glenrhoades

My 2002 C240 has 150,000 miles on it. I bought it a couple years ago with 125K miles. I called the dealer to get a price on a transmission fluid change and they said I have "lifetime" fluid and they would not change the fluid unless there was a problem and they had to open the transmission.

What is the deal with this? It seems ridiculous to not change the fluid after so many miles.

Also, I have an extended warranty that I bought with the car. I can't imagine the warranty company would agree with not changing the fluid.

Glyn M Ruck

Dealer is an idiot. Fluid and filter should be changed every 39K miles or 60K Km's with approved fluid meeting 236.14.

You will require a full flush. Method in 2 parts in the W203 Wiki.

glenrhoades

I agree. However, so is my warranty company. They said that since MB says fluid is lifetime, I will void my warranty if I have it changed. That makes absolutely no sense.

Glyn M Ruck

You will not void any warranty. You are being responsible. ROW has always had the above drain intervals. Only NA went this stupid filled for life route for a while & it cost them. There is no such thing as a lifetime fluid. The stuff is ready for change at these intervals. Benz Stuttgart has never claimed filled for life. It was a dumb US decision that has lead to many failures.

MJ50

don't go to dealer once u r out of warranty...
just find MB mechanic shop and pay less...

glenrhoades

I spoke to a lady from the warranty company today and she specifically said that if the owners manual says "permanent fill" or "Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required" (which it does on page 322), then I void the warranty by doing otherwise.

What can I show them to change their mind?

VVF

Just have an indy change the fluid & filter with genuine MB parts.
Then replace the red cap on the tranny dipstick tube and who's gonna know you flushed it.

glenrhoades

Taking it to an indy on Friday. They are going to check out a problem I have once every month or so -- stop at stop sign and when you go to take off the car is in neutral (or seems to be). Put it in park and back in drive and it goes right back in gear.

If it is a tranny problem, I will use the warranty and have it fixed. If it is a fluid issue, I will do as mentioned above -- change fluid with MB parts and move on.

Glyn M Ruck

Good plan. These warranty companies only use their technical staff to refute claims & not prevent them.

BigN8

I agree just have the fluid flushed and changed. Don't tell the warranty company anything. Like Glyn said the only thing those extended warranty companies do is deny claims.