for get new transmission cooler lines.

 

[merc85]

Has it had a radiator? How bad are the Very front metal pipes? I replaced both as a matter of course on my 2002 w211.

The front metal pipes are only £24 each from mb

 

[millo777]

Not sure if it's ever had a new rad, but I'll ask the dealer if they can print out a full service record for me as I also want to know if it's ever had a new SBC pump.

I had intended to drain the torque converter from the coolant return line, and then pressure test the coolant system while the trans line was off to check for any leak of coolant into the trans fluid.

Good point re the other metal pipes, I'll probably order those at the same time.