Learning all as illustrated in owners....
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 38
Likes: 5
From: Norwich, Ct.
C320 wagon 325XI wagon
Learning all as illustrated in owners....
I set off my new to me C320 wagon's burglar alarm..inadvertently....Didn't know it could be active...My current daily drive is a BMW ..it has also an elaborate alarm system like MB...but if not activated from the BMW dealer upon the first owner purchase...the alarm system remains moot for ever to anyone forever! So MB does activate..for all buyers from the start...Hmmn...Point of question....Two questions actually...I must check the ATF fluid...I have strong doubt the previous owner performed proper sequence for this procedure. MB and BMW and I'd guess many more car MFG companies since the early 1990's ...warn about automatic transmission service..stating transmissions are "LIFE TIME" and NEVER need fluid-filter service.....ever!..............In 2003, an American company doing tests of automatic transmission filters discovered that new materials used to filter contaminates inside automatic transmission used from 1997 to 2007...failed. General Motors supplied 5 speed automatic transmissions...2000-2006...GM-5L40E...BMW 3-5 series WAGONS only.. also BMW X3 X5...Range Rover, Cadillac.. The failure rate is really high after 100k to 120k...BMW sedans received German made ZF 5 speed automatic transmissions that ALMOST never fail but in all BMW wagons, X3 X5 SUV using GM-5L40 E...do fail...70%....Back to my c320.. I have strong doubt about the previous owners claim for a transmission flush. Brake system needs flushing too.....I want to set all correct..I'm 65 years old...I want this car correct....Has anyone here a directive for proper ATF and filter change procedure?
Last edited by Saltshaker1; Feb 26, 2019 at 06:56 PM. Reason: misspelling
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,266
Likes: 170
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
What year is the vehicle? Assuming it's a 5 speed here's everything...
Well you can read my rather extensive thread here....
And lots more here in the all inclusive DIY sticky....
which I just discovered links to my thread....cool.
And as far as checking the fluid and replacing it, here's THE kit that includes everything...
OEM Mercedes 722.6 5 Speed Transmission Service Kit COMPLETE w Dipstick DELUXE!
And here a list of the best deals on fluid for the 5 speed and 7 speed up till around 2010.
You don't need the Mercedes branded stuff, Shell ATF134 is approved by Mercedes and in
all likelihood mfg's the stuff for Mercedes.
Well you can read my rather extensive thread here....
And lots more here in the all inclusive DIY sticky....
which I just discovered links to my thread....cool.
And as far as checking the fluid and replacing it, here's THE kit that includes everything...
OEM Mercedes 722.6 5 Speed Transmission Service Kit COMPLETE w Dipstick DELUXE!
And here a list of the best deals on fluid for the 5 speed and 7 speed up till around 2010.
You don't need the Mercedes branded stuff, Shell ATF134 is approved by Mercedes and in
all likelihood mfg's the stuff for Mercedes.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Feb 27, 2019 at 04:36 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 38
Likes: 5
From: Norwich, Ct.
C320 wagon 325XI wagon
I really do thank you..really...I have my head up now...what I have to know.... Today.......2002 automatic transmission service 'recommended today' at 116K...for the C320 wagon?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,266
Likes: 170
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Sure, I did my 1st fluid replacement at 120K. (at 245K now)
Started getting really bad shifting. New fluid and filter fixed it.
Yes, in 2002 they said right in the owners manual " sealed for life" which is total BS.
Should be every 60K or so.
I'd go with a full flush as described in the thread.
You''ll need 12 quarts of fluid.
See attached service schedule
which of course does not mention
the transmission, but which is now acknowledged
as a needed maint. item.
Started getting really bad shifting. New fluid and filter fixed it.
Yes, in 2002 they said right in the owners manual " sealed for life" which is total BS.
Should be every 60K or so.
I'd go with a full flush as described in the thread.
You''ll need 12 quarts of fluid.
See attached service schedule
which of course does not mention
the transmission, but which is now acknowledged
as a needed maint. item.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Feb 28, 2019 at 02:32 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 38
Likes: 5
From: Norwich, Ct.
C320 wagon 325XI wagon
Yes,"lifetime" is BS...I should have done that with my E46 wagon 9 years ago or I wouldn't have come back to MB again!.I really do not know what auto-5 speed is in the 2002 S203 (wagon)...that is the W203 a variant the cars. French built...GM 5L40E five speed autos were used in BMW ..in wagons only between 2000-2006 including X3 suv, Cadillac, and Land Rover. THE reliable GERMAN ZF ..Hurth.. auto transmissions were only used in BMW sedans..never wagons during 1999-2007.........What did MB use in my 02 C320...(not W) but..'S'203..wagon? Said to be very rare in production...What 5 speed automatic is utilized in my S203?
Last edited by Saltshaker1; Mar 3, 2019 at 02:46 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 38
Likes: 5
From: Norwich, Ct.
C320 wagon 325XI wagon
The car in question is a 2002 C320 wagon. The total accumulated mileage is 116.3 k....to date. The previous owner, a doctor in NYC, used the car little in the first 10 years....it was his 'beach wagon' to the Hamptons...(I am told) and go-for-car for Christmas trees..etc...His kids used the car while they were going to collage. There is no CAR FAX..Car...and no MB history that I am aware of...I took a chance...at 116k! So NOW...what should I be aware of with this one? I am previous owner to Mercedes from 1984. I have owned and driven W123..W124..W126..R107..was frequent on Mercedeshop.com back in 2001 to 2008...
Last edited by Saltshaker1; Mar 9, 2019 at 04:32 PM.
