[R129 SL] R129LIST Digest, Vol 31, Issue 7

[George Jenner]

Dave, just a quick comment on "sealed transmissions".  My 1996 SL500 also has this transmission configuration and, with 84,000 miles on the odometer, I figured there was no way I was going to take a chance on a transmission failure just because MB tells me that the transmission never needs new oil and the service that goes with it.  So I took it in to my favorite private Mercedes Service location and had them do a complete transmission service, new oil even in the torque converter, new gaskets, filter, etc.  I had them show me the oil that came out and it was brown.  Since the service the vehicle feels much more willing to go when I step on it and I am very happy that I took control of that situation.
Happy Motoring - George
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Lowanover at aol.com 
  To: r129list at mbcoupes.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2007 12:37 AM
  Subject: Re: [R129 SL] R129LIST Digest, Vol 31, Issue 7


  Hi Jan,

  I have owned several Mercedes. I currently have a 1998 SL600, with a sealed transmission that I can't check the oil level on. I also had a 1992 300E which I recently gave my to my son. That car has 400,000 km on it, everything original and runs perfectly. I have done my own maintenance on it over the years but have never replaced anything on the engine or transmission. 

  On one ocaision a few years ago I noticed the transmission was slipping badly. I drove it home slowly and checked the fluid and found nothing on the dipstick! I looked under the car and discovered that one of the cooling hoses had cracked, and drained most of the oil. I replaced the hose and filled it up, and it still runs and shifts perfectly to this day. I say this because in my experience Mercedes transmissions are pretty tough, I find it hard to imagine that having a little extra oil would destroy the transmission. Obviously you shouldn't be overfilling it, but I think you would have to put a lot more in it than you had before doing damage. I think I am guilty of overfilling some of my other Mercedes in the past, but have never had a problem.

   That is not to say that some internal part of the transmission, such as a pump, couldn't fail and cause your problem. You could easily drain the fluid and drop the oil pan and see if there are any metal pieces, and you could change the filter too, which if clogged could cause problems. You can even drain the torque converter with a little extra work. But if you hear grinding noises then obviously there is a more serious problem. Here in the States a rebuilt one can be found for around $2000. Labor extra. Hopefully if your transmission is bad you can find one for a reasonable price. Good luck!

  Dave







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