Any help with SL500 gearbox :-(

[mioba]

Did you tell the MB dealer you got leak issues or only the gbox and they headed for the gbox.

99.9% your issues are to do with all the leaks you have and corroded contacsts atleast.

Mechanically and electrically merc boxes are the best there is. its their forte.

you need to get in there and strip and dry and clear all your drains. This is time intensive (so bear in mind cost). If fuse holders and sams are wet the it could get costly.

 

[Maxwell Segal]

Well, it was the MB dealer who discovered the leak as part of the complimentary inspection they do while my car was in with them ?!

They’ve changed the the valve housing because diagnostics said that was needed. I wonder whether that was really needed?? I’ve questioned that and they’ve stuck to the line that the computer said it was faulty.

I’m going to look at water ingress myself and I have it booked into the local specialist too.

I’ve also now seen on this forum how to check the heating draining and release the collected water.

See the MB video on my car:
https://mercedes.citnow.com/vtTBB3bhM-5

Any further advice will be appreciated.

 

[LostKiwi]

Those water leaks definitely need attention but don't use MB as it will cost a fortune and the boot leak probably won't be fixed correctly. The boot one you can easily do yourself using the guide on here. It probably an afternoons work.

The cabin leak is almost certainly the cause of the issues you're experiencing.
The carpet needs removing and drying out before anything else. If it's in the CAN connection that will need sorting properly to avoid continuous niggles.

Did they tell you what the error code was from the gearbox? If it was CAN communication errors.... I'd be asking what the error codes were that led them to change parts.

 

[John Laidlaw]

I’d wait until Richard has had a look before commenting further , he’s probably forgotten more than I’ve ever learned on 230s!

 

[Maxwell Segal]

All information absorbed, thanks. I’m getting the error code printout from MB when I collect it tomorrow. I’ll post some information from it later tomorrow.

judging from all your input, I’m going to try dirt the water ingress and terminal corrosion out myself this week if the weather hold (we’ve no garage)

Cheers everyone.

 

[Blobcat]

All information absorbed, thanks. I’m getting the error code printout from MB when I collect it tomorrow. I’ll post some information from it later tomorrow.

judging from all your input, I’m going to try dirt the water ingress and terminal corrosion out myself this week if the weather hold (we’ve no garage)

Cheers everyone.

R230’s definitely benefit from being under cover as water leaks can cause numerous issues. They’re also prone to leaking...

 

[SL63 Mark]

Heater drain box fix involves removing the near side inner wheel arch, groping around until you find the short (2") drain rubber pipe, which gets clogged up, and removing it. It's years since I did mine, so I may be a little rusty on the details, it should take no more than an hour or so. The carpet is a different matter, I think I took the seat out to do it properly, and to access all the wet connectors. The underlay/soundproofing is very thick and holds a lot of water. You may need someone to help you take the seat out, as they are very heavy. I have a system of wooden blocks I use to lift and slide it, so I don't destroy the plastic trim on the sills. Alternatively sit back and let your Indie do it all for you while you have a cup of tea.

 

[Maxwell Segal]

Hi Mark,
Thanks for the detail. I think I'll take an initial look myself just to see if I can tackle it myself. I've already got it booked in at the indie in York but he can't accept the car just yet so I'll take a look meanwhile.

Cup of tea does however sound a better bet!!

 

[PHUNN]

Heater/ Air box drain problems:
After clearing out the detritus which has doubtless accumulated in the box, (Merc. fitted a too-big grill) get some fine plastic mesh from eBay and cut/ fit over the standard grill.
Works like a charm. Plenty of fresh air, even through the finer mesh, no more sycamore seeds etc. and no more leaks into the passenger footwell.
I received this tip from our esteemed forum, but can no longer find the original reference.