Dont Mention the war!

[Joloke]

We did once but I think we got away with it?

[Vantman]

M Benz dealers do preferential rates for cars over 10 years old,my mate took his S500 with autobox problems to his local dealer and was pleasantly surprised how little it cost. They had the car most of the day and they found a small bolt floating around in the gearbox. Rectified and driving like a dream now. I am guessing you get some sort of warranty as well.

[matty879]

last one i did,was a clk320 05 plate that was suffering total loss of drive,the cause of this was glycol contamination caused by a faulty oil cooler,cooler was replaced (part of rad) but the transmission fluid wasnt flushed,it ended up failing 3 years after,it needed a new electric plate,and full flush.

but i would think first thing would be to change the filter in the box,and new oil,filters are mega cheap and when they block you get your symptoms,its important to use the correct transmission fluid in these as well,if you dont have a dipstick,get your garage to measure how much they drop out,so they know how much to refil,its crucial on these.

[hauserplenty]

^ THIS.

You also need to turn the engine until the torque converter drain plug lines up, then pull the plug to drain it as well. You can find the M-B service manuals online. I've been advised never to change the fluid without also changing the filter on a Benz. For this reason a "Transmission fluid service" using a machine is not advisable. If you find a shop where they know all this, they can be trusted with the job, I would think. Also, there is a vacuum modulator on the front of the transmission, accessible from atop the bell housing underneath, the hose to which often deteriorates and is well worth checking first. You may be able to solve, or at least lessen the problem in 30 minutes' time with a 3" section of vacuum hose. On the US models we often use Dexron 3 ATF. You can also trace one of the vacuum hoses back from the engine compartment to see the location better; on my car I crawled under the left hand side.

[burraston2006]

There's a guy in Clevedon called Avanteguarde Automotive. He's a Mercedes specialist and usually pretty busy ( which I always think is a good sign!). I used to use him when he was based in Martock. A really nice chap who knows his onions. Price wise he wasn't too bad either. 

 

http://www.avantgarde-automotive.co.uk/

 

It may be worth giving him a call.

Hope this is useful!

[chaseracer]

Penn Autos, Wolverhampton.

 

http://www.redvictor1racing.co.uk/index.php/penn-autos-mainmenu-34

 

Built for heavy duty...

[hauserplenty]

It sounds like the fluid level is a bit low. Drive it around, and get the trans hot. Then park it on a level surface, running, in park. Check level twice, add fluid to bring the level to the top of the "safe" range. Repeat. Should be fine after that.

They caution you that "Extreme cleanliness must be observed" so make sure you clean the dipstick thoroughly each time you check.