Trans flush $400 ?
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From: oregon
2011 C300
Trans flush $400 ?
..I was told by a Mercedes tech at one of the dealerships to have the trans flushed well before the recommended 100k interval. One dealer quoted $400, another dealer would'nt quote, because it "doesnt need to be done" yet.. Anyone here pay for a trans flush lately?
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From: NYC
BLACK 05 C230SS
I just wanted to let you know that Jiffy Lube does this as well. They have a machine that cycles it thru. I know Jiffy Lube doesn't have a good reputation but I take my Jeep there to do the fluid changes and never had a problem.
I don't take my MB there because I do my own maintenance but they do have the trans flush and oil flush and it doesn't cost $400. I think it costs like $200 for trans flush. $100 for oil flush.
I don't take my MB there because I do my own maintenance but they do have the trans flush and oil flush and it doesn't cost $400. I think it costs like $200 for trans flush. $100 for oil flush.
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Pop goes the can of worms again....
1. 100K recommended interval? Where did that number come from? What does your owners manual say? It says....the fluid is good for life unless abused or used commercially. The only valid/proven reason I've heard to change it is it makes you feel better.
2. Jiffy lube? I've read about the machine/process that connects in line with the trans cooler hose but you need to drop the MB trans pan anyway to replace the filter so why do the in line?
3. If you do change it....make sure you use the correct fluid.
2. Jiffy lube? I've read about the machine/process that connects in line with the trans cooler hose but you need to drop the MB trans pan anyway to replace the filter so why do the in line?
3. If you do change it....make sure you use the correct fluid.
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
My independent MB dealer flushed and replaced the tranny fluid on our ML430 for $250. The tranny shifted MUCH better after it, like brand new again. Nice and smooth shifts.
The transmissions use synthetic ATF, it's about $9-$11 / quart.
MB says "lifetime" fluid but the fluid that came out of the ML was pretty much black and shavings...good to do for piece of mind and longevity of the transmission. Some agree and some don't
The transmissions use synthetic ATF, it's about $9-$11 / quart.
MB says "lifetime" fluid but the fluid that came out of the ML was pretty much black and shavings...good to do for piece of mind and longevity of the transmission. Some agree and some don't
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Originally Posted by Buellwinkle
How many miles on the ML before the tranny flush?
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Of course bm would say it's good forever.. or at least good for as long as the warranty is! 
Synthetic fluids do last a long time but it surely doesn't last forever. I'd definitely change it by 50,000 miles if not sooner. If you're past 25K and haven't ever checked it I suggest doing that and seeing how it looks. If it's burnt looking swap it out.
Synthetic fluids do last a long time but it surely doesn't last forever. I'd definitely change it by 50,000 miles if not sooner. If you're past 25K and haven't ever checked it I suggest doing that and seeing how it looks. If it's burnt looking swap it out.
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From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
Originally Posted by mleskovar
2. Jiffy lube? I've read about the machine/process that connects in line with the trans cooler hose but you need to drop the MB trans pan anyway to replace the filter so why do the in line?
The manual for my car suggests that changing the fluid is not required until 143,000 miles, along with the engine coolant. Seems long to me, but so is German opera.
The only part of the drive line I see that needs service earlier is the guibo, which they say to inspect every 52,000 miles.
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Originally Posted by Kompressor4u2nv
Wouldn't you need a new transmission around 100k miles anyways?
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From: oregon
2011 C300
Originally Posted by GDawgC220
MB says "lifetime" fluid but the fluid that came out of the ML was pretty much black and shavings...good to do for piece of mind and longevity of the transmission. Some agree and some don't
These days the gimmick is to sell the customer on "maintenence free for as long as possible". General motors has 150k mile coolant, or 5 years. I have seen several cases where the coolant gells and ruins the radiator befor 100K.
My father in law is a tech for cadillac and says the coolant also turns acidic, eating intake gaskets, and head gaskets. I expect the bet is that the vehicle will change owners once or twice by the time its first service is "due".
..On a good note, the mb tech stated that the trans is very strong as long as it's service, the radiator doesnt leak coolant into the trans cooler portion, and the glitchy electronics have been replaced, not just reprogrammed.(trans control module)
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Originally Posted by JDM
[dont believe everything you read.
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From: oregon
2011 C300
Originally Posted by mleskovar
Another round of "I know better than the engineers who designed it what the requirements are because (choose one) A MB mechanic said so - It happened to my neighbor - It's a lie by the manufacturer to sell more cars - It's common knowledge fluid can't last that long - You can tell by the color and smell of the fluid - I did it an now my transmission doesn't slip anymore (like it revitalized worn clutch packs) - It's cheap insurance - etc." I'm not just trying to be contrary but all of the reasons are without merit. If you truly abuse your car with jackrabbit starts, constant high-torque shifting, constant stop and go driving, or heavy loads then it may help. Those should be the first questions, not how many miles.
So long as his professional opinion is based on what he actually sees on a mechanical level, what he says has merit.
Clogged radiators, and sludge for coolant prooves that the engineers, or someone, missed the boat on 150k mile coolant. The engineer is'nt fixing the car, the mechanics are.
I appreciate your input, and also you others.
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by mleskovar
Another round of "I know better than the engineers who designed it what the requirements are because (choose one) A MB mechanic said so - It happened to my neighbor - It's a lie by the manufacturer to sell more cars - It's common knowledge fluid can't last that long - You can tell by the color and smell of the fluid - I did it an now my transmission doesn't slip anymore (like it revitalized worn clutch packs) - It's cheap insurance - etc." I'm not just trying to be contrary but all of the reasons are without merit. If you truly abuse your car with jackrabbit starts, constant high-torque shifting, constant stop and go driving, or heavy loads then it may help. Those should be the first questions, not how many miles.
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From: orange county, ca
2006 E55
Originally Posted by Moviela
Shop charged $ 139 for the flush, and the total bill with fluid, filter, and adjustments was $ 189.
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Originally Posted by C43AMG
Question : Do you base your oil changes upon this same thinking ?
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From: oregon
2011 C300
Originally Posted by mleskovar
Yes, I follow the FSS recommendations. So do most people driving under normal conditions. Same with the transmission fluid. The point I'm trying to make is it's a non specified maintenance interval that people attach some mileage to that is not based in reality. Do a search and look at how varied the "recommended" miles are on this forum alone. They're all over the place. Would you pull apart and lube or replace a perfectly functioning sealed ball bearing? Engineering, materials, and lubrication have come a long way since the automobile was first invented but it seems that people just don't want to trust the engineers. Why should I care? You are wasting natural resources. Why should you care? All car companies will tell you many problems are directly caused from doing unneccessary maintenance....and you are wasting money.
..I see your reasoning, and I agree that somtimes maintenence can be carried too far, but in some cases, the guideline is not enough. And thats what I am concerned about. A technician tells me that lack of maintenence on a specific component is causing problems and later could lead to malfuntion or failure, it's fair to make some adjustments. And in some cases, a must. Like dex-cool coolant for example, or oil changes on chrysler 300m's, or northstar sparkplugs before 100k to prevent electrolisis and welding to the cylinder head. And if engineers were 100%, thered be no such thing as a recall.
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From: oregon
2011 C300
$400 trans flush update.
....Advisor at my local dealer mis quoted, manager re-quoted, $238.00, and also recommend that it be done 60-70 k, regardless of what the manual says. A tech that has been with MB agreed with this, and also recommended fuel filter be done around then also. "I'd service the trans early, unless you want to buy one"quote. This is the second technician, second dealership to warn me of this.
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From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally Posted by mleskovar
Another round of "I know better than the engineers who designed it what the requirements are because .
How something behaves in the real world is often times different, sometimes vastly, than it did in the testing enviroment.
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Originally Posted by Outland
Don't be stupid. An engineer takes his best guess, and often times its more than just the facts that go into his or her decision. And to think that the engineers are infalible is downright foolish.
