I have a 99 C280 Sport that has been serviced by my exwifes mechanic @ her local MB Dealer. I've had this car almost 2 yeras and have had just minor PITA problems. I am thinking that it is time to do a fluid change on the tranny. I've purchased the tranny tool(long dip stick) and a Thermometer to read the temp of the fluid. I plan on puttin the MB fluid back in. I do hear different stories about the flushing before I drain the fluid, I guess my question is should this be done or not?? Car has 111K miles but it is not rough miles. Thanks for any replies

I am not an expert, but I wouldn't do it unless you drain the old fluid and find it looks really terrible. If it does look bad, then you would have to make a decision and I am sure you have read the pros and cons. Hopefully the $$ synthetic has been taking care of you so far.

I see where a lot of the parts places on line sell the Febi Brand Synthetic Fluid is this a suitable replacement for the OEM MB Fluid or should I get the more expensive MB oem stuff

Well, MB doesn't make their own, so who knows, maybe Febi and MB have them sourced from the same place. There is a webpage somewhere on the internet with all of the equivalent brands that meet specification. Fire up Google to look for it. I just ordered the MB stuff from autohaus with free shipping. I don't have to change this that often, so I just go with the sure thing.

xvvvz, what's the best fluid to use and what's the best rate to shop for?

Like I wrote, I went with Autohaus and MB fluid. No tax and free shipping over $50. You may be able to find it a bit cheaper if you search.

You got the MB brand tranny fluid at Arizona Auto Haus? Where? I
looked and couldn't find it.

Item 001989210310

Mercedes (OE)
Miscellaneous Fluids/Treatments; Lifetime Synthetic Transmission Fluid; 1 Liter Bottle
For Mercedes models with 722.6XX electronic 5-speed automatic transmissions, NOT for latest model 7-speed 722.9xx automatic, please verify type of transmission. Up to 9 liters per car.

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ids/Treatments

That text is from their site. I found 8 liters was more than enough when going for the complete fluid change where I drained the torque converter, too, on my '99's 722.605.

I just ordered 9 litres of Tranny fluid from AutoHause in AZ. Shipping is free. Will have to wait a few days but hey if I can save $90. bukks no biggie. Thanks for the link to AH.

They don't carry it for my C220. Bummer.

If I am not mistaken, the C220 has the 722.4 transmission. It does not require the synthetic fluid. Use a good Dexron III fluid. See the attached page from the Approved Service Products list.

OK so I've got all the stuff I need to do the change Fluid,infrared temp light, dip gauge, filter and pan gasket. I read somewhere that putting a magnet in the bottom of the pan is a good idea.....pros or cons...?? Thanks

OK so today was the day to change the tranny fluid and all seems to have gone well. The drain bolt on the torque converter was a PITA to get out but I took it easy and drained all the fluid.
Put in 6 liters of fluid and started the car and let it warm up for 10 minutes and checked the fluid again. As soon as the temp of the pan reached 80 degrees I checked the fluid level again and added 1.5 more liters. Now with car running @ 80 degrees (tranny fluid temp) the Tranny tool (dip stick) reads full. Shifting is a heck of alot better and while I waiting for the converter to drain I did a plug and wire change. Car never ran so good. Looking forward to driving this week. Car has been in storage for the winter, and since there is NO snow in the forcast IT"S MB Time.....

I've been searching for a DIY guide on this without any luck.
Can anyone point me in the right direction? - link if possible...

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/Trans7226Fluid

This is the one I used when I did the change. The Torx head on the converter is a PITA. But if your going to do the fluid change do it all the way. God Luck.....

i just recently changed mine... it was never changed and i was recommended to do so by my mechanic who work for benz and we used like almost 5 quortes special oil for the tranny and there is no DIP stick there to measure so they have the special tool at the dealer

If you used 5 Litres of fluid you did not drain the converter , and yes there is NO dip stick as it is a measuring tool to see what the level of the fliud is at 80 Degrees. If your MB Mechanic did the pan and changed 5 Litres of "Special" fluid he did not change all the tranny fluid. It will take 8 to 8 1/2 litres to do a complete change. My therory is do it right the 1st time .

am gone ask him i would hope he done it

okay he i asked him and he said that my car doesn't have a drain for the converter and my car is a c230 kompressor.. am sure he knows hes been the top mechanic at Benz for 16 years now...

For some reason it keeps "timing out" when I go to that link now. I worked before

Does anyone happen to have another?

nevermind I worked it out...

Maybe a good fluid flush would have put the entire 8.5 liters in, but what the hay if it works good and you like it ................

anybody have any experience with the magnet theory

There are some american produced cars that have been using a magnetic piece on the end of the drain plugs for years. I've seen them on Trannys and oil pans. Seems like a good thought .