If you drive the C class (W202), E class (W210) and ML class (W163) of around 1999 – 2003, then you need to be careful at the Car wash.
Here is why?
All these models come with the popular tiptronic shift assembly for its 722.6 transmission. You know you have got one, if you see the “+” and “-” signs beside your the letter “D” on your gear’s shift setup. The tiptronic module is electrically/electronically operated. This means that by all means possible you must prevent water from getting into it.
Its true that Mercedes Benz did a good job with the W203, W211 and W164. Though equipped with the same 722.6 transmissions, they made sure the shift assembly had more protection from water with a re-design.
If you have the open tiptronic assembly like the W202, W210 and W163, then you should:
• Make limited use of the coffee cup holder.
• Make sure you do not use dripping wet towels to clean the Gear selector area.
• Make sure your car doors are shut always when at the car wash. Because pressurized water can come in from cars being washed close to yours.
• Make sure no bottle water (especially cold ones) is placed on the gear selector or close to it.
If water gets to it, it would fry the electronic shift assembly. Thus you would not be able to shift out of Park. You need to mechanically remove it from Park. Then your car defaults to a Limp mode by not exceeding speeds in proportion to Gear 1.
The only solution is a complete replacement.
The assembly can cost about N25k – N30k to purchase (used replacement part) and fix.
So are the W203’s, W211’s and W164’s really free from this? Maybe.
The shift assemblies now came with a leather like seal which prevents water from getting into it.
So you should be quite safe….or more protected.
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