2014 C300 with 120k miles - do I change transmission fluid?
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 108
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From: Canada
2017 C300 Coupe
2014 C300 with 120k miles - do I change transmission fluid?
Hi, I recently bought a used 2014 C300 (engine 156 and transmission 722.9) with 120k miles (mostly highway) here in Montreal, Canada. Engine oil changes done regularly, but I don't think the transmission fluid was ever changed.
I noticed that when down shifting, sometimes the gear change will kind of jerk/jolt the car a little bit. It doesn't always happen, but happens sometimes. I just tried resetting the adaptive throttle system so I'll see how that goes.
Regardless, my user manual says to change the transmission fluid every 6 years or 75k miles. Should I do it now? Is it true that doing it this late can break my transmission?
Thanks!
I noticed that when down shifting, sometimes the gear change will kind of jerk/jolt the car a little bit. It doesn't always happen, but happens sometimes. I just tried resetting the adaptive throttle system so I'll see how that goes.
Regardless, my user manual says to change the transmission fluid every 6 years or 75k miles. Should I do it now? Is it true that doing it this late can break my transmission?
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Milwaukee, WI USA
2012 C300 4Matic
If you have concerns it was never changed, change it. Not sure where you heard you will "break it" if changed later than recommended. Look at it this way, if it wasn't changed and it is now 50K miles overdue, if you just leave it are you saying that after a certain number of miles it is going tomagically get better and all is going to be well? Logic would tell you there is no upside to leaving it as is. Change it and don't look back.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 108
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From: Canada
2017 C300 Coupe
There are lots of articles online about changing old fluid damaging the transmission (due to moving dirt around, etc.). My mechanic told me it's not something that generally needs to be changed, and mentioned that he only changed it in his car at 155k miles.
That's pretty much why I'm asking.
That's pretty much why I'm asking.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 848
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From: Milwaukee, WI USA
2012 C300 4Matic
There's a reason it is part of the maintenance schedule from Mercedes. If you do a search on here (or a lot of other forums) you will see a lot of members that change their fluid regularly without incident. I can't say I have ever seen a post where someone grenaded their transmission because they changed the fluid properly. Do what you feel comfortable with.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 108
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From: Canada
2017 C300 Coupe
I don't think you're understanding. I never said changing regularly can damage it. The debate is whether it's a good idea to change it on high mileage cars that have never had it changed before. In my case, the manual says 75k but I'm at 120k. If I was at ~75k this wouldn't even be a question lol..
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Milwaukee, WI USA
2012 C300 4Matic
I understand what you are saying. You have two options to consider. One is to at this point totally ignore the maintenance schedule and never change the the transmission fluid as long as you own the car and just see what happens. The other is to finally change it and then keep wth changing it every 75K after. Which one provides less risk? I would think changing it is the best option. Sounds like you are leaning towards not changing it. Up to you. But I will say it wouldn't surprise me if you have it changed and then come on here and say what a nice difference it made.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
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2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
I read too about some people claiming that changing it after a long time broke their transmission, but I think a badly maintained transmission is bound to fail anyway.
If you end up changing it, making sure both the pan and the torque converters are drained to remove the entire old fluid. Draining the pan only will not cover all the fluid housed inside.
Make sure you use the MB 236.15 approved fluids which can be found here: https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevol...236.15_en.html
I would definitely change it before that transmission destroys itself sooner than later.
If you end up changing it, making sure both the pan and the torque converters are drained to remove the entire old fluid. Draining the pan only will not cover all the fluid housed inside.
Make sure you use the MB 236.15 approved fluids which can be found here: https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevol...236.15_en.html
I would definitely change it before that transmission destroys itself sooner than later.
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Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Bay Area, CA
2011 C300 Sport, P1, MM, Wood, Heated FS, DIY rearview camera.
"moving dirt around" happens during both normal driving and fluid change.
I have other cars that already passed a lot the Transmission fluid change due mileage, and at one point I had it changed, no hurt. My C skipped one time then changed at next due, no hurt.
I have other cars that already passed a lot the Transmission fluid change due mileage, and at one point I had it changed, no hurt. My C skipped one time then changed at next due, no hurt.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
The fact that the transmission did not fail yet is a testament to MB's high-quality parts inside it, but that does not mean that the fluid change is not necessary. It says 75k miles or 6 years for a reason.
It's up to you at the end, but if that transmission fails or the fluid pump fails within the 3 years, it's going to be very expensive to repair.
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From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
I have to agree on the statement that many people have in fact damaged or created more problems by changing the transmission oil on the 722.9. there's a good chunk of issues caused by changing the oil for some reason.
You SHOULD do it, but DO NOT do a flush. And take care when doing it. Even the dealers mess it up somehow.
You SHOULD do it, but DO NOT do a flush. And take care when doing it. Even the dealers mess it up somehow.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 520
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From: Regina SK
2008 C-230 4Matic Sport
Change it.
When I buy a used car, all fluids get changed no matter what.
I don't trust any ham-fisted maniac that may have previously worked on it. Dealerships included.
When I buy a used car, all fluids get changed no matter what.
I don't trust any ham-fisted maniac that may have previously worked on it. Dealerships included.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Weaverville, Ca
1992 MB 190E, 2016 MB C300
I was advised by a MB Indy who strongly told me to not flush these transmissions. Drain including the torque converter, change filter, and use MB approved fluid.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Canada
2017 C300 Coupe
nothing to be in awe about other than you being unable to read. there are countless articles about the potential dangers of changing the transmission fluid on a high mileage car that never had it done before. maybe do some research next time you're in awe 
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Canada
2017 C300 Coupe
Right, because engine oil and transmission fluid have the same maintenance schedule.... not like one is changed 4x time frequently than the other... no not at all.. let's ignore that
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Canada
2017 C300 Coupe
I haven't done it yet but I've been looking into it. Only put on about 4000km since I created this thread, I drive very short distances.
Dealer wants to charge 450$ plus tax so I'm trying to find an indy but some don't want to do it. Apparently it isn't as simple as it sounds.
Dealer wants to charge 450$ plus tax so I'm trying to find an indy but some don't want to do it. Apparently it isn't as simple as it sounds.
