tbDallas

I recently purchased a 97 E320 to which I have changed every fluid except for the Tranny fluid. The car runs great, but due to the age of the other fluids that i changed, i'm gonna assume the previous owner did not change the fluids very often. So, should I change the tranny fluid with this kinda miles? I've heard yes and i've heard no...Please advise based on your experience.

Thanks,
tbDallas

ohlord

you have the torque converter drain plug,follow the diy on bnzworld.org w210 or mercedesshop.com diy section.Drain the pan,drop it,clean it ,change the filter,button it back up.Drain the converter fill properly with mb spec fluid for the 722.6 trans ,if you need the special dip stick pm me I have them.
At 147k that fluid is old,temp affected and dirty from all the graphite,do not flush it with a machine,diy let it drain naturally and you will make it last a lot longer and shift even nicer.
autohausaz.com has the fluid and filter and locking cap for the dipstick spout.
ohlord

lkchris

There's never a reason to not change the fluid.

Unless it's brand new, of course.

Rest is mythology.

Untertürkheim

+1, Just remember to use the correct fluid and filter. I believe the 5-speed requires the special MB transmission fluid.

ohlord

not use mobil 1 atf in the 722.6 trans. It is an atf3 atf4 dex3 spec fluid great for the 722.4 4 speed but not to spec for the 5speed and will harm the 5 speed.
Same caveat goes for the 4 speed,never put the 5 speed fluid in it---wrong fluid= major problems
ohlord
9 qts of the correct spec fluid is going to cost you about $80 more in fluid compared to a couple grand rebuilt trans,cheap insurance

TMAllison

Get a pan magnet too.

ohlord

I have those also

Musikmann

Do yourself a favor and change the ATF and filter as ohlord suggested. This has been discussed ad nauseum and the only remaining question is not "Should I?" but "When should I?". I think every 50,000 miles is a good mid-point.

BoS7463

Im not sure, but I thought it was recommended every 30K?

CrossT

I have a 97 E420 and am preparing to do this. I have purchased 10 lt MB ATF, dipstick tool, filter, gasket and an IR thermometer. Do I also need to add a replacement tube cap to the list? There is a cap on there. OE cap; I am pretty sure my 147K car has not ever had the ATF changed.

thx
todd
97 E420

TMAllison

Your cap is good; you'll need a new red lock pin.

CrossT

Thanks, lock pin sounds like a dealer doo dad.

todd
97 E420

tirona

you don't need a new red lock pin, just remove the old one carefully and reuse it again, they are reusable.

TMAllison

You do have to break the top of the pin off to extract it. If the remaining bottom portion doesnt fit snugly it WILL vibrate out and the cap WILL vibrate off and be lost. I know this from expirience.

Besides, they cost like $2.

ccmbduong

I try to change trans. fluid on all of my cars at 60K miles, just to be on the safe side