. When are we supposed to change transmission fluids for our cars? What mileage or year?
Transmission Fluid Change SUCCESS
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 68
Likes: 19
2019 AMG C43 Wagon
Transmission Fluid Change SUCCESS
Hey, thought I’d share my experiences….
I’m a “fix it in the driveway” kinda guy, but due to a busy schedule and after watching some YT videos on this process, I thought I’d pay someone to do it.. well… thank god I did.
My 19’ C43 Wagon with 115k km was experiencing some minor shift issues.. the bucking was becoming BUCKING… and occasionally if I manually downshifted, it would shift down 2 gears. I also found it a bit sluggish to shift when super cold up here in Canada…
So i found a guy, who is SERIOUS about doing things right. He was incredibly detailed in the process and sent me photos and videos while he did the work. I intended to DYI this, but he showed me how meticulous you need to be about levels… warm, but not too warm… correct tools etc.. and then spent a ton of time using software to test and bleed each valve/ solenoid
So after spending a LOT of money on good fluid and OEM parts, I was hesitant to believe how great the car felt when I drove it home. Today I drove spirited to work, then did some driving around and was amazed at how well it shifted. The bucking was pretty much a non-issue and the shifts felt fast and solid.
My point? Don’t hesitate to have this important service done, but more importantly MAKE SURE your service tech follows up with proper level checks and software checks.
I’m a “fix it in the driveway” kinda guy, but due to a busy schedule and after watching some YT videos on this process, I thought I’d pay someone to do it.. well… thank god I did.
My 19’ C43 Wagon with 115k km was experiencing some minor shift issues.. the bucking was becoming BUCKING… and occasionally if I manually downshifted, it would shift down 2 gears. I also found it a bit sluggish to shift when super cold up here in Canada…
So i found a guy, who is SERIOUS about doing things right. He was incredibly detailed in the process and sent me photos and videos while he did the work. I intended to DYI this, but he showed me how meticulous you need to be about levels… warm, but not too warm… correct tools etc.. and then spent a ton of time using software to test and bleed each valve/ solenoid
So after spending a LOT of money on good fluid and OEM parts, I was hesitant to believe how great the car felt when I drove it home. Today I drove spirited to work, then did some driving around and was amazed at how well it shifted. The bucking was pretty much a non-issue and the shifts felt fast and solid.
My point? Don’t hesitate to have this important service done, but more importantly MAKE SURE your service tech follows up with proper level checks and software checks.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,278
Hey, thought I’d share my experiences….
I’m a “fix it in the driveway” kinda guy, but due to a busy schedule and after watching some YT videos on this process, I thought I’d pay someone to do it.. well… thank god I did.
My 19’ C43 Wagon with 115k km was experiencing some minor shift issues.. the bucking was becoming BUCKING… and occasionally if I manually downshifted, it would shift down 2 gears. I also found it a bit sluggish to shift when super cold up here in Canada…
So i found a guy, who is SERIOUS about doing things right. He was incredibly detailed in the process and sent me photos and videos while he did the work. I intended to DYI this, but he showed me how meticulous you need to be about levels… warm, but not too warm… correct tools etc.. and then spent a ton of time using software to test and bleed each valve/ solenoid
So after spending a LOT of money on good fluid and OEM parts, I was hesitant to believe how great the car felt when I drove it home. Today I drove spirited to work, then did some driving around and was amazed at how well it shifted. The bucking was pretty much a non-issue and the shifts felt fast and solid.
My point? Don’t hesitate to have this important service done, but more importantly MAKE SURE your service tech follows up with proper level checks and software checks.
I’m a “fix it in the driveway” kinda guy, but due to a busy schedule and after watching some YT videos on this process, I thought I’d pay someone to do it.. well… thank god I did.
My 19’ C43 Wagon with 115k km was experiencing some minor shift issues.. the bucking was becoming BUCKING… and occasionally if I manually downshifted, it would shift down 2 gears. I also found it a bit sluggish to shift when super cold up here in Canada…
So i found a guy, who is SERIOUS about doing things right. He was incredibly detailed in the process and sent me photos and videos while he did the work. I intended to DYI this, but he showed me how meticulous you need to be about levels… warm, but not too warm… correct tools etc.. and then spent a ton of time using software to test and bleed each valve/ solenoid
So after spending a LOT of money on good fluid and OEM parts, I was hesitant to believe how great the car felt when I drove it home. Today I drove spirited to work, then did some driving around and was amazed at how well it shifted. The bucking was pretty much a non-issue and the shifts felt fast and solid.
My point? Don’t hesitate to have this important service done, but more importantly MAKE SURE your service tech follows up with proper level checks and software checks.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 342
Likes: 112
2015 C400 4MATIC Palladium Silver Metallic
I just finished this service on both my cars. Having the correct tools makes a lot of difference in how confident you feel about doing it.
My arsenal for this job includes:
Long reach low profile floor jack
round top 3-ton jack stands (x4)
BMS jack point adapters (x4)
Launch x431 Creader V2.0
CTA tools fill port adapter
CTA pressurized fluid fill station
E-torx swivel sockets
As you can see, it's a fairly sizable commitment in tooling to know you can do it correctly. I make the economics work by having two cars to service with the same setup.
The pan bolts by the trans mount are the only real headache in the job once you have the right tools.
Also pay attention to the pan gasket in that area, it likes to get caught on the trans mount.
My arsenal for this job includes:
Long reach low profile floor jack
round top 3-ton jack stands (x4)
BMS jack point adapters (x4)
Launch x431 Creader V2.0
CTA tools fill port adapter
CTA pressurized fluid fill station
E-torx swivel sockets
As you can see, it's a fairly sizable commitment in tooling to know you can do it correctly. I make the economics work by having two cars to service with the same setup.
The pan bolts by the trans mount are the only real headache in the job once you have the right tools.
Also pay attention to the pan gasket in that area, it likes to get caught on the trans mount.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 68
Likes: 19
2019 AMG C43 Wagon
Yes! The by the time I added up all the parts and tools that I would need to add to my collection, it wasn't going to be worth the savings for doing one car every 120000 km.
There is also the problem that I don't have at a level surface to work on... Leveling the car in my driveway would have been really tough.
There is also the problem that I don't have at a level surface to work on... Leveling the car in my driveway would have been really tough.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,278
I just finished this service on both my cars. Having the correct tools makes a lot of difference in how confident you feel about doing it.
My arsenal for this job includes:
Long reach low profile floor jack
round top 3-ton jack stands (x4)
BMS jack point adapters (x4)
Launch x431 Creader V2.0
CTA tools fill port adapter
CTA pressurized fluid fill station
E-torx swivel sockets
As you can see, it's a fairly sizable commitment in tooling to know you can do it correctly. I make the economics work by having two cars to service with the same setup.
The pan bolts by the trans mount are the only real headache in the job once you have the right tools.
Also pay attention to the pan gasket in that area, it likes to get caught on the trans mount.
My arsenal for this job includes:
Long reach low profile floor jack
round top 3-ton jack stands (x4)
BMS jack point adapters (x4)
Launch x431 Creader V2.0
CTA tools fill port adapter
CTA pressurized fluid fill station
E-torx swivel sockets
As you can see, it's a fairly sizable commitment in tooling to know you can do it correctly. I make the economics work by having two cars to service with the same setup.
The pan bolts by the trans mount are the only real headache in the job once you have the right tools.
Also pay attention to the pan gasket in that area, it likes to get caught on the trans mount.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 711
Likes: 108
2018 Mercedes C43 AMG Coupe
You can still save on performing the transmission flush by doing it just once, but with a professional scanner, the cost will come close. At least you get peace of mind in doing it properly.
Additionally, if you do it without going through Xentry, you can save a couple hundred bucks. Imo, it really wasn't necessary and the majority of indies won't even do it. Not to mention, a lot don't drain the TC either.
It's a pretty tedious process that involves a significant amount of work for what would normally be easy on a JDM. Expect long hours and a sore back/neck without a lift if it's your first time!
Pro tip: The transmission pan drain tool settings (1-4) are NOT in order of least to most flow. Setting #2 is a scam, it is pretty much seldom used. Draining excess should be done at idle with Setting #3. I made the mistake of using #2 for a slower flow rate but it actually remains open the whole time, let out too much fluid, had to go back to the site and order online for an extra 2 bottles... Oh and swivel socket is a must!
Additionally, if you do it without going through Xentry, you can save a couple hundred bucks. Imo, it really wasn't necessary and the majority of indies won't even do it. Not to mention, a lot don't drain the TC either.
It's a pretty tedious process that involves a significant amount of work for what would normally be easy on a JDM. Expect long hours and a sore back/neck without a lift if it's your first time!
Pro tip: The transmission pan drain tool settings (1-4) are NOT in order of least to most flow. Setting #2 is a scam, it is pretty much seldom used. Draining excess should be done at idle with Setting #3. I made the mistake of using #2 for a slower flow rate but it actually remains open the whole time, let out too much fluid, had to go back to the site and order online for an extra 2 bottles... Oh and swivel socket is a must!
Last edited by jonathan358; Sep 29, 2024 at 09:01 PM.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,278
You can still save on performing the transmission flush by doing it just once, but with a professional scanner, the cost will come close. At least you get peace of mind in doing it properly.
Additionally, if you do it without going through Xentry, you can save a couple hundred bucks. Imo, it really wasn't necessary and the majority of indies won't even do it. Not to mention, a lot don't drain the TC either.
It's a pretty tedious process that involves a significant amount of work for what would normally be easy on a JDM. Expect long hours and a sore back/neck without a lift if it's your first time!
Pro tip: The transmission pan drain tool settings (1-4) are NOT in order of least to most flow. Setting #2 is a scam, it is pretty much seldom used. Draining excess should be done at idle with Setting #3. I made the mistake of using #2 for a slower flow rate but it actually remains open the whole time, let out too much fluid, had to go back to the site and order online for an extra 2 bottles... Oh and swivel socket is a must!
Additionally, if you do it without going through Xentry, you can save a couple hundred bucks. Imo, it really wasn't necessary and the majority of indies won't even do it. Not to mention, a lot don't drain the TC either.
It's a pretty tedious process that involves a significant amount of work for what would normally be easy on a JDM. Expect long hours and a sore back/neck without a lift if it's your first time!
Pro tip: The transmission pan drain tool settings (1-4) are NOT in order of least to most flow. Setting #2 is a scam, it is pretty much seldom used. Draining excess should be done at idle with Setting #3. I made the mistake of using #2 for a slower flow rate but it actually remains open the whole time, let out too much fluid, had to go back to the site and order online for an extra 2 bottles... Oh and swivel socket is a must!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 342
Likes: 112
2015 C400 4MATIC Palladium Silver Metallic
I feel this is much more accurate than trying to use a temp probe or IR temp gun on the pan.
Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 100
Likes: 19
2016 C450 AMG Sport, 2018 GLE400
Nice! I just recwntly got the scanner so havent fully explored it all! Good to know it has that function...will go find it!
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,278
not going to lie, it is a great scanner and very compact, obviously nothing beats MB's own XENTRY but this is nice little handy tool that is compact and can be brought around easily.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 342
Likes: 112
2015 C400 4MATIC Palladium Silver Metallic
Between setting the trans fluid level on both of my cars and coding in injectors, it has paid for itself in less than a month.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,495
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
...Pro tip: The transmission pan drain tool settings (1-4) are NOT in order of least to most flow. Setting #2 is a scam, it is pretty much seldom used. Draining excess should be done at idle with Setting #3. I made the mistake of using #2 for a slower flow rate but it actually remains open the whole time, let out too much fluid, had to go back to the site and order online for an extra 2 bottles...
Is the process for the 9-speed tranny the same as for the 722.9 7G tranny? If so, the overflow pipe should determine the proper level at the proper temperature with a level car.
EDIT: Holy cow! Servicing the 9-speed tranny is NOTHING like servicing the 7G tranny. I have done several 7G and 7G+ transmissions, and I have a lift in my garage. But, I would take my car to the dealer to service a 9-speed transmission.
Last edited by JettaRed; Oct 16, 2024 at 09:52 AM.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,495
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
There are both distance and time intervals for servicing the transmission. The intervals for US cars are 77,500 miles or 5 years. So, 120k is in that ballpark and your 2020 model is within the time interval. HOWEVER, this is NOT a service you want to neglect. You don't want to wait for shifting problems.
Last edited by JettaRed; Oct 16, 2024 at 11:18 AM.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,495
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I just finished this service on both my cars. Having the correct tools makes a lot of difference in how confident you feel about doing it.
My arsenal for this job includes:
Long reach low profile floor jack
round top 3-ton jack stands (x4)
BMS jack point adapters (x4)
Launch x431 Creader V2.0
CTA tools fill port adapter
CTA pressurized fluid fill station
E-torx swivel sockets
As you can see, it's a fairly sizable commitment in tooling to know you can do it correctly. I make the economics work by having two cars to service with the same setup.
The pan bolts by the trans mount are the only real headache in the job once you have the right tools.
Also pay attention to the pan gasket in that area, it likes to get caught on the trans mount.
My arsenal for this job includes:
Long reach low profile floor jack
round top 3-ton jack stands (x4)
BMS jack point adapters (x4)
Launch x431 Creader V2.0
CTA tools fill port adapter
CTA pressurized fluid fill station
E-torx swivel sockets
As you can see, it's a fairly sizable commitment in tooling to know you can do it correctly. I make the economics work by having two cars to service with the same setup.
The pan bolts by the trans mount are the only real headache in the job once you have the right tools.
Also pay attention to the pan gasket in that area, it likes to get caught on the trans mount.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,278
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,278
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,495
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Even though the attachment says 2015 SL Maintenance Manual, that is only what I renamed the file. This is a general maintenance booklet.
