tranny service
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Hollywood
1998 C230 5-a
tranny service
I have a 98 230 with the 5 speed automatic. I have just over 100,000 miles and was told by a dealer service advisor that I should have the transmission fluid changed and the filter replaced.
I understand that it is a sealed maintenance free unit. Is this guy pulling my chain or should I have the work done? Dealer charge will be $300.
Thanks.
I understand that it is a sealed maintenance free unit. Is this guy pulling my chain or should I have the work done? Dealer charge will be $300.
Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
From: LA
Uber 202
If im not mistaken, there is no tranny filter. I did my 100K service pretty much by myself, spark plugs, flushed tranny fluid, service B, flush engine coolant, replace all filters, ie air filter, cabin, fuel, etc. If you pay $300 for that your are getting ripped off. I also used all OEM parts. Dealer charges $100-109 hour for labor, after my car went out of warranty, I never took it back again. E'nuff said. I see that you're in the So. Cal area, PM me if you want the same parts/results at cheaper price.
Last edited by MikeL; Mar 16, 2005 at 02:45 AM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 178
Likes: 1
From: Garden Grove, CA
06 Granite Grey c230
Originally Posted by ybgoss
I have a 98 230 with the 5 speed automatic. I have just over 100,000 miles and was told by a dealer service advisor that I should have the transmission fluid changed and the filter replaced.
I understand that it is a sealed maintenance free unit. Is this guy pulling my chain or should I have the work done? Dealer charge will be $300.
Thanks.
I understand that it is a sealed maintenance free unit. Is this guy pulling my chain or should I have the work done? Dealer charge will be $300.
Thanks.
i was going to do it myself, but with the purchase of the dipstick etc, i might just get someone else to do it. i bought the filter and seal for like 20 bucks from www.mesaperformance.com
i heard partsbin has the dipstick, but I will prob only do this once in my lifetime, so its kinda a waste....
does anyone know of any good mechanics in the so cal area?
thanks!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
you should definitely do a tranny flush at least once in it's lifetime if you want it to last or plan on keeping it for a while.
MB says they are sealed for life but a flush can be done by the dealer (depending as some wont touch them) or independent MB place. I don't believe the '98s used synthetic ATF...so it'll probably cost $150-$200 for the job.
It is possible to DIY but the fluid has to be set at a certain temp and you need the dipstick (which can be bought as pointed out).
You should see the stuff that comes out during the drain...lifetime fill my @$$. So much gunk comes out.
MB says they are sealed for life but a flush can be done by the dealer (depending as some wont touch them) or independent MB place. I don't believe the '98s used synthetic ATF...so it'll probably cost $150-$200 for the job.
It is possible to DIY but the fluid has to be set at a certain temp and you need the dipstick (which can be bought as pointed out).
You should see the stuff that comes out during the drain...lifetime fill my @$$. So much gunk comes out.
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
'99 C43 AMG
Unless you have access to a transmission flush machine there is no way you can properly flush the trans system. Simply draining the fluid and refilling it will not make a bit of difference. $300 for a synthetic trans service is good price. The trans does have a filter and should be changed at the same time.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
ATF Flush, Filter & Gasket
$209 at AAMCO for a trans flush with MB synthetic fluid for the 722.6 on my 97 E320. That includes the filter and gasket. Is it worth it? I have 60k on the car. Is a trans flush really worth it at that price or any price for the "sealed" system. Especially at 60k miles. They also said I had to sign an acknowledgement that I was going against the manufacturer's recommendation. And that $209 has nothing to do with their $99 lifetime deal for other cars. Thanks 
.
.
Originally Posted by GDawgC220
you should definitely do a tranny flush at least once in it's lifetime if you want it to last or plan on keeping it for a while.
MB says they are sealed for life but a flush can be done by the dealer (depending as some wont touch them) or independent MB place. I don't believe the '98s used synthetic ATF...so it'll probably cost $150-$200 for the job.
It is possible to DIY but the fluid has to be set at a certain temp and you need the dipstick (which can be bought as pointed out).
You should see the stuff that comes out during the drain...lifetime fill my @$$. So much gunk comes out.
MB says they are sealed for life but a flush can be done by the dealer (depending as some wont touch them) or independent MB place. I don't believe the '98s used synthetic ATF...so it'll probably cost $150-$200 for the job.
It is possible to DIY but the fluid has to be set at a certain temp and you need the dipstick (which can be bought as pointed out).
You should see the stuff that comes out during the drain...lifetime fill my @$$. So much gunk comes out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Originally Posted by e320auto
$209 at AAMCO for a trans flush with MB synthetic fluid for the 722.6 on my 97 E320. That includes the filter and gasket. Is it worth it? I have 60k on the car. Is a trans flush really worth it at that price or any price for the "sealed" system. Especially at 60k miles. They also said I had to sign an acknowledgement that I was going against the manufacturer's recommendation. And that $209 has nothing to do with their $99 lifetime deal for other cars. Thanks .
.
We had ours flushed at 70k...that's what they recommended. Definitely a big difference in shifting, so much smoother. At 60k, swap it out...and if you keep the car for long term, do another one at another 60k or so.
Read over what they are having you sign...do they provide any sort of guarantee work on their end? Say the tranny craps out a week later due to their work, do they cover, etc. But all in all, they work with tranny's and should know what they are doing as they've been in the business of repairing tranny's for a long time.
If any doubt, see if you can find a independent MB shop around your area and get another opinion
Good luck!
Trending Topics
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
MB ATF Available From Shell?
I have been looking through threads on a couple of German forums and the consensus seems to be that it's not a question of whether or not to change the ATF, but when. There also seems to be some question as to whether to go to the dealer or not. Anyway, the MB OEM ATF appears to be available through Shell as ATF 3403 - M115 which I'm not sure is available in the US. Anyone know where to find the Shell/MB ATF at a good price? Thanks for any response .
.
Originally Posted by GDawgC220
That's not a bad price at all...my independent charged us $250ish for our ML flush...but didn't have to sign or anything. I mean, MB says it's a sealed unit but it's crazy not to flush the fluid at least once in it's lifetime
We had ours flushed at 70k...that's what they recommended. Definitely a big difference in shifting, so much smoother. At 60k, swap it out...and if you keep the car for long term, do another one at another 60k or so.
Read over what they are having you sign...do they provide any sort of guarantee work on their end? Say the tranny craps out a week later due to their work, do they cover, etc. But all in all, they work with tranny's and should know what they are doing as they've been in the business of repairing tranny's for a long time.
If any doubt, see if you can find a independent MB shop around your area and get another opinion Good luck!
We had ours flushed at 70k...that's what they recommended. Definitely a big difference in shifting, so much smoother. At 60k, swap it out...and if you keep the car for long term, do another one at another 60k or so.
Read over what they are having you sign...do they provide any sort of guarantee work on their end? Say the tranny craps out a week later due to their work, do they cover, etc. But all in all, they work with tranny's and should know what they are doing as they've been in the business of repairing tranny's for a long time.
If any doubt, see if you can find a independent MB shop around your area and get another opinion
Good luck!MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
