NigeT

Fresh atf fluid and filter appears to have completely cured the CLK which is now shifting better than it ever has, no clunking, no slippage, perfect. Tracking now way out & some suspension clunking but that’s a doddle to sort compared to new gearbox.

They are part of the valve body that sits above the pan. Anecdotally yesterday I took mum´s Twingo for its MOT and garage was working on a Mercedes that had suffered both collapsed suspension and failed transmission immediately after driving over another glorious Surrey pothole. Solenoids will probably be my next port of call if fluid change doesn´t improve things. Could be that trans had got too hot after 430 mile drive with old ATF, ergo suddenly doing a wobbly. Interior of box has a number of circular clutch plates that wear over time which could also be an issue - tempted to try that Liqui Moly ATF additive which might help on the slippage front. At 174k this trans definitely has more life behind it than ahead but I want the car to at least get to moon mileage before I think of pensioning it off!

Thanks. Definitely not in limp home mode though as could still tiptronic through the gears.....

Thinking the CLK's gearbox was goosed from yesterday's pothole nightmare (#grumpythread) I couldn't resist dropping the oil pan. Very happy to see no chunks of broken gearbox nor filings. Fluid was pretty rank (though I'd dropped pan for fluid change 40,000 miles ago without draining TC). Pan rusty so sanded it down + kurust and a lick of paint. New filter arriving tomorrow & fingers crossed new fluid does the job. Also checked for OBD codes on my basic reader and there was nothing transmission related - am I correct in thinking these cars generally throw up an engine light if something's amiss in the trans?

After an effortless 430 miles yesterday the CLK encountered this on the A217, roads in Surrey getting to African levels of shitness these days. Transmission instantly started slipping and (sounded like) drivetrain clunking ensued before I limped back final couple of miles to my olds. After leaving to cool down clunking now seems to have subsided but trans isn't shifting quite right. Bought ATF and new trans filter & gasket arriving tomorrow, fluid is light brown so maybe change will improve things, will be interesting to see in pan. No trans codes at all flagged on obd. Odds of getting compensation from the turnips at Reigate and Banstead council? Imagine extremely low. Replacing a 722.6 on driveway could be up there with Ferrari clutch for pain in the arse factor.

@wuvvum may be pleased to know his old Ypsilon continues to provide sterling service and Mrs T is eternally grateful to his fine self. Threw an engine light wobbly two days before MOT but easily solved with code reader and new MAF and turbo pressure sensors. Until then all it had needed in ages has been a brake pedal sensor that also threw up a code, though I've made sure it's always got fresh oil, filters and recently replaced the plugs as twinairs need them in good shape. Passed easily but I've replaced a drop link that they rather generously decided to only advise on. Also have given it a comprehensive rust treatment, paint and primer underneath & it's good for many more years. I really love the car, a dream to potter around town with its whizzy twinair engine and its quirky looks have grown on me.