[PaulCee]

Greetings:

Have a 2012 GL450. Runs/looks great, 130K on the odometer. Noticed a 'click' when getting on the gas a bit hard when on a hill, and a local independent shop advised it was most likely the transfer case (surprising no one). They said, of course, they could get me a new one for <$CART OF CASH>, but I'd like opinions from others first.

I know they sell rebuild kits from sellers on eBay (yes, I realize the roll-of-the-dice there), and I'd not consider one of those....but does someone know of genuine Mercedes parts that you can do a a rebuild WITH? Surely MB has part numbers for chains/gears/etc., that go in the cases. Would much prefer to track those down and purchase my own 'kit', since the local shop will do it, if I get decent parts.

Can find used cases for about $700, but the same problem may exist in those....don't want to spend money to be back where I started. Just trying to get ahead of this issue, before it becomes a bigger one.

Advice and thoughts welcomed.

 

[StenoPete1911]

Greetings:

Have a 2012 GL450. Runs/looks great, 130K on the odometer. Noticed a 'click' when getting on the gas a bit hard when on a hill, and a local independent shop advised it was most likely the transfer case (surprising no one). They said, of course, they could get me a new one for <$CART OF CASH>, but I'd like opinions from others first.

I know they sell rebuild kits from sellers on eBay (yes, I realize the roll-of-the-dice there), and I'd not consider one of those....but does someone know of genuine Mercedes parts that you can do a a rebuild WITH? Surely MB has part numbers for chains/gears/etc., that go in the cases. Would much prefer to track those down and purchase my own 'kit', since the local shop will do it, if I get decent parts.

Can find used cases for about $700, but the same problem may exist in those....don't want to spend money to be back where I started. Just trying to get ahead of this issue, before it becomes a bigger one.

Advice and thoughts welcomed.

Hello. Best option is to rebuild the one you have. You can do it on a weekend, if you're up to it. There is nothing wrong with kits off of ebay. So long as they have a good reputation and a high stat percentage. This ebay seller has a 98.9% satisfaction, so you should be good to go on the purchase. Also, I looked at the individual parts and they're all solid quality. My transfer case is working properly, because I used gear oil 75-90M1LS. I moved away from the ATF as that's what causes the chain to stretch for one reason or another. That's something for you to decide which route you want to go with when you rebuild your transfer case. GL.

Mercedes-Benz ML GL R Class 2005-2015 DCS Transfer Case Repair Kit | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Mercedes-Benz ML GL R Class 2005-2015 DCS Transfer Case Repair Kit at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[StenoPete1911]

Hello. Best option is to rebuild the one you have. You can do it on a weekend, if you're up to it. There is nothing wrong with kits off of ebay. So long as they have a good reputation and a high stat percentage. This ebay seller has a 98.9% satisfaction, so you should be good to go on the purchase. Also, I looked at the individual parts and they're all solid quality. My transfer case is working properly, because I used gear oil 75-90M1LS. I moved away from the ATF as that's what causes the chain to stretch for one reason or another. That's something for you to decide which route you want to go with when you rebuild your transfer case. GL.

Mercedes-Benz ML GL R Class 2005-2015 DCS Transfer Case Repair Kit | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Mercedes-Benz ML GL R Class 2005-2015 DCS Transfer Case Repair Kit at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

See link for transfer case video...

Gl-350 torque converter

Hello all, I drive a 2012 Gl-350 bluetec and was wondering if anyone could please tell me what are signs that my torque converter is acting up? I’ve recently been experiencing slight vibrations on acceleration. Thanks

www.benzworld.org

 

[ianrandom]

Greetings:

Have a 2012 GL450. Runs/looks great, 130K on the odometer. Noticed a 'click' when getting on the gas a bit hard when on a hill, and a local independent shop advised it was most likely the transfer case (surprising no one). They said, of course, they could get me a new one for <$CART OF CASH>, but I'd like opinions from others first.

I know they sell rebuild kits from sellers on eBay (yes, I realize the roll-of-the-dice there), and I'd not consider one of those....but does someone know of genuine Mercedes parts that you can do a a rebuild WITH? Surely MB has part numbers for chains/gears/etc., that go in the cases. Would much prefer to track those down and purchase my own 'kit', since the local shop will do it, if I get decent parts.

Can find used cases for about $700, but the same problem may exist in those....don't want to spend money to be back where I started. Just trying to get ahead of this issue, before it becomes a bigger one.

Advice and thoughts welcomed.

Welcome. Good advice above for you.

Can I recommend filling out your profile for us please? Vehicle information is really helpful - Complete your Profile

 

[PaulCee]

Hello. Best option is to rebuild the one you have. You can do it on a weekend, if you're up to it. There is nothing wrong with kits off of ebay. So long as they have a good reputation and a high stat percentage. This ebay seller has a 98.9% satisfaction, so you should be good to go on the purchase. Also, I looked at the individual parts and they're all solid quality. My transfer case is working properly, because I used gear oil 75-90M1LS. I moved away from the ATF as that's what causes the chain to stretch for one reason or another. That's something for you to decide which route you want to go with when you rebuild your transfer case. GL.

Mercedes-Benz ML GL R Class 2005-2015 DCS Transfer Case Repair Kit | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Mercedes-Benz ML GL R Class 2005-2015 DCS Transfer Case Repair Kit at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Yep, I'm thinking rebuild is the best way to go too. How many miles have you put on your rebuild, since using that kit? The seller is in Estonia, so I do slightly raise an eyebrow as to the quality of the parts in the long-term.

 

[StenoPete1911]

Yep, I'm thinking rebuild is the best way to go too. How many miles have you put on your rebuild, since using that kit? The seller is in Estonia, so I do slightly raise an eyebrow as to the quality of the parts in the long-term.

Hello. I changed all my fluids at 75k and made the switch from ATF to GEAROIL for the transfer case. As news was circulating about the issues with the transfer case and the cause and effect of it, I hedged my decision and currently I'm at 145K and couldn't be happier with that decision. I purchased the kit with the idea that if my transfer case fails, post fluid switch, I'll have everything on hand and won't have any downtime. It's still going strong. I'm guessing maybe around 300/400K, I might have to rebuild it. Just guessing.

There is a WHOLE BIGGER market in Europe for diesels, as they were advertising the efficiency of the diesel fuel, anything from your local tractor to car, to freight, to truck, to industrial. It makes sense that there's going to be someone on the other side of the pond with better quality parts then someone local to the US, other then the MB dealer.

Your purchase is protected thru ebay protection, paypal, and lastly your cc. But, if you're asking for a 'guarantee' in life, there's no such thing. Grab some beer and pizza and make it a weekend project. GL.

 

[01blackhawk]

Pete, you mentioned that switched to gear oil and thinking the transmission fluid is the reason for the chain to stretch, do you mind opening this one up a little more? Any evidence for this?
I`m currently reading about TC fluid change these days because getting ready to change the fluid.
At what mileage you have switched to gear oil and how many miles so far driven with the gear oil, whats your driving profile, mostly city, stop and go or highway? (Sorry you can disregard the mileage question, just read your very last post again)
I`m not questioning or criticizing your decision in any way, just curious about what makes you think the ATF is the reason for chain stretching.
I might think about going this route as well.
Cheers
Al

Hello. Best option is to rebuild the one you have. You can do it on a weekend, if you're up to it. There is nothing wrong with kits off of ebay. So long as they have a good reputation and a high stat percentage. This ebay seller has a 98.9% satisfaction, so you should be good to go on the purchase. Also, I looked at the individual parts and they're all solid quality. My transfer case is working properly, because I used gear oil 75-90M1LS. I moved away from the ATF as that's what causes the chain to stretch for one reason or another. That's something for you to decide which route you want to go with when you rebuild your transfer case. GL.

 

[StenoPete1911]

Pete, you mentioned that switched to gear oil and thinking the transmission fluid is the reason for the chain to stretch, do you mind opening this one up a little more? Any evidence for this?
I`m currently reading about TC fluid change these days because getting ready to change the fluid.
At what mileage you have switched to gear oil and how many miles so far driven with the gear oil, whats your driving profile, mostly city, stop and go or highway? (Sorry you can disregard the mileage question, just read your very last post again)
I`m not questioning or criticizing your decision in any way, just curious about what makes you think the ATF is the reason for chain stretching.
I might think about going this route as well.
Cheers
Al

Hello. I'll try to answer your questions accordingly... I switched to gear oil @75k miles. The amount of transfer case failures, at that time, prompted me to do the switch earlier as opposed to the 100K fluid changes. There is no common denominator for the failure of transfer cases, other then the ATF, and everyone mentioned that it was toasted/burned/smelled. MB will tell everyone that those are lifetime fluids, but it's all BS, as we all know. Maybe if they updated their fluid change schedule to every 40K, owners wouldn't have the high transfer case failures.

Current mileage is about 155K and I just came back from a 6k mile trip. My driving characteristics are 'all in one', slow, fast, up, and down. WOT to driving on a Sunday. 120mph to 12mph. Car runs fine and no issues. 4matic system works as it should. Drove thru Vail, CO., snow, ice and everything in-between, no issues. That actually made me realize I need tires. lolol

I don't think MB realized, at that time, that the ATF fluid would fail so early or easily. The transfer case chain will pickup the failure of lubricity - temporarily - until the chain would stretch, beyond it's tolerances. Maybe they used a cheap supplier for the chain, but again, it's only speculation at this point and nobody really knows. Anytime you have metal on metal contact and you use an out of spec fluid that is not able to tolerate the environment, then you're in a word of hurt. In my opinion, they assumed that the system would work 25% of the lifetime of the vehicle, or per 100K miles. Now, if you live in a climate that requires the 4matic system to engage constantly, if not all the time, then those percentages are stacked against you. If you become a second/third/fourth owner of the said vehicle, then it's just becomes russian roulette at this point.

Current fluids in the car; Engine, 5w-40 diesel, 229.52spec. Engine oil filter; MannHummel. Power steering; Pentosin CHS11S. Brake fluid; Pentosin SUPER DOT4. Transfer case and rear differential; Mobil1 75-90 LS. Transmission, Amsoil 722.9, 236.15spec, signature series. ATF Filter, OEM spec.

If you ask those ten owners why their TC failed, I think you would have ten different answers, with the one common denominator of ATF was toasted/burned/smelled. Ask me why mine hasn't failed and I'll tell you that I switched to gear oil. Take your pick.

Hope this helps and GL.

 

[01blackhawk]

Thank you Pete, this explained well and clears some doubts.
I think I’m also leaning towards your route more now.
And yes I’m in Denver so 4 wheel drive is what I need most of the time.

And you are absolutely right about 10 different drivers and 10 different opinions lol.
Thanks again

 

[Steven Keaton]

MB buys the transfer cases intact from Borg-Warner.

The first step in fixing a chain skip is to replace the chain. There is a lot less metal to wear in the chain than on the gear tooth faces, so often the chain is all that is needed. If chain skip has been tolerated for a while, the gears may need replacing. I would not go straight to a full rebuild kit. I would get a genuine Borg Warner chain, as the price difference is not large and Chinesium is painfully erratic.

Using gear oil instead of ATF may prolong the life of the chain but also risks cross contamination with the transmission's fluid.