722.9 G Tronic Plus servicing and long term
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 5
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C300 4matic
722.9 G Tronic Plus servicing and long term
Hi all,
I'm driving a 2013 C300 4matic and through digging the plethora of posts regarding the transmission and the transfer case, I'm a bit confused with servicing for the PLUS edition.
The owners manual indicates that it can wait up to 120,000km or 7 years before servicing the transmission. The following years in 2014 and on received an adjustment to the service interval of 120,000km or 6 years. Vastly different than the previous service requirements in the 722.9 G Tronic of 60,000km or 4 years.
Browsing through the forum has also indicated that I should service it at 60,000km regardless as a precaution. Does that consist of just an oil change? or a flush? Would the service also take into account of swapping the fluids inside the transfer case? Other threads have reported that the dealerships have been inconsistent in the volume of oil used ranging from 5-9? quartz.
I'm looking to keep the vehicle past its warranty and would like to consider all the options including the extended warranty which is expected to be nearly $3,000 for 3 years in Canada.
TLDR; Too much information with the 722.9, not sure if applicable to 722.9 PLUS and course of action.
I'm driving a 2013 C300 4matic and through digging the plethora of posts regarding the transmission and the transfer case, I'm a bit confused with servicing for the PLUS edition.
The owners manual indicates that it can wait up to 120,000km or 7 years before servicing the transmission. The following years in 2014 and on received an adjustment to the service interval of 120,000km or 6 years. Vastly different than the previous service requirements in the 722.9 G Tronic of 60,000km or 4 years.
Browsing through the forum has also indicated that I should service it at 60,000km regardless as a precaution. Does that consist of just an oil change? or a flush? Would the service also take into account of swapping the fluids inside the transfer case? Other threads have reported that the dealerships have been inconsistent in the volume of oil used ranging from 5-9? quartz.
I'm looking to keep the vehicle past its warranty and would like to consider all the options including the extended warranty which is expected to be nearly $3,000 for 3 years in Canada.
TLDR; Too much information with the 722.9, not sure if applicable to 722.9 PLUS and course of action.
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 156
Likes: 6
From: Pennsylvania, USA
2014 C300 Luxury
I don't see a reason to service it early. I also have the plus variation in my 2014 C300 and read a lot on this topic. The general consensus is that Merecedes was always accurate in their service guidelines (as they should be) but that people often missed it. Missing it was a grave mistake.
So I'd say service it on time and you should be fine.
I also have the CPO extended warranty without a mileage limitation to if this proves to be a problem I am covered.
But the transmission flush isn't cheap so no need to waste money... There aren't yet reports of failures on the new plus transmission which includes some obvious adjustments.
So I'd say service it on time and you should be fine.
I also have the CPO extended warranty without a mileage limitation to if this proves to be a problem I am covered.
But the transmission flush isn't cheap so no need to waste money... There aren't yet reports of failures on the new plus transmission which includes some obvious adjustments.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 5
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C300 4matic
I only suggest the idea of servicing the transmission earlier through a recommendation from Glyn's post 2 years ago.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...onic-plus.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...onic-plus.html
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
We are starting to see fluid samples at 120,000 Km interval. Some good & some not so good. If I owned a 722.9 Plus I would shorten the drain interval until we have a better idea of fluid longevity. It is an expensive transmission to replace! So much is dependent on service the vehicle is in. Town vs open road, towing, heavily loaded, driving style etc. The fluid bench tests well at 120,000 Kms but reality can be quite different.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Apr 26, 2016 at 10:18 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2015
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2013 C250 Sport
We are starting to see fluid samples at 120,000 Km interval. Some good & some not so good. If I owned a 722.9 Plus I would shorten the drain interval until we have a better idea of fluid longevity. It is an expensive transmission to replace! So much is dependent on service the vehicle is in. Town vs open road, towing, heavily loaded, driving style etc. The fluid bench tests well at 120,000 Kms but reality can be quite different.
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 156
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From: Pennsylvania, USA
2014 C300 Luxury
We are starting to see fluid samples at 120,000 Km interval. Some good & some not so good. If I owned a 722.9 Plus I would shorten the drain interval until we have a better idea of fluid longevity. It is an expensive transmission to replace! So much is dependent on service the vehicle is in. Town vs open road, towing, heavily loaded, driving style etc. The fluid bench tests well at 120,000 Kms but reality can be quite different.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: London ON Canada
2012 C300 4Matic Sport Sedan
would you wait 20,000km to do an oil change as recommend by Mercedes? Or would you do it between 10-15,000km?
I personally am doing it every 10-15,000km.
I'm going to go about 10,000km early to my next transmission fluid change. For peace of mind and I want to keep the car for a long time, so if they notice any issues I can plan a head.
I personally am doing it every 10-15,000km.
I'm going to go about 10,000km early to my next transmission fluid change. For peace of mind and I want to keep the car for a long time, so if they notice any issues I can plan a head.
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Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 156
Likes: 6
From: Pennsylvania, USA
2014 C300 Luxury
would you wait 20,000km to do an oil change as recommend by Mercedes? Or would you do it between 10-15,000km?
I personally am doing it every 10-15,000km.
I'm going to go about 10,000km early to my next transmission fluid change. For peace of mind and I want to keep the car for a long time, so if they notice any issues I can plan a head.
I personally am doing it every 10-15,000km.
I'm going to go about 10,000km early to my next transmission fluid change. For peace of mind and I want to keep the car for a long time, so if they notice any issues I can plan a head.
But, the information shared should be a bit more than "feelings". The transmission service seems to be a major mess on these forums. Just take a look at the threads on it...
If you're using the 7G (2008-2012 C300/W204) then the overwhelming message is to do the transmission service @ 39K miles as stated in the service manual and not a mile late. Now for the 7G+ (2013-2014 C300/W204) everyone is saying to ignore the service manual and to still do 39K miles as was the previous guidance... What is missing is the rationale here...
For the 7G the service manual is golden, but for the 7G+ it isn't? Why not? Why was Mercedes right before and wrong now? Especially since no one here with transmission failure seems to be running the newer 7G+ transmission...
I have no qualms with anyone doing service early, even every mile if they want to, but I think guidance given as gospel to users that goes against the information from Mercedes should have more underpinning it than just "I feel this should be right".
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Joined: Apr 2015
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From: London ON Canada
2012 C300 4Matic Sport Sedan
Everyone has their own "feelings" about when they should do maintenance on their cars. Some, like you, see some level of early maintenance similarly to buying insurance or an extended warranty. Nothing wrong with that...
But, the information shared should be a bit more than "feelings". The transmission service seems to be a major mess on these forums. Just take a look at the threads on it...
If you're using the 7G (2008-2012 C300/W204) then the overwhelming message is to do the transmission service @ 39K miles as stated in the service manual and not a mile late. Now for the 7G+ (2013-2014 C300/W204) everyone is saying to ignore the service manual and to still do 39K miles as was the previous guidance... What is missing is the rationale here...
For the 7G the service manual is golden, but for the 7G+ it isn't? Why not? Why was Mercedes right before and wrong now? Especially since no one here with transmission failure seems to be running the newer 7G+ transmission...
I have no qualms with anyone doing service early, even every mile if they want to, but I think guidance given as gospel to users that goes against the information from Mercedes should have more underpinning it than just "I feel this should be right".
But, the information shared should be a bit more than "feelings". The transmission service seems to be a major mess on these forums. Just take a look at the threads on it...
If you're using the 7G (2008-2012 C300/W204) then the overwhelming message is to do the transmission service @ 39K miles as stated in the service manual and not a mile late. Now for the 7G+ (2013-2014 C300/W204) everyone is saying to ignore the service manual and to still do 39K miles as was the previous guidance... What is missing is the rationale here...
For the 7G the service manual is golden, but for the 7G+ it isn't? Why not? Why was Mercedes right before and wrong now? Especially since no one here with transmission failure seems to be running the newer 7G+ transmission...
I have no qualms with anyone doing service early, even every mile if they want to, but I think guidance given as gospel to users that goes against the information from Mercedes should have more underpinning it than just "I feel this should be right".
sure its all opinion but why even post the question? just follow what MB says is recommend.
When your looking at it its a what 3 year old transmission. Theres been what 2-3 cases reported on this forum about an issue. theres not enough data to prove thats its just as bad as the 2008-2011 transmission. These things take time, saying you can do service every mile doesn't even make sense. i'm saying go in 10,000km out of a 60,000km service.also about 5k early for an oil change, i don't think theres one person(on this forum) who goes 20,000KM and doesn't change the oil, let alone check it at least 1-2 time before the service interval. Doing things early is taking preventive measures... its like if saying hummm my break pads are almost worn but still good, I might as well change them early before an issues occurs.
The one and only reason people are saying go early is due to the 2008-2011 transmission being a major issue.
It's all up to you do what you want but we are talking about a what 3 year old transmission, on average people drive what 12,000KM. We can just give reasons based on the older transmission its not right but thats how people perceive it.
Glyn's post says it all.
Again ultimately its do what ever you feel is right, you can choose to follow MB or take precautions and go early.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 929
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From: Silicon Valley, California
Factory ordered 2012 MB C350 w/Dynamic Handling Package
...
But, the information shared should be a bit more than "feelings". The transmission service seems to be a major mess on these forums. Just take a look at the threads on it...
...
I have no qualms with anyone doing service early, even every mile if they want to, but I think guidance given as gospel to users that goes against the information from Mercedes should have more underpinning it than just "I feel this should be right".
But, the information shared should be a bit more than "feelings". The transmission service seems to be a major mess on these forums. Just take a look at the threads on it...
...
I have no qualms with anyone doing service early, even every mile if they want to, but I think guidance given as gospel to users that goes against the information from Mercedes should have more underpinning it than just "I feel this should be right".
The primary difference between my experience and most however will be the fact that I've taken delivery of my W204 since the very beginning with single digit miles on the odometer. Those popping up with issues seem to have purchased it 2nd hand and cannot account for how the car was taken cared of prior to ownership.
I currently have 62k miles on my 2012 C350 and plan to do the transmission maintenance when I hit 70k miles per the book instructions. Also, unlike most of the members that come and go, I plan to take this car to 10 years and/or 155k miles, so I do plan to be around quite a while to share my experiences good or bad. Let's just hope the forum will still be around by then.
Last edited by edgalang; Apr 27, 2016 at 08:26 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 35
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GLE, SLC
The 7G+ appeared in W204/W212 MBUSA vehicles sometime in MY11. Generally following the manual is good, but it would not hurt to properly change it earlier especially if you plan on keeping the car. You may be out of warranty on the wrong end of a TSB someday and it is not exactly cheap to replace.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The 722.9 Plus was fitted from approx August 2010 production!
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 156
Likes: 6
From: Pennsylvania, USA
2014 C300 Luxury
sure its all opinion but why even post the question? just follow what MB says is recommend.
When your looking at it its a what 3 year old transmission. Theres been what 2-3 cases reported on this forum about an issue. theres not enough data to prove thats its just as bad as the 2008-2011 transmission. These things take time, saying you can do service every mile doesn't even make sense. i'm saying go in 10,000km out of a 60,000km service.also about 5k early for an oil change, i don't think theres one person(on this forum) who goes 20,000KM and doesn't change the oil, let alone check it at least 1-2 time before the service interval. Doing things early is taking preventive measures... its like if saying hummm my break pads are almost worn but still good, I might as well change them early before an issues occurs.
The one and only reason people are saying go early is due to the 2008-2011 transmission being a major issue.
It's all up to you do what you want but we are talking about a what 3 year old transmission, on average people drive what 12,000KM. We can just give reasons based on the older transmission its not right but thats how people perceive it.
Glyn's post says it all.
Again ultimately its do what ever you feel is right, you can choose to follow MB or take precautions and go early.
When your looking at it its a what 3 year old transmission. Theres been what 2-3 cases reported on this forum about an issue. theres not enough data to prove thats its just as bad as the 2008-2011 transmission. These things take time, saying you can do service every mile doesn't even make sense. i'm saying go in 10,000km out of a 60,000km service.also about 5k early for an oil change, i don't think theres one person(on this forum) who goes 20,000KM and doesn't change the oil, let alone check it at least 1-2 time before the service interval. Doing things early is taking preventive measures... its like if saying hummm my break pads are almost worn but still good, I might as well change them early before an issues occurs.
The one and only reason people are saying go early is due to the 2008-2011 transmission being a major issue.
It's all up to you do what you want but we are talking about a what 3 year old transmission, on average people drive what 12,000KM. We can just give reasons based on the older transmission its not right but thats how people perceive it.
Glyn's post says it all.
Again ultimately its do what ever you feel is right, you can choose to follow MB or take precautions and go early.
I'm not criticizing you, or anyone else, for doing maintenance early. We all own our cars and can, and do, decide to treat them however we see best. The exchange of knowledge here is what makes this place so valuable!
My only core question was an attempt to get at the root of the advice being shared. The W204 is in this weird spot where we have two transmissions across the line so we get people confused on what to do with their 7G+; especially after reading the very vocal warnings for the 7G.
All we see if everyone, including Glyn above, recommending 39K miles as the golden rule. I'm not even saying that is defacto bad advice... I'm just wondering why 39K is good, but 70K is bad?
I fully understand the preventative maintenance aspect, but I'm trying to get at the core of where the numbers come from. Why is 39K OK (as Mercedes originally said in my understanding), but now 70K is not (even though Mercedes says so now)? More pointedly, why is 39K the magic number and not 69K or 20K or another number.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
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C300 4matic
To my understanding from sorting through all transmission related threads for the C, we should expect the 120,000km/70k mile service to include the follow?
- oil filter change
- torque converter complete drain
- fill torque converter (4 liters)
- top up transmission (5 liters) - 9 liters/8.5 quartz all together
To err on the safe side, is it better to have this service by the dealership if adopting an earlier service period at 60,000km?
- oil filter change
- torque converter complete drain
- fill torque converter (4 liters)
- top up transmission (5 liters) - 9 liters/8.5 quartz all together
To err on the safe side, is it better to have this service by the dealership if adopting an earlier service period at 60,000km?
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Benz has been wrong in this regard before or more specifically MBUSA/NA. They at one time claimed filled for life when ROW was 60K Kms and it was a disaster with early failures. 60K Kms or 39K miles is proven safe after much experience & thousands of used fluid samples being analysed. Even at 60K Kms some fluid samples were found to be tired but not shot. Efforts have been made to improve the fluid once again but are not proven over time. As this has previously been a sore point I'm suggesting caution. 120,000 Kms is one hell of a lot of gear changes on a 7 speed transmission especially in town service & the friction modifiers that ensure smooth changes & controlled slip of clutch packs at each change are depleted.
Benz has been wrong before in this regard. If you don't intend running high mileage this is not important as you will pass the problem on to the next owner. My recommendations are based on getting long, trouble free life out of the transmission as we expect from Benz vehicles in ROW.
Who does the transmission service is not important as long as done competently & the TC is drained. You do not want 4 lites of contaminated & oxidised fluid mixed with the new fluid charge. Oxidation catalyses further oxidation.
Benz has been wrong before in this regard. If you don't intend running high mileage this is not important as you will pass the problem on to the next owner. My recommendations are based on getting long, trouble free life out of the transmission as we expect from Benz vehicles in ROW.
Who does the transmission service is not important as long as done competently & the TC is drained. You do not want 4 lites of contaminated & oxidised fluid mixed with the new fluid charge. Oxidation catalyses further oxidation.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Apr 29, 2016 at 06:31 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 149
2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
We are starting to see fluid samples at 120,000 Km interval. Some good & some not so good. If I owned a 722.9 Plus I would shorten the drain interval until we have a better idea of fluid longevity. It is an expensive transmission to replace! So much is dependent on service the vehicle is in. Town vs open road, towing, heavily loaded, driving style etc. The fluid bench tests well at 120,000 Kms but reality can be quite different.
5 years later, what can you tell us about the quality of the transmission fluid after 120,000 km? What change interval do you recommend now based on what you've seen so far?
Last edited by xsever; Dec 29, 2020 at 01:13 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 882
Likes: 159
S204 C250 CDI Sport
Hi all,
I'm driving a 2013 C300 4matic and through digging the plethora of posts regarding the transmission and the transfer case, I'm a bit confused with servicing for the PLUS edition.
The owners manual indicates that it can wait up to 120,000km or 7 years before servicing the transmission. The following years in 2014 and on received an adjustment to the service interval of 120,000km or 6 years. Vastly different than the previous service requirements in the 722.9 G Tronic of 60,000km or 4 years.
Browsing through the forum has also indicated that I should service it at 60,000km regardless as a precaution. Does that consist of just an oil change? or a flush? Would the service also take into account of swapping the fluids inside the transfer case? Other threads have reported that the dealerships have been inconsistent in the volume of oil used ranging from 5-9? quartz.
I'm looking to keep the vehicle past its warranty and would like to consider all the options including the extended warranty which is expected to be nearly $3,000 for 3 years in Canada.
TLDR; Too much information with the 722.9, not sure if applicable to 722.9 PLUS and course of action.
I'm driving a 2013 C300 4matic and through digging the plethora of posts regarding the transmission and the transfer case, I'm a bit confused with servicing for the PLUS edition.
The owners manual indicates that it can wait up to 120,000km or 7 years before servicing the transmission. The following years in 2014 and on received an adjustment to the service interval of 120,000km or 6 years. Vastly different than the previous service requirements in the 722.9 G Tronic of 60,000km or 4 years.
Browsing through the forum has also indicated that I should service it at 60,000km regardless as a precaution. Does that consist of just an oil change? or a flush? Would the service also take into account of swapping the fluids inside the transfer case? Other threads have reported that the dealerships have been inconsistent in the volume of oil used ranging from 5-9? quartz.
I'm looking to keep the vehicle past its warranty and would like to consider all the options including the extended warranty which is expected to be nearly $3,000 for 3 years in Canada.
TLDR; Too much information with the 722.9, not sure if applicable to 722.9 PLUS and course of action.
Old thread I know but original handbooks are lethal !
Stuck in time the moment they are printed .
The 7G+ service interval is 77,500 miles / 5 years .
The question of used ATF condition is mainly how hard it's driven and if sustained high temps were experienced where the oil gets 'cooked'.
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2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Hello @Glyn M Ruck ,
5 years later, what can you tell us about the quality of the transmission fluid after 120,000 km? What change interval do you recommend now based on what you've seen so far?
5 years later, what can you tell us about the quality of the transmission fluid after 120,000 km? What change interval do you recommend now based on what you've seen so far?
Good luck!
