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XKR pre 2002 Merc transmission (W5A580) conductor plate
I have read all the forum threads about the early (pre-2002) XKR W5A580 (722.6) Mercedes-built transmission. As the threads note, this robust tranny has a weak point in the conductor plate and connector bushing.
However, after perhaps 12 hours of research, it still isn’t clear precisely which conductor plate part number is the best replacement. This is exacerbated by the fact that the forum posts link to eBay auctions that are either vanished or incomplete in their vehicle compatibility charts. Or worse, the eBay listings reference the XK8 (which didn’t have this transmission) instead of the XKR, making it darn hard to search for parts. Or they link to Mercedes forums that reference specific Merc models (but not the Jag).
So I thought I’d post the question here as well as share my findings, so that we can document this accurately.
Most eBay listings for the 722.6 conductor plate (includes speed sensors) indicate the following part numbers:
1402701261
1402701161
1402700861
1402700561
However, here is where it gets tricky:
The 722.6 came in a few flavors: W5A300, W5A330, and the awesome W5A580 used on the XKR (and some Dodge trucks and Chrysler and Mercedes performance cars). So are these different conductor plate part numbers reflective of the different 722.6 versions? Or would they all work fine?
The Mercedes forum 722.6 FAQ (referenced below) says “This part has also received multiple updates so make sure you get the latest part.” So are all the part numbers above compatible, and the 1402701261 is just the newest (best) version?
I see listings on eBay for the XK8 (which are incorrect!) that reference the 1402700861 and 1402700561, and I see listings for the 1402701261 which indicate newer Dodge Sprinters. Ebay sellers so far haven’t answered my questions about compatibility with the Jaguar XKR (they may not realize we use this transmission too, or they may not have cross references).
So if anyone knows which part numbers are best, I can lay this one to rest (and get my baby back on the road).
Meanwhile, here is my index regarding DIYs and troubleshooting the transmission issues in the first place (these posts are terrific):
Upon further research I have discovered the following, which should complete the puzzle:
All of the part numbers listed below will interchange (work with the Jag 722.6 transmission). This comes reliably from more than five auto parts store cross-references as well as notes from two rebuilder sites.
The highest number in the 7 and 8 digit place indicate the revision, and so when looking for parts you should look for the highest number (in bold below). One reputable parts company on eBay (I have done business with them, they have high ratings against high volume) indicated that the 11 version is the newest, but I see a few listings for the 12 now. However, I saw no Mercedes OEM listings for the 12, so I went for the Mercedes OEM 11 revision.
There are Chinese versions on eBay for under $70, and OEM Mercedes versions for about double that. The Chinese are actually very good at manufacturing replacement auto parts, but this time I’m sticking with MB because I want the best quality (for me the real expense is the time and labor).
For the same reason, I ordered all potential failure parts (like the pressure regulator spring that sometimes fails), because it is cheap and why not as long as I’m in there. Note also that the later versions of the transmission conductor plate used two (different) plastic covers over the solenoids in order to protect them from metal particles from transmission wear. Since I haven’t taken off the pan, I picked up a spare cover anyway, just in case.
So here is the full list of parts (the only item over $20 is the conductor plate, if you don’t count fluid):
larger rectangular solenoid cover: 1402710782
smaller square solenoid cover: not yet discovered
"new" MB fluid 001-989-68-03-10 (from 5 to 10 quarts, depending on whether you drain the torque converter and flush from the cooler lines)
Filter 140-277-00-95
Pan Gasket 140-271-00-80
Fill Tube Cap and Lock Clip for Dipstick 140-991-00-55
Trans Pan Drain Washer 140-271-00-60
Torque Converter Washer N 007603010100
Conductor Plate/Speed Sensors 140-270-11-61
"Updated" Connector Bushing 203-540-02-53
Pressure Regulator Spring (there is no MB number as they sell it with the Valve body, but you can reference Sonnax 68942-01).
920mm transmission dipstick for checking fluid level (As you will read in the posts referenced above, this aftermarket part is not for permanent installation. It has hot and cold range marks, which are important because the hot fluid expands significantly; I also invested $10 in an IR temperature reader because it’s just as accurate and a little easier than my OBD tester; I also got the AutoEnginuity dongle and software because I’m a mechano-geek.)
IMPORTANT: Every rebuilder talks about the need for absolute caution in preventing even the slightest particle, like a single hair, into the transmission. One guy said he wore surgical garb. Just sayin’.
And finally, there is an excellent 120 page rebuilders manual from ATSG that covers tips and issues for this transmission, including the note about the solenoid covers. (This is different from the 200 page NAG1 manual for the W5A580 that is referenced in one of the Jag Forums links in my previous post above.) It’s a DIY dream: http://www.all-trans.by/assets/site/...es/722.6.1.pdf
Note, the Pressure Regulator Spring is only for '99 and earlier models. My 2000 hydraulics came with a slightly different spring configuration (I assume to address earlier issues) with a more robust spring in the valve body. I also had the hydraulic solenoid covers on the original 1402700561 conductor plate, so no need to buy covers if you have at least a 2000. (Not sure when exactly they added the covers.)
BTW, the new 1402701161 conductor plate had better attachments for the speed sensors, probably more than a few other improvements. The whole job was reasonably easy, with the pushing in of the new connector bushing truly the hardest part (took me 20 minutes to seat it).
I would to caution the 4.0 XKR owners against ordering the connector plate and cable plug from eBay sellers. I purchased those parts from a seller that advertised them to be genuine Mercedes parts. They were not, just typical Chinese knock offs. Unfortunately I didn't relies the importance of this before the installation., the reason for which was a leaking plug.
After the install, the plug leaked as badly as before, if not worse. So I replaced it with a genuine Mercedes part sourced thru Pelicanparts.com. They are a quality parts seller of mainly German auto parts. Their ads clearly state if the part is OEM equivalent, or an actual OEM Mercedes parts. The Mercedes plug went in so much easier than the Chinese part, and it has not leaked a drop.
I left the Chinese connector plate in place, but wished I'd ordered the genuine article of that part as well. The connector plate has the transmission sensor imbedded in it, and my Chinese replacement plate has the unnerving tendency to periodically send out a false "transmission temperature too high" warning message to the dash display. This happens when I've been driving for a while, so it is somewhat alarming. And also sometime happens first thing when the engine is first started, and I know everything is completely cold, therefore no worries. Nevertheless, it's another example of the perils one must navigate when using substandard parts.
Note, the Pressure Regulator Spring is only for '99 and earlier models. My 2000 hydraulics came with a slightly different spring configuration (I assume to address earlier issues) with a more robust spring in the valve body. I also had the hydraulic solenoid covers on the original 1402700561 conductor plate, so no need to buy covers if you have at least a 2000. (Not sure when exactly they added the covers.)
BTW, the new 1402701161 conductor plate had better attachments for the speed sensors, probably more than a few other improvements. The whole job was reasonably easy, with the pushing in of the new connector bushing truly the hardest part (took me 20 minutes to seat it).
so does the 1402701261 work for the XJR XKR trans? I have an XJR 2001 and ordered the only 1402701261 conductor plate i could find that was made by Daimler it is daimler branded its for the same transmission W5A580 i may have answered my own question but incase i am wrong please chime in
The connector is OK, it’s the plate that is screwy. If I ever open up the 722.6 again I’m going to put in a NOS Mercedes conductor plate, if I can still
find one.
The URO plate I put in gives spurious HIGH TRANS TEMP warnings for no good reason
and every time the the dang TRANS TEMP HIGH light comes on I kick myself for replacing a perfectly good original part, and then kick myself again for throwing it away.
Well good because i ordered the uro plug if the original works i might keep it in but peace of mind says even with occasional faults the new part shouldnt fail right away the conductor plate i went with a Daimler one or advertised as Daimler it was a working used one with the latest “12” part numbers as described above all and all im in about $150 for all the parts involving the transmission including filter, gasket, electrical plug, and conductor plate no fluids yet but assuming they wont be $75 i think ive come out pretty good given everything works 😁 thanks guys
03-29-2017, 08:56 PM
XKR pre 2002 Merc transmission (W5A580) conductor plate
