Valeo of the doldrums

I said I was not happy with the automatic gear change of my eight year old Mercedes-Benz E270CDI. So my MB dealer did some tests and he tells me that the oil in the transmission has become 'contaminated with anti-freeze'. Why? Because the radiator has become 'porous'. Have you ever heard of such a thing - on a Merc of all cars? He recommends that I replace the radiator, torque converter and gearbox - all at humongous expense. M-B refuses to cough up. Any ideas?

Asked on 25 January 2010 by RW, Chipping Norton

Answered by Honest John

This is a fundamental flaw with this make and model from around year 2000 to around year 2004, explained in a document I can email to any reader. Basically, the transmission fluid goes through a heat exchanger in the radiator that brings it up to engine temperature and keeps it at that temperature. But poor quality joints in the Valeo system fail, allowing engine coolant into the transmission fluid and this wrecks the transmission. Anyone buying a 2000 – 2004 Mercedes C, CLK or E Class Mercedes automatic needs to check that the Valeo radiator has been replaced or they could suffer this problem that could cost more to repair than the car is worth.

Tags: radiators technical issues faults

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