W211 Torque Converter prob (E320cdi)

[AnthUK]

Seems my torque converter is slipping under certain conditions. Car has 110k on it and full MBH (2003 model). Has Behr radiator so doubt it is glycol issue. Car judders under gentle accelaration between 1and 2k revs. Kick it down and its fine. Is it worth changing transmission fluid as it seems ridiculous that it is 'sealed for life'. If I do need new torque converter is there anywhere that sells them discounted or reconditioned as I dare not imagine what Mercedes would charge?

 

[jberks]

Yes, change it. It's not sealed for life. It may have been when they built it but if you asked a dealer now they'd say every 45k. Mine (same box) has 53k on the clock and it was done at the last service on MBs recommendation. 'Sealed for life' turned out to be a very bad idea as the life was shortened dramatically.

Hence it's well overdue and needs changing urgently. I don't know whether that will solve the problem but draining the oil and changing the filters will tell the mechanic a fair bit about what's going on in there and an oil change can't hurt and may solve the problem.

 

[television]

You have the dreaded glycol issue where the rad is leaking antifreeze into the gearbox, the vars will need a anew torque converter and rad, all expensive from MB.

MB have been helping towards the cost, if this has come to an end then it will be better to go to anindie and get the work done.

Do a serch here Glycol issue

 

[AnthUK]

Looks like rad is Behr item. Any idea how much torque converter is? Can they be reconditioned?

 

[television]

Looks like rad is Behr item. Any idea how much torque converter is? Can they be reconditioned?

Then it is not what I said as this rad does not suffer from those problems, only the Valeo rad.

Do the oil change as it is now done at 40k miles, and a new filter

 

[AnthUK]

Thanks Malcolm. There is def a Behr sticker on what I presume is rad. Car drives perfect when cold. Gets worse as it warms up which I am hoping is a sign of knackered fluid. Will get changed at local indie.

 

[davidsl500]

Have you had the car from new ? If not, maybe it had a Valeo rad originally that has been replaced at some time with a Behr one - maybe it is worth checking the the maintenance history to see if this is the case?

 

[television]

Have you had the car from new ? If not, maybe it had a Valeo rad originally that has been replaced at some time with a Behr one - maybe it is worth checking the the maintenance history to see if this is the case?

Good thinking Batman

 

[jubhi]

This problem, has it been resolved on later model cars?

 

[Blobcat]

This problem, has it been resolved on later model cars?

Yes, the radiator issue has been fixed on later cars.

 

[AnthUK]

Anyone know where I can get cheap torque converter or somewhere that recons them?