Mercedes S Klasse Gearbox Issues

My 2005 Mercedes S Klasse with a gasoline engine, around 59755 km, has a gearbox that feels off. Sometimes it slips, and the shifts aren't as smooth. I suspect the transfer case, specifically "transfer case oil wear fault". Could defective gears be the cause? Has anyone else experienced similar gearbox behavior with this oil wear issue? Would a transfer case oil change help, or is it just mechanical wear?

4 comment(s)

I had similar symptoms with my S Klasse. The transfer case can be problematic. "Oil wear" often means excessive internal friction, possibly from inadequate lubrication or gear wear. Whether an oil change fixes it depends on the wear's severity. If the gears are significantly damaged, an oil change might only help temporarily. The transfer case distributes power to the axles and takes a lot of mechanical stress.

How do I gauge the severity? Can I check the gears myself without disassembly? I'm trying to determine if it's a minor issue for an oil change or a bigger repair. Are there specific oils that minimize "oil wear" for these transfer cases?

Assessing internal gear wear without taking it apart isn't usually possible, it requires specialized tools. Given your symptoms and concerns, consult a qualified mechanic for an inspection. They can diagnose the issue and advise on what to do. Address the problem quickly to prevent further damage.

I took it to a workshop, and the transfer case was the problem, with defective gears and bad oil. It cost about 330€ to fix, but it's shifting smoothly now. Thanks for the help!

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