Hi all-

Was about to do a tranny fluid change, and was wondering what brand/type of fluid to use. I am currently thinking about going to Mobil 1 ATF.

Thanks,

Eric

 

Funny you say that as I am doing mine tomorrow I believe. I am thinking Mobil ATF as well. The OE stuff is around 9 bux/ltr here!!

Matt

 

Be careful if you're changing the ATF yourself. When you drain from the tranny pan, you will get about 4 qts of fluid. There will be about 5 more qts in the torque converter that you will have to drain as well.

Another worthwhile investment is changing the flex disc and bushings for the shifter (around $250). This will really make your shifter and tranny feel like new.


Dave

 

WHT YEAR AND ,MODEL DO YOU OWN

 

I've got a 95 C220 with 72K miles. I bought it used about 6 months ago, the owner did the 60,000 mile service at 59K miles, including a tranny fliud/filter change.

I actually just did the change this weekend. Not to invite flames, but I didn't do a filter change. I'm planning on getting a full filter/fluid change in the next 6 months or so, so this is more of an interim job. I used a Pela pump extractor hooked up to about 10 feet of new (clean) poly tubing, and sucked out about 2 quarts, put in fresh Mobil 1 ATF, drove it for about 20 miles, repeated it, and am planning to do it again later this week. I figure I'll get about 4 out 6.5 quarts switched.

Surprisingly, doing the partial fluid change and getting the fluid level *just right* (took a little time) has made a *huge* difference in the shift quality.

Thanks for the help

Eric

 

I did the trannie service on mine about 2k ago. I will not flame but I would change again sooner than later. The job is easier than I thought. It was less work than the trannie service on my Camry. (Less bolts, no pan gasket glue etc.)

The only hard part was finding the torque converter drain plug. I took off my fan shroud (Two clips on top-just gave me more room). Then I took a breaker bar and a 27mm (I think that was the size)socket. I turned the crank shaft clockwise slowly while I looked at the TC. Eventually I saw the drain plug come around. It is also requires and allen wrench like the trannie plug. Alot more fluid came out of that it seemed! Make sure you go clockwise only when you turn the engine by hand. Drop the pan, then there is two phillips (again I think) screws, maybe three holding the filter in. A bit more fluid comes out, and you are all done! Reverse for install. I like the MB pan gasket. It just sits right in there perfectly!

Have fun.

 

Just so I am clear, there is a drain plug on the ATF pan? Everybody I talked to said something like this is a messy job but, it sure doesn't sound like it. I was going to do this task over the weekend but the parts didn't arrive until Monday, so this weekend is it. My shift quality is horrible and I know this is the first step in diagnoses. Fluid hasn't been changed in the 44k miles I've owned the car, who knows if it was done before.

 

One more thing to add... When the service is performed at a MB shop on a 97+ tranny (722.6 tranny), they use a magnet. Not sure what that's for, but some said it might be to catch any additional metal debris inside the tranny. Also, make sure to change the filter and gasket when you change the ATF.

This is the correct way to add ATF fluid back. Once you have replaced the filter, gasket and reinstalled the AT pan, add about 3 qts of ATF. Then start the engine and fill the remaining ATF (Probably about another 5-6 qts).


Dave

 

Matt-

The thing that I have been cautioned against doing by numerous parties is to be somewhat cautious/hesitant to change the fluid if it hasn't been done ever, and the mileage on the car is significantly over 50,000. Apparently, as the fluid degrades, it allows deposits to form in the transmission, which is "ok", as the tranny fluid has lost its detergent properties, and leaves the deposits alone, but when you replace the fluid with fresh fluid, it can loosen these deposits and set then floating about the transmission.

Also, regarding the amount of fluid, you should be careful to not overfill, which could damage the trans.

Good Luck!

 

Changing the trannie fluid is no more messy than changing the oil in my opinion. Just a little more time consuming that's all. There is a drain plug that you use an allen wrench to unfasten. It is pretty small too, compared to other cars I've seen. When you take the pan off, take it down from the back to the front. So more fluid can drain out the back while it hangs down (with your hand under the pan). It is either six or eight bolts to drop the pan. There will also be a little bit more fluid under the filter too.

On 95 and up models you should refer to your owners manual or call a dealer and ask what kind of fluid to use. I *think* if it's an elctronic tranmission, then you have to use MB tran fluid ONLY instead of ATF. Mine is a 94 so ATF is ok. I'd check the back of the owners manual to see what yours is, or look under the car.

Mine was a 722.4 trannie and can use ATF

If it is 722.6 get the MB fluid only.

Double check this, but I'm almost postive.

I'd bet especially with a MB that not changing the fluid for some time will make a huge difference in performance. I've seen cars slip with dirty fluid/filter until changed.

Also on 95 and up (or 96 and up) the tranmission dipstick is a seperate "tool" you have to buy to check the fluid. The top is a locked unit (or so I've read) that you'll have to pop off yourself.

It's still not that big of a job though. Like I said, it went faster than my Toyota. Especially once I found out how to find the torque converter plug, then it was a breeze.

Don't forget your differential back there. Use gl5 gear oil 85-90 range. Fill plug is allen wrench also and make sure to take the fill plug out first. So you dont' drain it and then realize you can't fill it back up!

The magnet is for debris yes. It is also correct to check your fluid while the car is running and warm. Have fun.

 

I guess if you wanted to be **** and take your time you could drain the two plugs and put some atf in there. Then run it around, redrain that real quick and then do the filter, and fluid replacement. I've seen guys to that on other cars with their tranmissions. I've never done it, but it makes sense if you are worried about your c220.

 

In terms of the two types of transmissions, I'm pretty sure that the 95's are the 4 speed (and can take regular ATF), and the 96 and laters are the ones that need the special MB fluid. I've been told that another way to check is to see if you have a w/s switch on yout shifter. If you have that switch, it's likely that you have 722.6 tranny and need the MB fluid, and if you don't you have the 722.4 and can use ATF.

 

I've got a '96 C220 and don't have the switch. Never done a fluid change either(on my own). Going to this weekend, though.

 

If you have any questions feel free to email me or post here. Take it easy.