I have a Mercedes ML270 CDi with automatic transmission (02 plate). The problem I have is only when I am towing my caravan (which is well within the weight guidelines for the car). When I have been towing for a while at relatively high speed (60 ish) the transmission cuts out and the car will not select a gear until I switch off and restart the engine. In the book it refers to this happening when the gearbox/transmission box is low on oil - which is what a test on the Mercedes computer said. It was filled up after this test but the next time out it happened again and they want another £50 to do another test with no guaranteed solution. If I use cruise control to regulate my speed and thus the engine and gearbox temperature I don't have the problem - is this then the solution? Or would fitting a gearbox oil cooler help? - I can't believe I would need to do this to a Mercedes with a maximum gross towing weight at nearly twice what I'm pulling. Any help or advice would be welcome please !

Roy Sutton, April 2008

the epc light comes on and the engine cuts out when you are accelerating hard and the engine smokes

Stuart, June 2013

i had the same problem
went to main dealer who changed oil and filter in gearbox and a sensor which is fitted to gearbox all was fine for the next 2 years i had the car
car was ml 270 2002 towing a twin axle caravan all over europe and back to uk no more problems.

tim Broadbent, January 2011

Hello, can you please help me ?! I have a 2001 ML270 auto, the gearbox started to be noisy around the 50mph sounding like a noisy wheel bearing, when it is put into neutral and let it roll there is no noise, however it is happening more often at different speeds such as 30mph. Not very loud its like a low diff whine. Thanks for any feedback.

Archie, May 2010

I had one the same & my advice is sell it and get a different towcar. It is an underengineered bit of rubbish and not suitable as a proper 4x4 workhorse. I have had many 4x4s over the years to tow my horse and never have I had such problems as with this vehicle. I had better performance from a 12yo Volvo estate! I expected better from Mercedes, it is only suitable for posing in Chelsea.

Julie d, September 2008

Still no solution found unfortunately. Will post my solution if I find one. Thanks for input so far.

Roy Sutton, June 2008

hi, i have the same problem with my ml270cdi. Did you manage to get it sorted if so can you help me please.

david herne, May 2008

Your car allready has a oil cooler built into the radiator. Make sure there is no obstruction at rad' area

Peter, April 2008

Hi i have rebuilt a lot of these gearbox,s not just from the m class but just about everyother class of merc as well.
It,s know as 722.600.
They have lots of problems with electrics and planetry sets.
The problem you have could be as simple as the transmission case connector leaking,the oil is fored up the wring harness into the ecu which cause,s it become low on oil,this would not show up on a diagnostic test.
It could also be the pressure regulator spring in the valvebody has broken.
Hope this helps.
Richrd
rbtrans@hotmail.com

Richard, April 2008