Hello there,

Well, I just wrote a book and it was deleted before it was posted. Let's try again.

I just purchased a 1999 ML430 Mercedes with 108,000 miles from it's second owner 3 weeks ago. About a week ago, I started hearing a "clicking" sound coming from the front end, but was thinking that this was the front brakes, as they need replacing (And it might be). I had no tranny problems on the car except an occassional hesitation in shifting out of second on a couple of cold mornings.

A couple of days ago, when backing up from a level parking place, the car started "hopping" in reverse. I put the car into park, then in drive, and we took off with no problem. After less than a mile, the car slipped out of drive completely. I pulled over, turned the car off, and then back on. The vehicle engaged, and shifted fine out of 1,2, 3, and 4th gear. After a few miles, I pulled into a gas station to research what the problem was online. I found out that these cars are not designed to be serviced at all by an individual, and that there a "Lock" on the tranny oil filler. Upon inspection, I noticed that the locked cap had the lock broken. When I started the car and put it into drive, it would not engage, and just made a "rattling/clacking" sound. I left it, and the next morning it was towed to a local "Mercedes Specialist". After 2 hours with the car, he concluded exactly what a 16 year old at the gas station did "It must be the transmission". He said there were no codes for the tranny, and that he would be happy to fix it for $4000.00. Well, after paying again to have it delivered to another shop, they thought that it might be the torque converter. Well, this seems to not be the case, as yesterday I recieved a call that it was not the torque converter, even though they could not tell me what it was.

I would REALLY appreciate it if you guys can help me out. I have a few questions:

1. What do you think the problem might be?
2. What is the transmission code for the 1999 ML430 Mercedes (722 6??)?
3. Will a 2000 s430 transmission work in this vehicle in any form or fashion?
4. Where can I find the best deal on a used tranny for the best price if this is the problem?

I just think that it is strange that a tranny that has shifted as smooth as silk would just die with no prior warning or problems. Any input is GREATLY appreciated!

 

the trans can be sreviced. so the fact that there is no lock on the cap means nothing at all. if the trans shifts fine at time and then others it doesnt then it sounds like it might be elecrical issue or something minor. you should go to a Benz dealer and see what they say first. your trans is a 722.6 and im not sure about the S class trans working in your ML unless the Sclass is 4matic all whell drive then maybe. that clicking is hard to say what it is but you need to check the fluid level first and you could have a problem with something else like maybe the shifter itself.

 

Right now, it will not go into any gear. It will have to be towed to the dealer. The strange thing is that the car had no issues prior to what happened two days ago. Shifted fine. There was no "Crawling" home, etc. It just slipped out and that was that. Thepart numberfor the S430 tranny that I can get is "722 632". I wonder if that will work if that is the problem?


Thanks!

 

Have them drop the pan and they should find particles of broken needle bearing in it. I bought my 99ML320 with same problem at 132K miles on it. I didn't overhauled it but replaced it with used one; working excellent. Carwas goinginto drive onlysome times and making noise, like yours. Last month I bought extra tranny out of 98ML320 that was used as a model inside school for mechanics to identify parts of engine. Transmission is like brand new, I don't thinkthat carwas ever on the road, only on metal stand with wheels to be rolled around. I believe tranny out of 2000 S-class should work just fine with switching over some parts of your old one to it (output shaft and flange for mounting transfer case on it). If you call any MB dealer, they will print out VMI (vehicle master inquiry) for you or tell you your transmission No., it should be 722662xxxxxxxx. I'm in Chicago area.

 

same thing happen to me how did you fix it i need help