Jason B

SO what color fuild comes from Mercedes when it's shipped new for a w221?

alx

722.9 trannies pre- June 2010 built date use red fluid. blue afterwards

also if you look at the pan if it has two oval indentations- it is the new nag2+ tranny and requires blue fluid

MrRat

From Fcpeuro site:
Mercedes-Benz S550
2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 Auto Trans Fluid
From Production Date: 6-22-2010
236.15 Blue Fluid, Do not mix with Red Fluid
2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 Auto Trans Fluid
From Production Date: 6-22-2010
236.15 Blue Fluid, Do not mix with Red Fluid

T.H.Carrera

so 2012 w221 falls under the service transmission at 7 years or 70k miles correct ?

I am at 5 years and 21k miles. Wondering if I should get it done. Any advise will be appreciated.

superpop

I would not waste your money. If it is rated for 7 yrs or 70K I would wait until you get closer to that threshold. A good indy mechanic should be able to tell you what you have.

T.H.Carrera

Well The dealership wants $450 for it and I have a credit that expires Jan 31 for $130. Trying to see if I should make use of that on the transmission service as I already have the oil change done 2 months ago.

superpop

If they will do it for 320 you might as well do it. I guess it depends on how long you are keeping the car. If you are going to sell it in the next few years, why bother. Otherwise it will be due within the next few years.

alx

the car has the standard 7g tranny.

i would change the oil and filter at 37-40k miles, at 100k miles and every 50k miles after that.

T.H.Carrera

Are you sure? my research indicated it has the 7g+ with blue fluid build date is end of 2012.

superpop

Here is a novel idea, take it to the dealer or a mechanic you trust and ask them. I knew I had an honest shop when they called me and told me I really did not have to do the service until 7 yrs or 70K. They could have easily just done it and charged me 400 bucks. Dealer confirmed what they were saying. Blue fluid service life is longer than red according to them.

1bad540

I know the dealer did mine when i bought the car, had 35k miles and they did a service c on the car. which included trans service. I thought it was a great value added to the car when i bought it.

alx

it is.

however, the clutches elevated burnout and solenoid prone-to-clog mesh strainers are the same since it is the same tranny. hence my advice to change all 722.9 trannies oil regardless of color is as mentioned above.

Larry1979

All 722.9 transmissions made after June 2010 are the upgraded versions and have blue fluid with a change interval of 7 years or 70K miles, however, as stated previously most dealers still recommend 4 years or 40K because most components are the same. I replaced mine at 4 years 25K and will continue to do so every 4 years or 40K while I have the car. Cheap insurance in my opinion.

Paulmurphy

Wasn't the change from red to blue something to do with stop/start technology starting from rest in gear ?

T.H.Carrera

so even though I have only 22k miles @ 5 years, am I going to be wasting money doing it now vs when the actual mileage hits 37-40k ? or because of the time frame (5 years) its actually good to get it done for the discounted price?

Larry1979

Based on the issues with these transmissions it is recommended to get the service done at the year or mileage interval. If I were you, I would get the service done due to age at the discounted amount.

alx

I wouldn't bother with time intervals. Ymmv.

konigstiger

Due to the reduction of friction power and thus heat input into the FE+ converter the ATF change interval changed.