Changing Transmission Fluid
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: NC
1999 C43
Changing Transmission Fluid
I am at about 45K on my C43 and I am taking my car in on Monday for its next service. I would like to get the transmission fluid changed then, but no one seems to know how much it is going to cost. They just told me to ask again when I come in on Monday.
I would just like to be prepared a little. Anyone know about how much it would be?
Is changing the transmission fluid the same as "flushing" it? What should I request to be done on Monday concerning the transmission to prolong its life and keep it from getting the infamous problems? How much would that cost?
I would just like to be prepared a little. Anyone know about how much it would be?
Is changing the transmission fluid the same as "flushing" it? What should I request to be done on Monday concerning the transmission to prolong its life and keep it from getting the infamous problems? How much would that cost?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
If you are going to the $tealership my guess is $200.00 - $250.00 for the "changing"."Changing" is not the same as "flushing".When your tranny gets "flushed" ALL the fluid is exchanged - including what's in the torque converter.When its "changed" approxiametly half of the old fluid is still in the torque converter.Hope this helps. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by Jon R
Oh, I see. Thank you. Which does the dealer usually do? Should I get it flushed? How much is that?
) but for my peace of mind - and the fact you shouldn't have to have it done for another 40k miles - its worth it.I believe the $tealership only "changes" it.Depending upon the $tealership you may have to listen to the "This tranny doesn't need servicing until 100k" speech.If you stay while the service is being done ask to see the changed out fluid and let us know what it looks like.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
Tranny service
Hey Jon R,
Definitely keep us posted. If you follow this forum with ANY regularity you know that this has been a recurring issue, specifically. MB of Savannah wanted to charge me $280 for a flush AND fill. This was to replace ATF, filter and ALL the fluid - which actually is not bad for a $tealer$hip. The service advisor or whatever they call themselves nowadays, gave me the song and dance that it does not need changing until 100K and I told asked him if he was in crack...he did not like my retort and I got a quote in spite of this protestations - he can pound sand. I ultimately took it locally and had it flushed at a place with a Wynn's tranny fluid exchanger (this device replaces the fluid one-for-one). It cost me $59.99 + tax, I obtained the synthetic ATF on my own - I specifically used Mobil One synthetic ATF. The MB stuff costs about $10 (app) per quart. Let us know how it looked (the fluid in your car that is)...mine was replaced at about 73K and it looked like crap. Hope this helps and keep us posted please
Frank
Definitely keep us posted. If you follow this forum with ANY regularity you know that this has been a recurring issue, specifically. MB of Savannah wanted to charge me $280 for a flush AND fill. This was to replace ATF, filter and ALL the fluid - which actually is not bad for a $tealer$hip. The service advisor or whatever they call themselves nowadays, gave me the song and dance that it does not need changing until 100K and I told asked him if he was in crack...he did not like my retort and I got a quote in spite of this protestations - he can pound sand. I ultimately took it locally and had it flushed at a place with a Wynn's tranny fluid exchanger (this device replaces the fluid one-for-one). It cost me $59.99 + tax, I obtained the synthetic ATF on my own - I specifically used Mobil One synthetic ATF. The MB stuff costs about $10 (app) per quart. Let us know how it looked (the fluid in your car that is)...mine was replaced at about 73K and it looked like crap. Hope this helps and keep us posted please
Frank
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: NC
1999 C43
Yeah, I don't mind paying for the flush & fill if they do it correctly. I will stay the day at the dealer. I can afford a break and wanna check out the cars anyways, so I will see if they will show me the fluid.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
02 c32 89 300e 99 c43(sold)
MB says its lifetime fluid!!!! the fluid alone is about $120! if you have a star mark or a any other dont let MB find out the tran was done. and if you do do it i would say 2 drain it not a flush!!!!!! a flush will get all the cluch shaving moving around and you might have problem and MB wont help ya at that point! good luck!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
Tranny
Just for everyone's 411:
I had the tranny flushed at 73K (give or take a couple miles)....I never had any problems prior or subsequent to the 'procedure'.....I simply did not want 73K mile-old fluid in the tranny. My plan is to have it done yearly or every 30-40K miles...the whole point of the flush and fill was to get rid of all the crap suspended in the fluid and get some fresh fluid in.
I had the tranny flushed at 73K (give or take a couple miles)....I never had any problems prior or subsequent to the 'procedure'.....I simply did not want 73K mile-old fluid in the tranny. My plan is to have it done yearly or every 30-40K miles...the whole point of the flush and fill was to get rid of all the crap suspended in the fluid and get some fresh fluid in.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Staplegun , keep us posted on how the car responds after the flushing.In regards to the other postings about the particles that become dislodged because of the flushing - thats what the filter is for.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
Tranny
Hey C43AMG...this was done months and months ago...I was pointing out on this thread that this has been discussed numerous times. As you clearly point out - that IS what the filter is for. I had it done and it shifts as it should (I did not any problems to begin with - I just was not going to live with 73K mile-old ATF in the tranny). The fluid was looking absolutely crappy with 73K on the clock.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
Tranny
As far as location in SoCal...here's a link (towards bottom):
This is the machine you're looking for at whatever shop changes oil, ATF, etc...
Call the shops and ask 'em what they got.
http://www.wynnsusa.com/Transmission.asp
This is the machine you're looking for at whatever shop changes oil, ATF, etc...
Call the shops and ask 'em what they got.
http://www.wynnsusa.com/Transmission.asp
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,475
Likes: 5
From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
Originally Posted by StapleGun
As far as location in SoCal...here's a link (towards bottom):
This is the machine you're looking for at whatever shop changes oil, ATF, etc...
Call the shops and ask 'em what they got.
http://www.wynnsusa.com/Transmission.asp
This is the machine you're looking for at whatever shop changes oil, ATF, etc...
Call the shops and ask 'em what they got.
http://www.wynnsusa.com/Transmission.asp
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Funny thing about this topic.On Saturday at the AMG meet @ MBHQ I asked Noah ( MB tranny specialist ) about the 100k service on these things and he stood by the 100k service interval.I then asked him if he believed the filter could effectively do its job up to 100k - and he sais "yes".I prefer to my maintenance at 40k or less intervals on this tranny.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
Tranny flush
Hey coolcarski....where I had it done they were a little reluctant but they did do it anyhow (they expressed concern at not possibly having the proper fittings). Simple job, dropped the pan and hooked it up to the lines and voila!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,475
Likes: 5
From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
Originally Posted by StapleGun
Hey coolcarski....where I had it done they were a little reluctant but they did do it anyhow (they expressed concern at not possibly having the proper fittings). Simple job, dropped the pan and hooked it up to the lines and voila!
