merc190e23_16

Yeah, this will probably annoy some of you. But it's that time of the year when I have to replace certain fluids and am seeking experienced advice for services I'm doing for the first time

Since the last time I brought my 190E 2.3-16 out of storage, the car has accumulated 20,000 miles. I didn't change the differential oil then because it was replaced a few years before being re-registered for road use. But the fluids are pretty old now and the rear-end is more sophisticated than most, so that's something I don't want to mess up for my first attempt.

Now, a search of other forums (benzworld, pelican parts) mostly argue using only the Mercedes-Benz recommended fluids, which is 75w-85 on their MBZ 235.7 approval. I also saw someone claim 85w-90 is good.

The owners manual specifies "Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 90 for Limited Slip Differential", so I'm inclined to go with Mobil1 Synthetic Gear Oil 75w-90 which seems to work with limited slip differentials and covers the viscosity range I'm seeing overall. I use Mobil1 0w-40 synthetic motor oil for the engine changed every 5000-7500 miles and their synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF for the 5-speed manual gearbox; these fluids seem to work well so I have a pretty good impression of Mobil 1. I don't go with Mercedes-Benz OEM fluids unless I need hydraulic self-leveling suspension fluid.

What do you guys use?

TonyGoldshlager

Wow! i see a lot of responses ))

merc190e23_16

lol I forgot I even made this post. I solved it by going to an actual Mercedes shop that day and asking their W201 mechanic. Oh how the old, pre internet-era methods still work the best.

TonyGoldshlager

Haha, 4 years later!
Do you mind sharing information )) on what goes where?
Im thinking on putting redline in tranny. I had wonderful success with this oil before.

Plutoe

Don't put that crap in an MB transmission, else you will be back whining about the performance of your transmission----if you don't want to search simply make a call to your local dealer for the spec that is printed on all fluids used in MB's

merc190e23_16

I always request the following from my mechanic:
-Mobil-1 0w-40 full synthetic for the engine [changed every 7,500 miles].
-Amsoil Dexron-III full synthetic ATF for the 5-speed manual [changed every 30,000 miles or 3 years].
-Valvoline 75w-90 Limited Slip full synthetic differential oil [changed every 30,000 miles or 3 years].
-Pentosin DOT-4 Brake Fluid flushed every 2 years.

I haven't done maintenance myself in a while and I trust my mechanic. He said most Mercedes-Benz cars made up until the late-1980s won't be too sensitive to different brands of fluids. Most modern synthetics work well. That's why he lets me choose fluids to use in my car before I approve the service work.

Bottom line: If you own an older Mercedes, trust your mechanic more than you trust the internet forums. You'll get suggestions here but there is no one more trustworthy than an experienced technician.

TonyGoldshlager

What do you think about Redline MTL for a tranny?

Plutoe

If it meets the spec---great-----if not, it's crap,regardless if you are married to a mechanic!!