Mercedes-Benz automatic gearbox failed after 27,500 miles - where can I get it repaired economically?

My wife has owned a 2007 Mercedes-Benz A170 from new. The automatic gearbox has failed after 27,500 miles and the Mercedes dealer has said a complete new gearbox is required (first quote £5000, subsequently reduced to £3900 by the dealer). The dealer has accepted that the gearbox should not fail after such a short mileage but absolutely refuses to consider covering the cost of the repair because the car is out of warranty and because we have not been "loyal Mercedes-Benz customers".

Asked on 21 July 2012 by MJ, Essex

Answered by Honest John
I think this is the ZF CF23 CVT also previously used on the Ford C-Max where it lacked the necessary torque capacity to cope with the 1.6TDCI engine. However, another reader had a problem similar to yours and it proved to be a fault with the valve body that was fixable for much less than you are being quoted. I suggest you try to get in touch with Trevor King at www.kingautomatics.com and, if he can't help, then try a member of www.fedauto.co.uk.
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