Please educate me as to what the problem is with the C-series transmissions. I have heard bad things. I've got a 1997 C230 w/ 59k miles. How do I know if my tranny is one of the cracker-*** ones that Mercedes-Benz seems to be washing its hands of?

No way I would pay 8k to replace the tranny. I would go buy another BMW before I did that.

 

I have a 99 C280 with the 5 speed electric tranny and drive by wire throttle, 49K on the car and I'm not a conservative driver and have had no problems with mine. One point, the tranny fluid is supposed to be good for 100K. People have advised me to change it every 30K and other have advised me to wait out the 100K. When you go in for service the techs have a stick to check the level. The thinking with letting it go to the recommended change time is, "if it ain't broke leave it alone." I have heard good and bad about this tranny and my opinion is, it is one of the best auto tranny's I have owned.