C219 CLS55 and CLS63, 2004-2010

Auto trans and diff fluid

Old Mar 14, 2011 | 03:08 PM
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fscarce1's Avatar
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From: Riverview, Fl.
2006 IWC Ingenieur CLS 55 AMG
Auto trans and diff fluid

How often should it be changed? I know what Mercedes says miles wise, but what about years wise if your car doesn't get driven much?

Thanks!
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Old Mar 14, 2011 | 10:49 PM
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I'd love to offer up a decent reply, but my CLS63 has been at the dealer for just over 3 weeks...with no end in sight. Its recommeded that you change your auto trans and diff fluid, but I don't know anyone who actually does it on a regular basis...although you should. I generally change the trans and diff fluid every 50k miles on my vehicles (assuming I keep them that long).

I took my CLS63 in for a slight "slam" when shifting only from 2nd to 3rd on COLD starts (35 degrees or less). The vehicle is under warranty so they've been following all of Mercedes' recommendations, but I'm getting awfully sick of driving this loaner....
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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 01:51 AM
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06 CLS55 AMG
Plain and simple... Most fluids in your vehicle, with the exception of gas, really doesn't go bad with age. If you're not using it, it's basically not getting dirty and the additives are not being used up, therefore there really shouldn't be a need to change it.

Contrary to what the oil and fluid companies want you to believe, the only true way that these fluids go bad or are in need of changing is due to everyday use. How soon or how frequently depends on how much you use the vehicle, and how the vehicle is used.
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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 07:38 AM
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fscarce1's Avatar
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From: Riverview, Fl.
2006 IWC Ingenieur CLS 55 AMG
Originally Posted by DucatiGuy
Plain and simple... Most fluids in your vehicle, with the exception of gas, really doesn't go bad with age. If you're not using it, it's basically not getting dirty and the additives are not being used up, therefore there really shouldn't be a need to change it.

Contrary to what the oil and fluid companies want you to believe, the only true way that these fluids go bad or are in need of changing is due to everyday use. How soon or how frequently depends on how much you use the vehicle, and how the vehicle is used.
Good to know. I've heard stories about moisture or condensation casuing issue after so many years.
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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 07:39 AM
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From: Riverview, Fl.
2006 IWC Ingenieur CLS 55 AMG
Originally Posted by wasupdu
I'd love to offer up a decent reply, but my CLS63 has been at the dealer for just over 3 weeks...with no end in sight. Its recommeded that you change your auto trans and diff fluid, but I don't know anyone who actually does it on a regular basis...although you should. I generally change the trans and diff fluid every 50k miles on my vehicles (assuming I keep them that long).

I took my CLS63 in for a slight "slam" when shifting only from 2nd to 3rd on COLD starts (35 degrees or less). The vehicle is under warranty so they've been following all of Mercedes' recommendations, but I'm getting awfully sick of driving this loaner....
Thats a bummer. I just sold my 2008 E63 when I bought my CLS 55. Loved the 7 speed tranny. No problems with my car at all. Really love the 55 Kompressor motor though. Thats why I went back.
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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 08:57 AM
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From: Long Island, NY
06 CLS55 AMG
Originally Posted by fscarce1
Good to know. I've heard stories about moisture or condensation casuing issue after so many years.
Water in fluids like oil or transmission fluid is never a good thing, but there's one thing most people don't know about condensation... It doesn't necessarily only happen when the car sits for extended periods of time. You'll get condensation anytime there's extreme temperature changes in and around your vehicle, and guess what??? Your drive train was built to handle it!

The fact of the matter is, you're constantly getting moisture into the engine, and transmission. This is due to the inherent design of these components and their necessity to "breath". This small amount of water (condensation) usually ends up getting burned up and out in the form of steam. So it's rarely a problem.

For condensation to pose a serious problem, you need a LOT of it, and that usually only happens to vehicles that end up sitting for year in harsh weather conditions. In any event these vehicles, if not properly maintained, usually end up with bigger problems than water in the fluids.

So unless you plan on storing your car like a museum show piece, I really wouldn't worry too much about condensation...
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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 09:19 AM
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CLS55
Originally Posted by wasupdu
Its recommeded that you change your auto trans and diff fluid, but I don't know anyone who actually does it on a regular basis...although you should. I generally change the trans and diff fluid every 50k miles on my vehicles (assuming I keep them that long).
Its recommended by who? I was told the tranny fluid was to be changed at 100K by mercedes spec.
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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Dogshine
Its recommended by who? I was told the tranny fluid was to be changed at 100K by mercedes spec.
It's recommended if you plan to keep the car for an extended period of time...5+ years I'd say. I actually ran into something similar with my BMW Z4 the other day when I was researching trans and diff fluids. The transmission fluid is considered a "lifetime fluid" by BMW...is that my lifetime? The car's lifetime? I've always believed in an aggressive maintenance schedule to ensure longevity, but to each their own I guess.
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