Benz916

I'm a little confused about the tranny fluid. When and how are you suppose to change it? Somebody fill me in.

moebisgold

Do it every 50K or less. If you have the electronic trans I would err to the less side. club202.com (sorry MBWolrd.org) has all the details if you do some searching.

redcoupe

New electronic trans go for 100k mile trans service, but I would change it every 50k just to keep everything nice.
If you what to change you fluid, your most likey going to have to go to the dealer, becasue you need the specail dip stick to check the fill. Or if you know somebody that has one.
Your going to need 5 qts electronic trans fluid(dealer item), trans pan gasket, trans fliter, copper seal, and red locking tab.

Hope this helps and if you what the trans dip stick number I can get it on monday.

Brian

moebisgold

The dipstick is about $28 at the dealer. The hardest part is finding the torque converter drain plug. My oil was dead at 56K. Not a hint of red and smelt ... yuk.

Benz916

Thanks for the info. How much does this job run and is it possible to do it at home if you have the dipstick etc?

redcoupe

Yes, you can to it at home.

blackmercedes

A few things to keep in mind:

The 722.6 tranny is very sensitive to fluid level. That's why there's no dipstick when you get the car. It's to keep morons at Jiffy-Lube from "topping 'er off" with Dexron.

You MUST use the MB synthetic fluid.

The level must be set with the fluid temp at 80C. As noted, the tranny is sensitive to the fluid level. Your dealer has a device for carefully setting the fluid temp and level.

With intervals of 50-60K-miles, it's a cheap job to have the dealer do is you're hesitating about being able to set the fluid level properly. On a per-mile cost basis, it's really a cheap job to farm out. My dealer charged me 1.5 hours labour.

If you do take it in, have the dealer check the ETC for updates and install the magnet in the pan. If you do it at home, get the magnet and install it yourself if it's not present. Most 98's do not have it unless the tranny has been opened sometime.

moebisgold

I used Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. I will use MB synthetic at the next change @ 2.5K miles because what came out of my trans was so bad I wanted to flush it. The comment about level is so true. I am amazed that it only takes about an ounce to go from the bottom of the 80 C line to the top.

blackmercedes

Your 1995 C36 does not have the 722.6 tranny. The original poster has a 1998 C230 which has the 722.6. He CANNOT use anything other than the MB specific fluid as specified by Mercedes-Benz.

The five speed tranny is also even more sensitive to fluid level that the older four speed units.

The early 722.6's (97 and 98's) should be checked by a dealer for ETC updates as there is a TSB on that. If you're having any hard 1-2 and 3-2 shifts, it's probably the ETC.

Also during a 722.6 service, there are updates on the valves that shoud be looked at as well.

moebisgold

Sorry, I also have a 99 C43 with a HPS blower. I just don't list it on my Siggy any more. There is active litigation about it.

mjtray

You also need to be make sure that no dust/crud/cotton threads etc get into the box whilst open, as you could be talking $$$ to repair if it clogs any of the internals.

Be real careful and clean when you change the tranny fluids!

Benz916

What does ETC mean...electronic torque converter? And what does TSB mean?

blackmercedes

ETC is Electronic Transmission Control unit.

TSB is Technical Service Bulletin.