Help C240 Gearbox Problems

[mastergeezer]

Hello,

I am a new member & an owner of a C240 Avantgarde, year 2000 (W203) Current Milage 70000 Miles, & I would like to say that I have had the car for 2 years now. For the first year I have had no problems, but since this past year I have had just problems galore.

Airmass sensor replaced, Fuel sensors and componets for fuel gauge replaced, brake disc and pads replaced, 2 cylinder coils replaced. Now I am facing replacing my auto gearbox (£3100, not including labour) as Mercedes tell me that this is the only option.

I took my car to the dealership in London almost 4 weeks ago. At first they said the car required £900 of work, as it was slipping gears, but after the work was done and 5 mins just after diving off the car, the car would not engage gears.
Took the car back to the dealership & now they say I need a new gearbox which would cost me £3100 + labour + a torque converter!

The car is currently in the dealership workshop not being touched as I have not given anymore authority for anymore work, I am without a car since this problem.

Could someone please help advise me what I do, as I have complained to the main manager at the dealership, he was not professional and stated it was my problem & he just does not seem interested.

 

[jberks]

As far as faults are concerned - discs are wear and tear, The other stuff happens - I've had a few of those things done too.

The key lesson here is with cars of the age of yours and mine, outside basic servicing, and only if like me, for some daft reason, you insist on FMBSH - avoid the dealers for everything else. I haven't let the dealer repair anything since the warranty ran out, they can change the oil and stamp the book - thats it!!

My suggestion would be
1) Insist on a full refund - they failed to remedy the problem. If they refuse, put it in the hands of a solicitor - at best they were incometent in diagnosing the problem and repaired a perfectly good part, at worst they were fraudulent. (and it wouldn't be the first time a merc dealer tried to rip off a customer). Usual legal and publicity threats will hopefully get most if not all your money back.

2) Take it to an Auto transmission specialist or your local MB independent. The G Box may have failed but I believe a full rebuild runs at around £1000.

3) Get acquainted with you local indie. They are infinately better than the dealer.

Good luck and let us know how you go on.

 

[Myros]

JB is dead right

as usual.
If you are a member of a motoring organisation, such as the AA or RAC or other, they have legal departments just waiting to have a pop at traders doing the dirty on their members. Give them a ring.
Alternatively, the Trading standards officer in your area might want to have a go.
Barring that, the agony aunt consumer affairs editors at the national and local newspapers can often get a result.

We do still have some law in this land, so it's about time we made sure everyone, MB included, stuck to it a bit more.

Don't give up

 

[wingco]

I would change the ATF and filters. My gearbox slipped like mad, but this cured it (at about 90K) might be worth a try and it will only cost you 100+quid. It is a well known problem that if you dont change the ATF (as recommended by MB) the box will fail.

I have just had my diff done by a transmission specialist, and they were rebiulding an ML autobox at the time - 1500 all in inc labour and VAT.

 

[pascal]

Did they give you details on what they did for their £900.

Me, I'd be straight down there with a tow truck. I would ask nicely for the return of the £900. Failing that, I would be straight down to my solicitors.

This £900 will go a long way towards a re-build, if even that is required. These (sealed for life) boxes have been known to fail sometimes. I have this same type box, and will be getting the oil changed at it's next service.

Pascal
EDIT: PS: Who is the dealer?

 

[mastergeezer]

Thanks for all your info guys, I will give my merc dealer a call tomorrow & tell him I want my car back & I will demand my money back.

Hopefully, he is compliant, as he is the most senior manager there, but is a cockney londoner, who uses swear words during his coversation, which is quite intimidating. Just shocked Mercedes employ a manager who talks to people using foul language in his vocabulary.

Anyways, thanks guys.

Pascal: the dealer is Stratford Mercedes Benz.

 

[orbitalegg]

@ £900 you could find a refurbished or crash car box just check online or your local salvage yard add another few hundred for labour and your done ,£3000 thats preposterous ,make sure you get your money back .

 

[Myros]

Dictaphone

Not that I'm suggesting you should tape a conversation with someone without their knowledge, as that would be unsporting, if not illegal, but if such a tape were to come into your possession, by some means inexplicable, just how bad would it sound to the higher-ups at MB listening to one of their own do a Ramsey. Makes you think I suppose.

 

[nick mercedes]

Five speed autos are prone to faliure, just bail out your car from MB and take it to a Mercedes specilist, remember though that this is an electronic box, so it's not an easy job to change.

£3k for Mercedes to fit a new box and convertor isn't too bad though, when you consider the parts cost and their labour rates...

 

[mastergeezer]

Merc may offer a goodwill gesture

Hi Guys,

The merc manager has told me the total cost would be £4500, this is for a Gearbox+Torque converter+labour+VAT. The manager has stated that obviously this is a high amount & has stated he will apply for some Goodwill.

What do you guys think? What can they possibly offer? I am not sure, but I'll keep you guys informed.

 

[wingco]

Still seems way too expensive. If goodwill = £3000 and left you with a 1500 bill that would be good.

I just dont trust MB dealers after the cock ups and rip offs I have experienced with them. They have overcharged me and charged for work not done, mis diagnosed faults (always with an expensive cure) and generally buggered up my car.

They are not the only people in the world who understand these cars, and at the end of the day a modern merc is no more complicated than many other cars - but they are more robust than most.

 

[pascal]

If goodwill = £3000 and left you with a 1500 bill that would be good.

And we will post in bold print: Mr Manager, Stratford Mercedes, You are the greatest.

AND IF

 

[mastergeezer]

Received Goodwill £1900 = Paid £2600 (£4500-£1900)

:-?

Hi Guys, sorry it took so long to reply, but after a little time and effort, I got Mercedes Benz UK to contribute £1900, & so had to pay £2600. Considering what I had to pay, and what I paid now, I am not satisfied, but have decided to put this matter behind me.