Pete7874

So, according to our 2008 maintenance booklet, there is only one ATF change scheduled at 39K miles, and after that it appears to be lifetime (whatever that means, LOL). But starting with 2009 maintenance booklet, ATF change is running on an on-going 40K mile schedule.

So, why is the 2008 the odd ball out? Did MBUSA back-spec the maintenance and requires ATF changes every 40K on the 2008 models as well?

Thanks!

tanktube67

They thought one service was enough; my SA recommends every 42K

mac911

Pete7874 -

Yes, the first year of the 7G Tronic or so they actually recommended no changes EVER. They found out that wouldn't work so well.

They then added the one change at 39,000 miles. Now it's every 40,000 miles.

Honestly, I'd go with the more regular fluid change too. EVERY 39-40k.

In fact, I had mine done this summer at 35,000 miles. I figured doing it with 15 percent fewer miles than spec would only be beneficial, not harmful. I thought for the first change a bit early was even better.

The 2008 book and computer also lets you go 13,000 miles on the engine oil, but that is down to 10,000 now. I think 10,000 makes more sense too.


It could be in my head, but I thought I could "feel," a difference in the car after the transmission service this summer. Even smoother shifting and a bit more willing to go, again, could be in my head, but better a mental improvement than a negative. The real benefit is getting the old fluid out I suppose for longevity.

A great member of our forums also suggested that when you get the new fluid, you have fresh active additives that makes everything nice and slippery again. Over time, the fluid might become a bit less slippery (my term) as the additives that help with this are depleted.

Pete7874

Thanks guys. The car is at around 37-38K miles right now. It'll be going for service in about a month or so, and I'll have them do the trans fluid change at that time as well. I can't believe the regular price for this trans fluid change is $600. I've seen service coupons for about $420, but that still sounds like a ripoff. And supposedly only the dealer has the right tools to do this ATF change properly - is that right?

Sportstick

Normal price at our MB dealer last week on our 2008 E350 for trans fluid replacement was $299.70. At the three year, 39,000 point, the 4MATIC is also drained/refilled and that added $220.70. Does your estimate perhaps include both?

Pete7874

Hmm... good question. I haven't actually called my local dealer yet. I found this coupon for $419 for a trans service from another dealer. It did not mention anything about the additional fluid change related to the AWD system:

http://www.montereymercedes.com/specials/service.htm

But I'm looking through the maintenance booklets for both 2008 and 2009 models and I do not see a recommendation for transfer case fluid change anywhere at any point in the car's life.

JimPap

Pete,

I think the transfer case draining was added to the just having the transmission fluid removed and replaced. You'd think MB would have gotten that right earlier on.

Pete7874

I'm looking at the 2011 maintenance booklet right now. I still don't see anything about the transfer case needing service in C-class.

Sportstick

You are correct. Note my comment referred to our E350, and in rechecking my book, it does show the t-case refill is called for on the E, but not the C. However, the SA may not have quoted it that way, so it's probably worth re-asking, as just the trans should be about $300.

Pete7874

OK, thanks. I found a local dealer that does in fact charge $300 for this trans service. The transfer case (front/rear) is another $290.

RLE

Be sure this includes draining the torque converter. The seven speed's TC has a drain plug, unlike the previous 5-speed.

Pete7874

Can this trans service be done at an indy shop? I've heard some people say that only the dealer has the proper tools to do this job, but I haven't been able to find the exact details. Shouldn't an indy shop be able to purchase the proper tools as well?

AkaSigFreak

I was just quoted $499 for the transmission service. The other local dealer was within $40. They did offer me a coupon for 14% off (???).

sudhanshu3

Is there also a time limit to the tranny service, like 39K miles / x years??
I have a 08 with 28 K miles but it's been 3 years.

AkaSigFreak

I was past 3 years and the dealer never mentioned it. It wasn't until I hit 39K that they started pushing it.

ChrisBrown

The transfer case does have to be done. I've had mine done twice now.

Your main service should include the torque converter as well.

itsLoonie

My car has a little over 42k and I will most definitely have this service done tomorrow. I have this coupon for $365 for a transmission fluid & filter change from my dealers website. How much does a transfer case usually run for those of you who are in Cali and should I just do it now along with the transmission?

Glyn M Ruck

Change every 39K miles or 60K Kilometres as in ROW.

justaguy

Do I hear the word "ripoff"?!
What's next , $750 engine flush? Maybe every 50,000 miles ?

Glyn M Ruck

The 722.9 transmission is a very expensive component. We have looked at many used fluid samples & it needs changing every 39K along with the filter if you want long transmission life. Not changing will result in a premature failure. I know in the US cars are throwaway items. In ROW we expect a Benz to last a long time & it will if maintained.

Engine flushing is quite another matter. Never necessary with proper maintenance.

justaguy

We agree that the trans is an expensive component...one of many on a car.
We agree that proper maintenance prolongs the life of expensive components.
I guess I didn't get my point across.
I was pointing out the outrageous price of maintenance on a poorly built or engineered component that needs more maintenance that was needed on transmissions built years ago or currently built by other car companies.
So the trans needs service at 40K but not at 20 or 30?I'm gratefull to the manufacturers.................
Why not take the dipstick out of the motor and charge $400 for an oil change ...... at that point you would also have to say that changning the oil and filter would be a good idea because the motor oil gets dirty , loses it's lubricating qualities and changing the oil would prolong the life of the motor.....why not add that you would have to change the motor oil every 2000 miles or it could effect your warranty?

justaguy

they don't have to "push it" on most of the customers that drive these cars.
the customers just whip out the credit card,not wanting to look cheap
or to even to ask questions about a $400 to $500 service.
actually if I was loaded I would do the same hehehe

justaguy

I'm glad your $400 to $500 trans service { not flush} makes you feel better.
I can't afford such feelings { or too cheap }

But I do change my motor oil and filter twice a year { I do about 12k a year}.It costs me less than $50 {I do it myself} and I also get that good feeling ... hehehe

Glyn M Ruck

Nothing wrong with the engineering of the tranny. Serviced properly it will outlast most. Just that a 7 speed does a hell of a lot more changes than a 3 speed hydraulically actuated slush box as an example.

DIY servicing is not that difficult & the latest Shell 236.14 approved fluid is just over 5 bucks a quart.

If you want to get pissed then aim that at ripp-off stealers & MBUSA being dumb with their BS filled for life claim.

Carsy

Last week I visited the local MB mechanic & he printed out a maintenance schedule for me. Surprisingly MB has reduced the time/Km to 3 years /50,000 km for the 5 speed box.

Just to let you Yanks know how well off you are with your $5 a quart price. Here, I was quoted $18.75 per litre ( quart) for Fuchs. It would be cheaper to pay the $150 freight for the 12 quarts @ 5 bucks each in the US than buy it here.

Mobil & Shell do not distribute this AFT here.