Transmission service done, but ........
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Long Island NY
W204 2008 C350
My mechanic who recently did my 722.9 service was telling me when he used to work at a Benz dealer, he went to do the transmission service and began pulling down the pan and whatever else to change the filters (and probably drain the TC), another mechanic came over and stopped him and told him to just drain it out and fill it up, "the filter takes too much time." Unbelievable to hear stuff like that happening at an official Benz dealer. I had mine done properly by him with all 9 quarts for $300
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Supposed to be 2005/2006 with 722.9. Some diesel models with 722.6 continued without TC drain after that & into 204 production. The fact that we have found 2 W204's without would suggest that there will be more.
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From: Wichita, KS
2009 C300 Luxury P1 w/Multimedia, Arctic White
Glyn, i'd be happy to provide my VIN if you are interested. My car was manufactured in SA. I'm not sure if the parts are sourced from different places depending on SA or Germany.
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From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
What comes to mind is that at the factory, the TC is is installed to the "flex plate" before the trans input shaft is slid into the installed TC. This new W204 was selling well for a new model, and I can imagine a MB factory supervisor, in one of the countries, that ran short on the TC with drain and, unofficially took the power to install an identical TC but w/o drain plug, off the shelves.
Glyn, mabe you or someone you recommend, could take the vins from the two guys that have no drain plug, and see if there is anything in common.
Also, is it possible to get a part # off the installed TC, looking in the port? Would that be helpful in any way?
Kevin
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
There is a long string of TC part numbers from early 722.6 to later 722.9 ranging from.
A 210 (W model designation) 250 04 02
to prior to 722.9 Plus A 221 250 16 02
They are interchangeable but all have minor tweaks.
The 722.6 is the 5 speed & had the drain removed from it's TC in 1999 & put back for recent production + new spares have drain.
I unfortunately have no access to the live MB VIN system. I spoke to my service manager originally who is a Benz employee & he said to me that he had never seen a W204 in SA without a TC drain.
I don't know where the P/N is on the TC housing.
A 210 (W model designation) 250 04 02
to prior to 722.9 Plus A 221 250 16 02
They are interchangeable but all have minor tweaks.
The 722.6 is the 5 speed & had the drain removed from it's TC in 1999 & put back for recent production + new spares have drain.
I unfortunately have no access to the live MB VIN system. I spoke to my service manager originally who is a Benz employee & he said to me that he had never seen a W204 in SA without a TC drain.
I don't know where the P/N is on the TC housing.
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From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
Final notes at our Delaware dealer on 5 quart "standard" trans drain:
> The SA told each of us separatly (after work was done) that the TC may or may not have a drain plug. But in this case, no drain plug. But he, being an ex-tech, told me he would not be surprised if a tech never checked for a TC drain plug.
> Long time parts guy, who supplies the tech's with parts, checked TC's for the W204 and ALL had drain plugs with separate # for the plug. His experience was that that shop NEVER changed the TC oil. He also noted that no tech ever asked him for a new TC drain plug, or sealing washer.
My conclusion is that this dealer's service dept, has decided long ago not to drain the TC, which about equals the trans in oil capacity. From other posts, sounds like other dealers have the same, poor practice.
My suggestion for those that are due for a trans oil change, would be to check the 2 WIS proceedures with illustrations, trans drain and TC drain, bring copies to the MB shop, and then witness the search for the drain plug, per step 6.
Links from Glyn:
W204-722.9-automatic_transmission_-_oil_and_filter_change.pdf
W204-drain-transmission's-torque-converter
> The SA told each of us separatly (after work was done) that the TC may or may not have a drain plug. But in this case, no drain plug. But he, being an ex-tech, told me he would not be surprised if a tech never checked for a TC drain plug.
> Long time parts guy, who supplies the tech's with parts, checked TC's for the W204 and ALL had drain plugs with separate # for the plug. His experience was that that shop NEVER changed the TC oil. He also noted that no tech ever asked him for a new TC drain plug, or sealing washer.
My conclusion is that this dealer's service dept, has decided long ago not to drain the TC, which about equals the trans in oil capacity. From other posts, sounds like other dealers have the same, poor practice.
My suggestion for those that are due for a trans oil change, would be to check the 2 WIS proceedures with illustrations, trans drain and TC drain, bring copies to the MB shop, and then witness the search for the drain plug, per step 6.
Links from Glyn:
W204-722.9-automatic_transmission_-_oil_and_filter_change.pdf
W204-drain-transmission's-torque-converter
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: MI
2006 C230; 2012 R350
The only tools I bought specifically for this job were an Assenmacher refilling tool that was $150 (adapter and pump) and a $30 non-contact temp gauge from Harbor Freight. Fluid cost ~$50 and filter, gasket, pan bolts, TC bolt, and drain plug washer were also ~$50. You could probably do without the refilling tool. It's way overpriced for what it it is, but I didn't want to mess around with trying to cobble something together. Even buying the tools though, I still saved over $120 vs. the cheapest quote I got to have it done. I could probably sell the refilling tool and recoup some of that money, but I will keep it to use again.
I took me about 4 hours start to finish, but I wasn't rushing and I took a 45 minute dinner break in the middle. I think it could be done in ~2 hours pretty easily.
My car was a 2006 C230 (W203) with 66K miles and this was the first trans fluid change. I got ~3.5 quarts out of the pan and ~4 quarts out of the TC. I put about 8.5 in to start and about a quart came out before I put the plug back in and buttoned it up. So, ~7.5 quarts out and ~7.5 quarts back in for me.
Sorry for the minor thread drift.
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From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
Junior Member
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From: MI
2006 C230; 2012 R350
The TC drain plug is tiny. If you buy it, you will see just how small it is. I had my 12 yo lay under the car while I turned the crank pulley by hand very slowly and he spotted it pretty easily.
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C63s Cabriolet, BMW M4, Civic
I has mine 2009 Slk55 tranny service done 3 months ago and mine 2009 C350 tranny service done just last week. Thanks to these thread, I went and checked both cars services paper works and it showed only 6 qts. of tranny fuild filled. I called the Mercedes dealer and they said Bla...bla that it does not required to drain the torqued convertor on both cars. Today i called North America Mercedes Customer Services department and they said they will get back to me within 24 hrs. after they investigate about the services. Thank you again for the infos.
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From: MD
'09 C350
Just wanted to provide an update. At first, it does appear to be a bit complicated, but having done it, I have to say that I did not think it was difficult at all. I actually thought it was easier than most of the same jobs I've done on GM transmissions over the years.
The only tools I bought specifically for this job were an Assenmacher refilling tool that was $150 (adapter and pump) and a $30 non-contact temp gauge from Harbor Freight. Fluid cost ~$50 and filter, gasket, pan bolts, TC bolt, and drain plug washer were also ~$50. You could probably do without the refilling tool. It's way overpriced for what it it is, but I didn't want to mess around with trying to cobble something together. Even buying the tools though, I still saved over $120 vs. the cheapest quote I got to have it done. I could probably sell the refilling tool and recoup some of that money, but I will keep it to use again.
I took me about 4 hours start to finish, but I wasn't rushing and I took a 45 minute dinner break in the middle. I think it could be done in ~2 hours pretty easily.
My car was a 2006 C230 (W203) with 66K miles and this was the first trans fluid change. I got ~3.5 quarts out of the pan and ~4 quarts out of the TC. I put about 8.5 in to start and about a quart came out before I put the plug back in and buttoned it up. So, ~7.5 quarts out and ~7.5 quarts back in for me.
Sorry for the minor thread drift.
The only tools I bought specifically for this job were an Assenmacher refilling tool that was $150 (adapter and pump) and a $30 non-contact temp gauge from Harbor Freight. Fluid cost ~$50 and filter, gasket, pan bolts, TC bolt, and drain plug washer were also ~$50. You could probably do without the refilling tool. It's way overpriced for what it it is, but I didn't want to mess around with trying to cobble something together. Even buying the tools though, I still saved over $120 vs. the cheapest quote I got to have it done. I could probably sell the refilling tool and recoup some of that money, but I will keep it to use again.
I took me about 4 hours start to finish, but I wasn't rushing and I took a 45 minute dinner break in the middle. I think it could be done in ~2 hours pretty easily.
My car was a 2006 C230 (W203) with 66K miles and this was the first trans fluid change. I got ~3.5 quarts out of the pan and ~4 quarts out of the TC. I put about 8.5 in to start and about a quart came out before I put the plug back in and buttoned it up. So, ~7.5 quarts out and ~7.5 quarts back in for me.
Sorry for the minor thread drift.
mine is around 43k so i will have to change it soon! ..
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C63s Cabriolet, BMW M4, Civic
Glyn M Ruck,
I got a called to today from North America today wanted to hear my complains. They said that they will verify my VIN# with "EPC" to see which transmission does it has before they can tell me if the transmission services were done right. Is there a way you can verify my car for me with my VIN#? Here's the VIN# WDBWK73F89F205393. Thanks.
I got a called to today from North America today wanted to hear my complains. They said that they will verify my VIN# with "EPC" to see which transmission does it has before they can tell me if the transmission services were done right. Is there a way you can verify my car for me with my VIN#? Here's the VIN# WDBWK73F89F205393. Thanks.
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From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
Originally Posted by Kevins_garage
The TC drain plug is tiny. If you buy it, you will see just how small it is. I had my 12 yo lay under the car while I turned the crank pulley by hand very slowly and he spotted it pretty easily...
.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Kevin - That is the plug on a 722.6 - same plug as on a 722.9. Might be casting differences on the bell housing on your car where the access plugs fit.
Here is a rebuilt 722.9 converter. Sorry ~ could not find a pic of a new one. Some converters have small radial bumps just above the seam ~ some don't ~ see plug.
I will do my best to take some 722.9 pics at the dealer. My car only has 15K on it so won't be under that for a while.
Here is a rebuilt 722.9 converter. Sorry ~ could not find a pic of a new one. Some converters have small radial bumps just above the seam ~ some don't ~ see plug.
I will do my best to take some 722.9 pics at the dealer. My car only has 15K on it so won't be under that for a while.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Aug 18, 2012 at 06:01 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2008
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c350 (soon)
Good news all. I'm typing this from the dealership. Just had my car put up on a lift, printouts in hand and the service manager tried telling me that the pictures are of a different trans. They start cranking it, and about 1/4 to 1/3 around, boom...there it was. They are going to drain everything and refill it again
I'm curious if I should go ask to see it draining. I think I might. I have a pic which I'll upload later on.
Thanks to all for the help. I really appreciate it.
I'm curious if I should go ask to see it draining. I think I might. I have a pic which I'll upload later on.
Thanks to all for the help. I really appreciate it.
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Good news all. I'm typing this from the dealership. Just had my car put up on a lift, printouts in hand and the service manager tried telling me that the pictures are of a different trans. They start cranking it, and about 1/4 to 1/3 around, boom...there it was. They are going to drain everything and refill it again
I'm curious if I should go ask to see it draining. I think I might. I have a pic which I'll upload later on.
Thanks to all for the help. I really appreciate it.
I'm curious if I should go ask to see it draining. I think I might. I have a pic which I'll upload later on.
Thanks to all for the help. I really appreciate it.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Good news all. I'm typing this from the dealership. Just had my car put up on a lift, printouts in hand and the service manager tried telling me that the pictures are of a different trans. They start cranking it, and about 1/4 to 1/3 around, boom...there it was. They are going to drain everything and refill it again
I'm curious if I should go ask to see it draining. I think I might. I have a pic which I'll upload later on.
Thanks to all for the help. I really appreciate it.
I'm curious if I should go ask to see it draining. I think I might. I have a pic which I'll upload later on.
Thanks to all for the help. I really appreciate it.
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From: Westmont, IL
2014 C63 Sedan
Went in today to schedule my service for tomorrow! Talked to advisor and of course he said they won't do TQ flush cause they have to take out the trans for that! Another thing he said they will flush out the trans and add in 9 quarts? Isn't it 5 for the trans? My appointment is tmr morning, do I show him this thread and let him know that the TQ has a plug?
Last edited by tasho3; Aug 22, 2012 at 12:21 PM.
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From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
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From: Westmont, IL
2014 C63 Sedan
Another thing; he said service B is $550 but they have a special for $485, does this sound right? I remember when I took in our C63 couple years ago for service B they charged me the same price?
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From: Westmont, IL
2014 C63 Sedan
Jesus Christ I called 4 MB dealers around me and they all told me a different story! One told me that the trans flush is not included in Service B. Trans flush is separate for $395 and TC is also separate at $225. Another Dealer told me what I need to do is front and rear diff service done and trans only no TC! WTF!!!!
