The Dark Wob

SiC wrote: ↑Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:24 pm

panhard65 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:04 pm Check the gearbox ecu for oil in it. Had a Merc filled the autobox ecu with transmission fluid years ago, there is a seal on the wiring plug into the box that was a poor design allowing oil to find it's way up the inner core of the loom.

Funnily enough I've just bought a genuine one of those to go on mine that'll be in the box of bits in the boot for you! I believe it's a 10min or so job to replace when you drop the trans sump. Dealers/specialists replace it as matter of course when in there due to being quick and cheap to do with the consequences of it failing being far greater if not done.


I believe the earlier conductor plates on this age R170 are prone to failing too.

Got a link for part?

red5 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:23 pm

SiC wrote: ↑Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:24 pm

panhard65 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:04 pm Check the gearbox ecu for oil in it. Had a Merc filled the autobox ecu with transmission fluid years ago, there is a seal on the wiring plug into the box that was a poor design allowing oil to find it's way up the inner core of the loom.

Funnily enough I've just bought a genuine one of those to go on mine that'll be in the box of bits in the boot for you! I believe it's a 10min or so job to replace when you drop the trans sump. Dealers/specialists replace it as matter of course when in there due to being quick and cheap to do with the consequences of it failing being far greater if not done.


I believe the earlier conductor plates on this age R170 are prone to failing too.

Got a link for part?

This is the one I bought (a Merc dealer up in Newcastle way):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121092797988

Have a look up at conductor plate symptoms. I think a lot what you are seeing could be it. Iirc it should show electrical solenoid or sensor codes if it is. Basically it's the thing that has the internal sensors and connects the shift solenoids to the outside connector. The early ones breakdown over time.
Or maybe sticky solenoids if fluids aren't changed that often.

This is a complete kit that's reckon it's genuine parts:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304358352023

Everyone says always use the magic Mercedes crushed unicorn juice in the box as they're fussy.

Febi have done a technician service video on it which pretty much discusses all what Panhard65 has mentioned and where this thing is:


Tbh their kit is probably just as good as the official Merc one and a fair bit cheaper too.

Sorry if I'm teaching to suck eggs and you know this all already. Just this is what I came across when I had a bit of a check before committing on the E320 that the 722.6 was a good box. This seems to be the major and only real problem they have. That and the output shaft seal (that's a more of a major mechanical job) on the earlier ones.

The only thing that puts me off these is their propensity to rot. Mine was really bad behind the offside headlight, you could have climbed through into the engine bay.

Mine was £1600 though, you probably don't care for £300.

My guess is, like a lot of folk do with these, is rob the supercharger for another project.

I'm gonna be honest here. I bought an R170. Made it as good as it could be. 4 new tyres, FULL service including gearbox and that daft plastic connector. Bought genuine oils and filters and dipsticks. Sorted all the rust. New balljoints and TRE's Drove it to France, Germany and back to Scotland. It was shite. Sold it as soon as I got home at a loss just to see it gone. Love Mercs love 2 seater convertibles, hate SLKs..

Washer bottle leak fixed (pipe).

Abs ring on nsr split hence lamp on/scraping.

Rear pads low and splash shield mostly disintegrated (both sides).

Not the end of the world so far.

Could it be the abs ring feeding back incorrect data that's confusing the gearbox?

It's possible.

Ordered two from local Merc dealer today and took the NS shaft out. Eventually.

Should be here tomorrow and back together. We shall see.

red5 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 28, 2024 7:18 pm It's possible.

Ordered two from local Merc dealer today and took the NS shaft out. Eventually.

Should be here tomorrow and back together. We shall see.

And re-ordered the correct ones from febi.

Yay go Mercedes parts man.

Oooer...