C240 transmission fluid change after 250k
 

So, I inherited a 2003 c240 wagon with 249k on it. My step father has done all the maintenance since he got the car with 65k miles on it. The car runs well, but I'm about to drive from southern Oregon to Fairbanks, AK, so I'm trying to prepare the car. I took it to a reputable import shop, and they recommended a trans flush. Unfortunately he's followed mbusa guidelines, and has NEVER changed the tranny fluid. I'm curious as to whether I should 1. Do a full flush, 2. Just change the filter and fluid that's in the pan, or 3. just leave it alone due to the fact that it's never been changed. There's a few posts on this topic, but none about this high of mileage. Any suggestions will be extremely appreciated, as I obviously don't want a catastrophic failure during my 4k mile trip through the middle of nowhere. Thanks guys.

A fluid change would be best. No need to do a pressurized flush as they say that may clog some passages.

A slightly more lazy way of doing this would be to drain the pan and filter a few times (2-4x).

In any case, leaving it alone would be a bad idea. The fluid definitely goes bad over time. I remember the drained fluid being brown/green instead of red. :eek:

Thanks slammer! That's what I was thinking as well. I even got two new filters so I have a fresh one after all the drains.

Update! Drained the fluid, dropped the pan, changed the filter, and refilled. Drove for 5 miles, then changed the fluid again, drove, and changed the fluid a third time. I also reset the trans electronics and she's driving like new. I'm gonna drive for a week and then change the filter again. Just want everyone to know, sealed for life is complete bs. There was Amber fluid in there, and it was totally degraded. Change your trans fluid. NOW!

After how many miles need to change the transmission fluid? and except engine oil, breaking oil, coolant， what else need we change?

I have a 2003 C240 and I am having difficulty finding the part number online. Manual states Part #001 989 21 03 10. I am only finding Febi fluid under that P/N. When looking at FCP Euro, their automatic transmission fluid P/N 001 989 68 03 15 shows that it is not compatible with the 2003 C240 but in the description it shows "This is a fully synthetic fluid that meets Mercedes-Benz fluid specifications 236.10, 236.12, & 236.14. This means it is fully compatible with all 722.6 Automatic transmissions. 722.9 transmissions installed on vehicles with production date prior 6-2010 can also use this fluid" Would anyone have any insight into this so I can ensure I am refilling with proper fluid?

If in doubt, call the dealer.

Sometimes the aftermarket sites do mess up similar PNs.

I bought some OEM transmission fluid a few months ago. The PN on the bottles is 000-989-26-04-11, and meets spec MB 236.14. This is for the 722.6 5-speed, which applies to your car.

thanks for the recommendation. I spoke to 2 different dealers one gave me the part number being 001-989-6803-15 and the other dealer told me the part number is 001-989-6803-18. The manual states it should be P/N 001 989 21 03 10. The first dealer told me to buy it only through the dealer because it can cause harm to the transmission if incorrect fluid is used. The 2nd dealer told me that the vendors change which correspond to a different P/N. :confused:

Your manual would be listing the fluid that was correct at the time, which I imagine is the older MB 236.10 spec fluid.

The transmission fluid spec for our cars was updated twice. First to 236.12, then 236.14 (current).

There are aftermarket fluids out there that do meet 236.14. Can't remember all of them off the top of my head, but Fuchs Titan 4134 is one of them, as an example. In my area the Fuchs is available, but the dealer fluid was actually slightly cheaper, which is why I went that route. Nothing wrong with non MB aftermarket fluids or parts, if they meet the MB specs (this is key). In any case, check the label on the bottles.

Sometimes MB will have a pile of different PNs for a given product for a car (another easy example is brake pads - total nightmare :eek:) I'm sure the PNs you obtained from the dealers will be equally valid, if they searched using your VIN.

Thanks, I ended up purchasing from FCP Euro as it was slightly cheaper than purchasing at the dealer. It shows that it meets Mercedes-Benz fluid specifications 236.10, 236.12, & 236.14. I haven't changed the fluid in a good amount of time since it doesn't get driven as much and the fluid I purchased at that time did have the original P/N listed in our manual.

BTW- you can flush at radiator at cooler connection, start and stop 2 quarts out, 2 quarts in.
Total of about 12 quarts.
I've done it twice plus several normal services including recently at 252k miles, leaking gasket.
Wrote a thread 1st time many years ago here
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ispreloading=1
Now I use torque wrench and only a little at a time, moving around the pan.
Id think twice before driving a 20 year old benz to Alaska with that many miles.
I am constantly fixing stuff on mine at this point in its life, most recently ESM,
starter, alternator, supercharger, belts, tensioner and pullies. Tires, front brakes, MAF, coilpacks, spark plugs, shock bushings, repace front bearings, ac recharge so windows don't fog. All in last 10k miles. 200k fuel pump and water pump died.
Never seem to go more than a thousand or so miles without needing something.
I had a spare ESM from picknpull, otherwise its $700 part that will leave you stranded somewhere
where no one has a clue about Mercedes, like Oregon and Alaska. Every single part would need to be ordered at great expense/ lead time and requires
specialized knowledge and tools. Almost no off the shelf fluids at local stores are compatible.
Rent a car maybe for that trip.