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Hi All, About to do fluids on my 2017 with 148k. Was going to use Motul Diff and transfer case fluids wondering if anyone has any experience ( negative) with these choices vs MB fluids. Appreciate any insight you can share.
Hi All, About to do fluids on my 2017 with 148k. Was going to use Motul Diff and transfer case fluids wondering if anyone has any experience ( negative) with these choices vs MB fluids. Appreciate any insight you can share.
I was also thinking of going full motul for diffs and transmission. For the transfer case i think its lubricated via transmission, but im not 100% sure.
I was also thinking of going full motul for diffs and transmission. For the transfer case i think its lubricated via transmission, but im not 100% sure.
Thought it was as well until realized they changed it for the 9G. It is now separate.
I was also thinking of going full motul for diffs and transmission. For the transfer case i think its lubricated via transmission, but im not 100% sure.
Automatic transmissions are super-picky on the ATF viscosity: use only matching genuine MB or OE - Not "compatibles" ATF !!
Everywhere else better lubricants are welcomed of course with shorter intervals too and magnetic drain plugs to catch steel glitter.
Som of pepole say that in back diff you need put oem mb fluid but i just putted mobilo1 and even -20 no noises from reductors just remember front diff fren!
I've been using Ravenol TDG in the front and rear diffs in both my cars for about 3 years, zero complaints.
Hi. The next time you replace fluid in your front diff, could you take pics or a video of where the fill and drain plugs are? My dealership service guy said there's no service interval for the front diff and he's not sure if it even has drain/fill plugs. Sounds like you can put this issue to rest for me! Thanks.
not op but yes there is no service interval for the front diff same goes with transfer case but it is nothing close to lifetime fluid and does still get worn out as the car gains mileage so should change it.
One thing to note, I have a 7 speed transmission, so my transfer case fluid is shared with the transmission fluid. Unlike the 9 speed cars.
There's no fill plug on the front diff, I used the fill adapter for the trans (CTA tool) they have the same thread and pump 1.1L up into the diff and then try to get the plug threaded back up before I loose too much.
Last week I completed fluid changes on both differentials and the transfer case on my 2019 facelift with the 9-speed transmission.
The front differential on my car has both a drain plug and a fill plug. If my memory serves me correctly, they were both 8mm hex plugs. Both are located on the passenger’s side of the case.
The transfer case has only a drain plug. In order to drain the transfer case, you must remove the drain plug (6mm), back out an oil control screw (T30), and then pick/pull out a plastic stand tube in order to get a full drain. After draining, you then replace the stand tube and fill from the bottom. You then overfill and allow the excess to drain-off to the top of the stand tube. The lubricant is MB 236.15 spec ATF (blue) and not the same as that used in either the 7 or 9 speed transmissions. I have attached a photo of the plastic stand tube along with a useful video I found on YouTube.
Last week I completed fluid changes on both differentials and the transfer case on my 2019 facelift with the 9-speed transmission.
The front differential on my car has both a drain plug and a fill plug. If my memory serves me correctly, they were both 8mm hex plugs. Both are located on the passenger’s side of the case.
The transfer case has only a drain plug. In order to drain the transfer case, you must remove the drain plug (6mm), back out an oil control screw (T30), and then pick/pull out a plastic stand tube in order to get a full drain. After draining, you then replace the stand tube and fill from the bottom. You then overfill and allow the excess to drain-off to the top of the stand tube. The lubricant is MB 236.15 spec ATF (blue) and not the same as that used in either the 7 or 9 speed transmissions. I have attached a photo of the plastic stand tube along with a useful video I found on YouTube.
@////AMG_C43 I don't know if I trust myself to get that tube out without damaging it - no fancy dealership wire hook tool. Would a simple bent pick tool work? Any trick to putting the tube back into the proper position, like proper rotation? I don't have a fluid dispenser like that. What is it technically called so I can look for one for sale?
The front diff should be simple!
Thanks for the info!
Last edited by GermanCarShow; Jan 25, 2026 at 07:26 PM.
I'll add my two cents here as I recently did a a transfer case fluid change.
Used MB blue fluid on my 2020 c43 9-speed (yours might differ)
Picked up this pick tool on
Picked up the pipe replacement from MB Dealer (again this is for my 2020 c43 but it might be the same). I think it came with a new screw and washer.
Measure how much comes out. New tube back in. Screw in the bolt so the new pipe clicks in. Unbolt. Used a suction pump to pump back in the fluid. Over fill it just a tad bit more so it can drain out a bit. Once steady stream gets a break in the flow. Add the bolt back in and torque down.
There are a lot of standard repairs that don't have a related maintenance...
You must replace the fluid before input-bearings fall apart destroying differential.
No service guarantees complete overhaul repair or reman. swap.
Agreed. My front diff started to make noises and whirr at 130k km, and when I changed the fluid it came out black. I replaced fluid in the rear at same time, and the rear fluid was as good as new fluid.
I purchased a second hand front diff and plan to swap at a time in the best future, but the new oil has made the noise in the front diff almost disappear for past 5k km
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