Transmission fluid under vehicle...

[Richard / E320]

Happy Holidays Everyone! I've got a few questions regarding my 2001 E320, which currently has approximately 6,500 miles on her. Moved her today in the garage and discovered a rather large puddle under her. Fluid is slightly thick and reddish in color. Looking under her, a found a very small 'streak' (sitting in the driveway with an angle, so I think the fluid 'ran') and watched a couple of drops fall off the back of the pan. There is no fluid anywhere near the transmission bell-housing, only what I saw on the bottom of the pan. Is there any transmission parts or housing ABOVE the pan, or would the fluid on the bottom of the pan indicate a leak at the pan gasket? I did find six star-bolts and was able to turn them 1/4 turn, or less, with a hand tool, but did not use a star-bit and socket wrench. What is the recommended torque specification if I wanted to use a torque wrench? I'm hoping that only the gasket has slightly shrunk and caused a leak at the pan. Any suggestions would be appreciated. By the way, I've owned this vehicle for almost ten years and just discovered that there is no transmission fluid dip-stick. Is there a way to verify the current level without taking it in to M-B, which is what the owner's manual states? I'd like to verify the level and top-off, so can the fluid be added at the dip-stick tube, which has a plastic cap and warning on it? Thanks in advance for the replies!

To remove this ad, register today or login if you already are registered!

[ohlord]

buy the special dipstick.Then measure the fluid at operating temp engine running in park.
Look at the electrical connector passenger side of the transmission. Often the cause of the leak and upgraded part and o ring at www.autohausaz.com for 7bucks or so.
Warning cap gets taken off and the red security clip need not be replaced. Torque setting is in the trans fluid diy article on www.benzworld.org in the w210 diy section.
Happy New Year

[Fabio D]

6.5 K :S:S:S:S AAAWEESOME!!! congrats on the newer W210 i ever seen..!! pretty cool

Never seen before this models with this FLEX in the exhaust tube! first one to me

Fabio Daniel

[Richard / E320]

Originally Posted by ohlord

buy the special dipstick.Then measure the fluid at operating temp engine running in park.
Look at the electrical connector passenger side of the transmission. Often the cause of the leak and upgraded part and o ring at www.autohausaz.com for 7bucks or so.
Warning cap gets taken off and the red security clip need not be replaced. Torque setting is in the trans fluid diy article on www.benzworld.org in the w210 diy section.
Happy New Year

Thanks for the reply, ohlord. Found a OES Genuine Automatic Transmission Dipstick - 1998-2003 Mercedes Benz E320, which they refer to as a 'tool', not really a dipstick. My transmission is a 722.605. The item description refers to a 722.664 but then states that it fits the 722.6XX series transmission.

http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=42...s+Benz&md=E320

Also found the OES Genuine Automatic Transmission Fill Pipe Cover - 1998-2003 Mercedes Benz E320, which states the same fitment: 722.664 and then 1998-2002 / all sub-models. Would like to verify this is exactly what I need to take a measurement on the transmission fluid level, as I know it's got to be down more than just a couple of ounces. Does the cap currently on the tube just pull off, or is there a clip? Don't want to break it off. EDIT: Got it; for anyone that hasn't removed the cap, the clip has to be broken off and then pushed down first BEFORE you can pull off cap.

http://www.car-stuff.com/carparts/me...tings+Page%3A1

Lastly, do you have a part name or number on what you mentioned as commonly failing? Looked around AutohausAZ and Performance Products but didn't really come up with a specific part. Based on price alone, I did find a Auto Trans Conductor Plate; Adapter Plug with O-Rings, part #2035400253. Is this anything close to what you had in mind?

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ductor%20Plate

Thanks for your insight and knowledge; I'm kinda surprised that a vehicle with less than 7,000 miles could end up with this type of leak, but it is almost 10-years old and I know better than to ignore it and just top off.

Stayed up way too late and found two great threads on the subject:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...ml#post2809739

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...ssion-faq.html

For anyone here who has done this plug replacement, the instructions are:

"The electric plug is a two part component. The ivory color piece is a twist off mechanism, rotate it probably 3/4 of a turn or so and remove the electric plug, which will stay hanging from its wire harness. Installation is the reverse." - Can anyone clarify in which direction to rotate it?

[RichardM98]

It's called a 'dipstick tool' because it is a tool to measure the fluid level but not left in place like the oil dipstick. Plus it's about 6-8" too long.

You shouldn't need a replacement cap for the transmission tube. The cap has an o-ring inside. As long as the o-ring is in good shape the cap will stay on without the 'locking pin'. But since they're only about $1/ea why take any chances getting dirt into the system.

If you are unsure of the correct o-rings for the transmission electrical connector just go to the dealer.

Measuring the transmission fluid correctly is CRITICAL for these 722.6xx transmissions. It's mentioned elsewhere but 1) the car must be on level ground, 2) the transmission (not just the engine) must be at full operating temperature, 3) only use correct MB fluid (either Part No. A001-989-21-03-10 or No. A001-989-45-03-13) and if you over-fill even slightly drain some out and re-adjust. If your car has the original factory fill and you are only topping off I would suggest using the first part no.

[ohlord]

and pull to remove. Push in and turn cc to install.
Mobil123 or valvoline maxlife are both Nag1/mb722.6 approved fluids so no need to get ripped by the dealer.
Happy New Year

[RichardM98]

MB's factory approved ATF fluids for the 722.6xx have not changed.

See here:
http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/o...stedDocId=9511

[ohlord]

changed. The above mentioned fluids are MB spec and approved.MB,febi,shell,valvoline,mobil all make oem spec rated fluid the only difference is you pay $5 a qt for maxlife and get the same fluid.
Must everything be an argument?
Or are you one of the guys that pays 19bucks for the spark plug from the dealer because it has an MB part number when you can get the same plug for 4 bucks at the corner auto store?

Lesson for the day, Mercedes part numbers do not mean the part was made by Mercedes. OEM specs are OEM specs and the fluids above meet all of them sans the mb part number you appear to worship

[Richard / E320]

Thanks to all for the replies. Due to the holiday, my local dealer was closed today. I called a local import auto parts store and was quoted $12 for the part, but he suggested I call the next nearest M-B dealer. Only 30 miles away, but he wanted $28 for the same part, though he did have it in stock. I don't mind paying a little more, but since I had found the part online for less than $7, the mark-up was more than I thought was fair. Ordered the part from the import parts store, where I know the owner also owns the local M-B store. I didn't buy the transmission fluid yet; I think I'll buy what I need from Mercedes, as I want to ask them to measure the fluid level for me while I top off. At some point I want one of those $40 'measuring tools' but don't really need it immediately.

I really wanted to try and get the part replaced over the weekend, but I've never driven my car in the rain, and it's raining here anyway. I think I'm good to go when the part comes in and if not, I know where to ask.

Thanks a lot / have a safe and happy New Year!

[splinter]

Originally Posted by RichardM98

MB's factory approved ATF fluids for the 722.6xx have not changed.

All due respect, they have changed.
Go with the most recently approved 236.14-specification ATFs.



Fuchs Titan 4134 is ~$10 per liter from RM European with gratis shipping.

reference

[scorpiohunter]

stearing wheel makes noise everytime I turn it, back and fourth.

[fdte320]

Autohausaz only sells the URO brand for the plug. I have read at Benzworld that it is an inferior part and will leak in a few months. Any advise on this? Oh Lord?

[RichardM98]

Originally Posted by splinter

All due respect, they have changed.
Go with the most recently approved 236.14-specification ATFs.



Fuchs Titan 4134 is ~$10 per liter from RM European with gratis shipping.

reference

Sorry I missed this when originally posted. Thanks for the info. Personally I will continue to use and recommend the MB fluid which is easily available in the US but will acknowledge other choices.