Transmission Fault? (S500)

TheMajorgibly

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Good evening all,

I’m hoping somebody on here could give me some help and advice on the following car; w220 S500 1999.

The issue is a recent development in my 91k mileage car, I appreciate the age; the mileage. The car shifts normally when cruising around time, granted a little bit harsh but nothing massively unusual.

The issue gets worse when I pull away from a standstill hard, it revs all the way up to about 4K revs then there is such little power. Won’t then change up till it hits 6k revs.

Usually there is power delivery all the way through the Rev range.

I got a passenger to film a quick video from standstill to 60 on a private road.


Thanks again
 

alexanderfoti

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Its slipping.

Most likely in the torque converter, as any of the clutch packs slipping would slam it into limp mode.

It could also have low fluid level, which will cause foaming of the atf, and slip like this.
 
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TheMajorgibly

TheMajorgibly

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Its slipping.

Most likely in the torque converter, as any of the clutch packs slipping would slam it into limp mode.

It could also have low fluid level, which will cause foaming of the atf, and slip like this.

Thank you for the reply I appreciate it. I decided last year that I would give most things a go, I got rid of all the rust myself and it looks half decent.

Could I do this as a novice or do you suggest I get ripped off by a garage.

Thanks again
 

alexanderfoti

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I would never say we rip anyone off :)

Although a fluid check can be done at home, you need a level surface, the gearbox up to 80 deg, and a 722.6 dipstick.

Check it with the engine running, in P, if its too low, then add some to bring it up. After that, a garage is probably best.
 

LostKiwi

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Whilst it's it's entirely possible to DIY you do need to be pretty handy on the spanners. If you have any doubts let a professional do it as the potential for expensive screw up is fairly high.
 
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TheMajorgibly

TheMajorgibly

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Whilst it's it's entirely possible to DIY you do need to be pretty handy on the spanners. If you have any doubts let a professional do it as the potential for expensive screw up is fairly high.

Thanks for the confidence boost. One step at a time I’ve ordered a 722.6 dipstick and will be here tomorrow.

Let’s see what happens.
 

star

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Thank you for the reply I appreciate it. I decided last year that I would give most things a go, I got rid of all the rust myself and it looks half decent.

Could I do this as a novice or do you suggest I get ripped off by a garage.

Thanks again

A lot of the advise you get on here is from Mercedes indies, labelling them rip off merchants won’t help your cause.
 

John Laidlaw

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A lot of the advise you get on here is from Mercedes indies, labelling them rip off merchants won’t help your cause.
Given freely I may add- advice already given by AF would have cost probably £165 (not a random figure despite how it looks) at MB...
 
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TheMajorgibly

TheMajorgibly

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A lot of the advise you get on here is from Mercedes indies, labelling them rip off merchants won’t help your cause.

I’m referring to a Mercedes Benz dealership not a Indy garage.
 
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TheMajorgibly

TheMajorgibly

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Good save :D

I was victim of a daylight robbery last year by a dealership. I wasn’t aware of loads of independent garages specialising in Mercedes.

Now I am I apologise if I’ve caused offence to any main dealer or Indy garage. I’m just a guy looking for help!
 

LostKiwi

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Two of your nearer recommended Indies have replied to this thread. Alex is at AMF near Dartford and Ian (Star) is at Star motors near Reading.
You also have Wayne Gates nr Harrow.
 

RhodieBill

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As others have stated, low Fluid Level can cause this.

If you want to check the Temp of the ATF you can use a target IR thermometer aimed at the bottom of the ATF Sump. I found a 10 minute drive suffices. Run through the Gears - ie. P-R-N-D-N-R-P leave it running in Park during the Check.

I've added a video on how to check the Fluid:


Good luck.
 
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TheMajorgibly

TheMajorgibly

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Two of your nearer recommended Indies have replied to this thread. Alex is at AMF near Dartford and Ian (Star) is at Star motors near Reading.
You also have Wayne Gates nr Harrow.
Yeah I’m swindon based so I will await to see what tomorrow and the dipstick brings
 

LostKiwi

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If you're Swindon based also Steve@Avantgarde near Bristol.
 

Steve@Avantgarde

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I would say that this isn't a transmission issue. Anything that prevents the transmission from shifting for power related issues is usually down to an engine fault, not a gearbox. Effectively, the gearbox only shifts when the engine says its ok to do so.

A full STAR test with adaption checking would be the first place to start.
 

alexanderfoti

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I would say that this isn't a transmission issue. Anything that prevents the transmission from shifting for power related issues is usually down to an engine fault, not a gearbox. Effectively, the gearbox only shifts when the engine says its ok to do so.

A full STAR test with adaption checking would be the first place to start.

It sounded to me intitaly, that the revs pegged at 4k while the vehicle accelerated, but watching it again, your right, its just "slow".
 
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TheMajorgibly

TheMajorgibly

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It sounded to me intitaly, that the revs pegged at 4k while the vehicle accelerated, but watching it again, your right, its just "slow".

Slow is an understatement, embarrassing. I’m guessing if it’s not trans it could be a whole host of things... I’ve got the dipstick so I’m going to go give that a go
 
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TheMajorgibly

TheMajorgibly

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Levels have been checked and it’s full the colour looked orange maybe a red. I’m colourblind but looked and smelt normal didn’t smell burnt or anything.
 

RhodieBill

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Colour is correct and by the sounds of it, it sounds like it has been changed at some point with fresh ATF. Old fluid can look quite brown in comparison!

Best to get it Scanned as others has said/advised.
 

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