Compare Mercedes clutch and gearbox repair quotes from specialist garages

In 1886, Karl Benz - the founder of Mercedes Benz - introduced what is often considered the first petrol-powered car to the world. The Benz Patent Motor Car was born, and with it began a legacy that continues today.

Style, luxury and innovation are the driving forces behind Mercedes. Not only was it one of the first car manufacturers to put brakes and suspension on all four wheels, but it was also the first to introduce safety crumple zones.

Cars by Mercedes have appeared on the big screen numerous times, from the S-Class used by Jason Statham in The Transporter to escape a gunfight to the 1969 280 SE Convertible driven by Hugh Grant in Bridget Jones's Diary.

See how Mercedes' maintenance costs compare with BMW's and Audi's here.

The clutch and gearbox work together in a manual transmission to facilitate gear changes, determining the amount of power available from the engine. Unfortunately, several things can go wrong within this system, requiring an urgent repair.

Most clutches last at least 60,000 miles, though several factors, including your driving style, can impact this distance. Gearboxes typically last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles - find out how much a repair is likely to cost here.

Common signs of clutch and gearbox failure include:

• A limp, hard-to-press or sticking clutch pedal
• Grinding or clunking noises when you change gears
• Difficulty moving the gear stick
• Clutch slipping (when your car struggles to stay in gear)

Before you take your car to the garage, have a look at our ultimate guide to clutch repair so you know what to expect.