3rd Aug 2007, 18:23

I had the same problem with my gear box at 110,000km, had to be completely rebuilt at a cost of $8,000AUD, the Mercedes Dealer had serviced it from new and said it was quite normal for a gearbox to go at 100,000km. I have never had a gearbox go on any car I have owned and they had done a lot more than 100,000km. I also have a 1990 300E with 170,000km and a 240D with 350,000km both still on the original gearbox?? The 5 speed auto feels fantastic and is silky smooth through gear changes even at red line, but is just too weak.

21st Apr 2009, 17:13

If the fluid/filter changes are performed at the specified intervals, the gearbox will last much longer than this.

2nd Feb 2011, 01:38

Agree about the transmission fluid, should be regularly changed. Every 50M-75M. MBZ toted this as a maintenance free box, but as many of you know, this not the case (pun intended).

Anyone in the market for a used E class, nowadays, will be hard pressed to find one not exceeding 100M. So, maintenance info is always a plus. Also, E320 transmissions (remanufactured) on the Internet can be found fairly priced since, these cars sold very well, and even today, parts are very abundant.

Also, check out MBZ enthusiast forums. I found many friendly and experienced fans, that have been very helpful.

I love my E320. And the MBZ community is awesome. All that being said, however, the Japanese do make a damn fine car. And used German vs. used Japanese, I would have to go Japanese. I think your dollar goes farther, but not funner.

PS. A good thing about buying a used Benz is at least you know what will break/fail. All the negative posts are for the same problems.