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transmission 1,2 & 3rd gear none existant ( anyone from melb, australia)

5K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  lwbrewer 
#1 ·
well just my luck.... i was driving my brothers 420sel and i had the pleasure of the transmission going on me.. took me a while to convince him that i wasnt thrashing his car (no.. seriously i wasnt =j)

now what actually happened was, i was accelarating from the line when then i heard a cruch then the car reved up to about 3krpm which then i relised wtf something is wrong, crawled to the side of the road just... still 4th and reverse works fine.

i called a transmission place to get it rebuilt which i was quoted 4000$AU....

is this too much what ive been quoted ?? seems a little steep for a standard rebuild.... i got quoted on my 4l60e trans which is found in holdens here in autralia 3000$ and that was with stronger clutches, high stall convertor and shift kit with a whole bunch of other goodies. now i understand one is a merc and the other a cheeper holden, but still i cant justify paying 4000$AU for a standard rebuild. is this normal.... am i just gonna have to bite the bullet and pay that much. my brother said he would pay, but i feel terrible as he lets me drive his car all the time..

anyone from australia here that has had to have theres rebuilt ?
any input much appreciated
 
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#2 ·
Yo dude !!
Did you check any of the merc wreckers around? I check with them first up to see if they have the goods. It might save you a pretty penny. As to how good they are well that's another story.
There is a guy called Sam that I got a Fuel pump relay from. It was reconditioned and he got it to me for $150. His number is 93143344, 93149333, 0412477767. The place is called German Prestige and is located at 750 Princes Hwy Laverton North 3026.
There is another joint called Misterbenz-Bitz in Moorabbin. You could also check out I have only checked prices and have not bought there Contact # 95531619
http://www.mbspares.com.au/default.asp?d=18036 I have checked for stuff but not bought anything. They are based in ACT
Hope this was helpful
Cheers
Dilan
 
#4 ·
You should be able to get a rebuild cheaper, even considering AUS $. For the cheapest way, go to a self service junkyards in your area, and bring your own tools and/or a mechanic friend.
To reduce the chance of the donor car having been junked because of a busted tranny, people here pick an accident damaged one (w.torque converter), you can even buy a cheap warranty from the yard. Later change filter & fluids. Some of these junkyards are huge
and get around 4K visitors on one saturday! Good luck. Horst K
 
#17 ·
I've just fixed a B-2 piston failure in a 87 300D:)
The cost was $130 from a MB dealer for the B-2 piston and the pan gasket [ Already had filter. Put the complete car up on jack stands so I could easly get under the car. Drained the oil removed the pan crossmember and one other plate to let the drive shaft move further towards the left side of the car. May I also suggest before hand pressure wash the right side and bottom of the tranny off before hand, as dirt is problem for automatic trans. Two people are handi for this job. On the right side removed the clip holding the B-2 piston cover on. I tried using a 2*4 to hold the tranny over to the left, but by myself was hard to work and hold. So I used a compact portapower to do so. Removed the cover to find the piston in many pieces. Note carful not to damage seal for b-2 cover. After removeal inserted new piston and cover holding cover in and installing clip is easier with 2 people. Once in installed new filter gasket pan and filled oil with same amount removed. Started car left warm up and added oil to proper level. With wheels still in the air ran it threw the gears. Great everything seemed fine. Lowered the car and went for a spin. With b-2 problems car did not wish to take off or slip to get going but once going worked fine in all upper gears and reverse. I am very happy that for under $200 I have my Benz running like a top. This is not a hard job but is a little tricky getting clip back in for B-2 piston cover
:bowdown:
 
#8 ·
From Benz Barn

"The B2 piston in specific transmission numbers within the 722.xxx category of Mercedes-Benz automatic transmissions is a known problem part that is likely to catastrophically fail. There is an improved version of the part available as a replacement part from Mercedes-Benz parts departments .

It is highly recommended that you replace this component as part of a preventative maintenance schedule. The part is reasonable in price (~$110.00 from MB) and the part can definitely leave you stranded if you are driving an automobile with an older-style B2 piston. Undoubtedly, many 722.xxx transmissions have been rebuilt or replaced needlessly as a result of the catastrophic failure of this one critical component.

Please note, however, that is your transmission has suffered catastrophic failure (as indicated below), it would be beneficial to you to either 1) print this FAQ out and take it to a professional for analysis of B2 piston failure or 2) if you are comfortable with doing the removal of the piston (if you are at a medium DIY level or beyond), there is no additional "cost" is checking this component prior to a transmission rebuild or replacement. In other words, it would be advantageous to rule this problem out before spending major money on a (potentially) unneeded transmission rebuild or replacement.
A scrupulously clean transmission housing, including B2 piston cover, surrounding area including transmission tunnel, transmission pan, and work area should be evidenced before commencing B2 piston check and repairs. Automatic transmission repair work requires a level of cleanliness far beyond typical repair standards. For example, even a task as simple as checking the fluid level in an automatic transmission is best performed by wiping the dipstick clean with one's fingers and then wiping the fingers with a rag. This ensures that no lint enters the transmission.
The W126 chassis (S body) is the only affected chassis in the Mercedes-Benz line that will permit easy removal/replacement of the B2 piston with the transmission remaining in the vehicle. All other bodies: W107s (SL series), W124s (86-on 250Es, 300Es, 300Ds, 300TEs, 400Es, 500Es), W201s (190 series), and W123s require transmission removal for easy access to the B2 piston. Note that it may be possible to do the replacement with the transmission in the car.
Jack up the car as high as safely possible for undercar-access.
Drain the transmission and torque converter, removing the transmission pan in the process.
Put gentle pressure on the rear transmission mount with a floor jack. Then, remove the four bolts that attach the rear transmission mount to the body. Slowly release the floor jack. The transmission should only drop about 1-2Lay a protective pan or sheet directly underneath the right side of the transmission toward the rear.
Locate the B2 piston cover [the second (rearmost) of two large circular covers on the right side of the transmission toward the rear].
Using a pry bar, push the rear of the transmission to the extreme left. This will enable you to shift the transmission to the left to gain greater access to the B2 piston cover.
While pushing the B2 piston cover in, remove the circular spring-type circlip that retains the B2 piston cover. [Note that the B2 piston cover has spring pressure behind it, but this tension can be held with your hand.]
After removal of the circlip, let the cover release gradually. You will need to have several shop rags handy, because you will lose some fluid in the process.
At this point, the B2 piston can be removed by disconnecting it by going up through the pan opening and removing it out the right side of the transmission. If it has already fallen out into your hands in several pieces, well, you know that you've found your problem.
A most important point: do not, repeat: do not, remove the very large "O"-ring that seals the B2 piston cover. It is near impossible to re-install on a transmission still located in the vehicle .
Installation is reverse of the above, using extreme care and cleanliness in the work area and the transmission.
Replace transmission filter.
Clean transmission pan, ensuring that no lint remains in the pan before mounting to the transmission.
Using an inch-pounds torque wrench, torque transmission pan bolts to factory-specified settings.
Replace transmission fluid. [Checking the fluid level in an automatic transmission is best performed by wiping the dipstick clean with one's fingers and then wiping the fingers with a rag. This ensures that no lint enters the transmission.]
Note: Do not overfill transmission. Automatic transmission fluid expands when heated, so it is best to leave the level around a pint low until transmission is adequately warmed up. "
 
#11 ·
yup, i certainly do have an extremely good contact for transmission work

contact arthur gigas, manager, brunswick automatics, on 9380 1749...

they are at 5 hope street brunswick 3056

they are extremely helpful and if you ask them will gladly explain and show you the cause of the problem(s)

there's no fancy waiting rooms or serve lattes and mainly do trade work

they charged me $1750 but you should ask them for a firm quote if you go there...

safe and happy motoring
kindest
~m
 
#12 ·
jhodg5ck - 1/27/2006 8:47 AM

what year 420 and how many miles? Do you still have reverse?

Jonathan
its a 1987 with 205,000kms and reverse still works. if u ask me thats kinda dissapointing for it to go at such low k's. although god knows how much abusing it copt from its last owner, and then again maybe its just bad luck...
 
#13 ·
miki_com_au - 1/27/2006 4:42 PM

yup, i certainly do have an extremely good contact for transmission work

contact arthur gigas, manager, brunswick automatics, on 9380 1749...

they are at 5 hope street brunswick 3056

they are extremely helpful and if you ask them will gladly explain and show you the cause of the problem(s)

there's no fancy waiting rooms or serve lattes and mainly do trade work

they charged me $1750 but you should ask them for a firm quote if you go there...

safe and happy motoring
kindest
~m
miki, what did u have done for a rebuild ??? was that a whole fresh rebuild with new torque convertor ?

cheers
 
#14 ·
just pick up a gearbox. EKW has some cheap euro stuff, they used to do 560SL motors for $950w/o trans, so they might be a good place to start.

Caroline Springs Wreckers seem to be pretty cheap too, and have a whole bunch of new 126's come in this January.
 
#15 ·
although i've been driving for more years than i care to remember, i'm a total newbie when it comes to mechanics!!!

i can strip and rebuild computers, considered a wizz at installation and configuration of software and hardware (cph and dos), , , but as soon as i open a bonnet my sight is as good as stevie wonder's with the car-logic of a neanderthal!!!

only thing i can tell you is i have complete faith in my mechanic (mt motors, faraday st, carlton 3053) who has a great network of specialists he uses for works he does not carry out himself...

arthur gigas, took the time and had the patience to show me the ?gear rings? of the transmission and explained the reasons for the failure to go into gear...

he also showed me a ball-bearing wheel that had collected some moisture (from where i couldn't tell you), was beginning to rust and was making a slight grating noise that couldn't be heard from inside the car when being driven but would eventually create a problem...

arthur, carried out all necessary repairs / replacement of the transmission unit and has guaranteed it for 12 months...

this is my first merc, my first automatic and it has only done 162,000kms since new (1990)...

the previous owner (and good friend who sold it to me) also has very little car knowledge but did provide me with receipts of works (excluding recommended servicing) carried out...

for anyone in the near vicinity of brunswick, carlton, fitzroy, who would like a quote for works to their cars are most welcome to enquire from the following (posted with their permission)

general auto electrics - automotive electrical specialist - airconditioning service & repair,
206 johnston st (cnr george st) fitzroy 3065 phone: 9416 0761

brunswick automatics, transmission specialists and general repairs,
5 hope street brunswick 3056 phone 9380 1749

and

mt motors, mechanics, 19 faraday st, carlton 3053,
phone 9347-3710

i have found them to be extremely honest, reliable, helpful and patient in explaining what works are required without confusing me with 'trade-talk'

happy and safe motoring
kindest
~m
 
#16 ·
well finally i found a trans joint that has decent pricing.

$2250 includes a rebuild from head to toe and also modification to the valve body for first gear starts and also a stronger kevlar band. i also got the option for firmer shifts for no extra cost, but then again its not my car....maybe i can convince my bro to get that done also.

place is called
KILPA MOTORS
specializing in mercedes & prestige
15 Roberna Street, Moorabbin VIC.
9555-9229
Paul is who you wanna talk to.
 
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