C63 AMG (W204) 2008 - 2015
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Trans filter change

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Old 04-03-2022, 02:41 PM
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2013 C63
Trans filter change

Good afternoon

I have a question out of curiosity. I just performed the simple trans filter swap on my 2013 C63. All went well as far as I can tell. But the process isn't 100% clear. When the drain plug is first removed, you get x amount of fluid to drain out, popping the overflow plug, the rest comes out. No problem. But to refill, you add 3 liters or so, warm trans, add another liter or two, let drain and replace drain plug. So the question, how is this considered full when the initial removal of the drain plug lets out about 1/2 liter? Just want to be sure it's topped off correctly.

Thanks!

Old 04-04-2022, 12:34 AM
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Because you need to refill while the engine is running.
Old 04-04-2022, 07:04 AM
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Originally Posted by lekoza
Because you need to refill while the engine is running.
True, not an issue there. The question is why does fluid come out when draining prior to popping the overflow plug. But when adding fluid back in, you let the excess fluid drain to the level of the overflow plug. The short answer is, it's just how it's done. But if this is the proper way to fill, then in theory you could remove the drain plug, let the 1/2 liter or so out, replace the drain plug, and the level would be correct. Seems like you'd be short. Anyway, not a big deal, just a question.
Old 04-04-2022, 09:20 AM
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It's because when it's running some of the fluid is in the pump when it's not running the pump is empty. If you started your drain process while it's running nine or very little would come out
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Old 04-04-2022, 11:04 AM
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At one point the dealer "overfilled my trans fluid". I was tearing down the highway in the Florida heat then all the sudden I see a TON of white smoke coming out the rear of the car. Freaked me out at first, but no check engine lights and the car was running fine. I took it in, and they said MB had released a bulletin since to add less fluid. The pressure had built up too high and it blew the trans seal and vented the excess fluid. It hit the exhaust pipes and boom... Steam
Old 04-05-2022, 12:07 AM
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Originally Posted by skullbox15
At one point the dealer "overfilled my trans fluid". I was tearing down the highway in the Florida heat then all the sudden I see a TON of white smoke coming out the rear of the car. Freaked me out at first, but no check engine lights and the car was running fine. I took it in, and they said MB had released a bulletin since to add less fluid. The pressure had built up too high and it blew the trans seal and vented the excess fluid. It hit the exhaust pipes and boom... Steam
This bulletin does not exist. They either had no idea what they were doing or pinched the pan gasket. Typical service writer lies.
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Old 04-05-2022, 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by rawkkrawler
Good afternoon

I have a question out of curiosity. I just performed the simple trans filter swap on my 2013 C63. All went well as far as I can tell. But the process isn't 100% clear. When the drain plug is first removed, you get x amount of fluid to drain out, popping the overflow plug, the rest comes out. No problem. But to refill, you add 3 liters or so, warm trans, add another liter or two, let drain and replace drain plug. So the question, how is this considered full when the initial removal of the drain plug lets out about 1/2 liter? Just want to be sure it's topped off correctly.

Thanks!
Here's the WIS procedure. To do the job per spec you need to monitor the oil temp. Without a connection to the car via Xentry to monitor temp, you need to use a hose/fitting set up that incorporates a temp probe while allowing fluid to be put into tranny under pressure.

Note, the attached is appropriate for a 2010, not sure what version of the trans is, but the procedure is pretty much the same. I can provide you with appropriate docs if you post your VIN.

Regards,

Joe
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Old 04-05-2022, 12:29 PM
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I used a laser temp gun on the pan. Not perfect, but close enough.
Old 04-05-2022, 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by skullbox15
At one point the dealer "overfilled my trans fluid". I was tearing down the highway in the Florida heat then all the sudden I see a TON of white smoke coming out the rear of the car. Freaked me out at first, but no check engine lights and the car was running fine. I took it in, and they said MB had released a bulletin since to add less fluid. The pressure had built up too high and it blew the trans seal and vented the excess fluid. It hit the exhaust pipes and boom... Steam
This could be it.
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Old 04-06-2022, 07:22 AM
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I appreciate all the feedback. It was really just a curiosity thing for me.
Old 04-06-2022, 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by cloverfield
This could be it.
Sounds similar to what happened.
Old 04-06-2022, 10:20 AM
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That bulletin doesn't say to add less fluid. It's an addendum reinforcing the level-setting procedure in WIS because dealer techs apparently can't RTFM.

Old 04-06-2022, 03:45 PM
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Out of curiosity, does anyone know why the level is set as a specific temperature? Is there a thermostatic valve that sends fluid through the cooling loop, or is it always being actively pumped?
Old 04-07-2022, 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted by BalanBro
Out of curiosity, does anyone know why the level is set as a specific temperature? Is there a thermostatic valve that sends fluid through the cooling loop, or is it always being actively pumped?
Oil takes up more volume as the temperature rises. You need it at the right temperature in order to fill the proper amount of oil when using the overflow drain. If you fill it cold you will end up overfilling; and if you fill it when too hot, it will be underfilled.
Old 04-08-2022, 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by lekoza
Oil takes up more volume as the temperature rises. You need it at the right temperature in order to fill the proper amount of oil when using the overflow drain. If you fill it cold you will end up overfilling; and if you fill it when too hot, it will be underfilled.
Trying to wrap my head around this, and why I started the post. I’m assuming we all drain fluids coldish. 1/2 liter or so drains over the overflow plug prior to popping it out to get the rest. Once warm it’s topped only to the overflow plug. If there’s more volume when warm, or less when cold, the procedure seems backwards.

I landed on the logic that when cold, the fluid settled back to the pan, hence the extra fluid. When warm, and running, the fluid is circulating through other parts of the loop therefore allowing the fluid to be considered topped off once it stops draining from the plug. I’m sure someone knows the actual answer.
Old 04-08-2022, 10:50 PM
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OK, so you probably drained the oil WITHOUT the engine running - correct? Try turning your engine off next time you fill it up before plugging the drain and see what happens
Old 04-08-2022, 11:13 PM
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Originally Posted by lekoza
OK, so you probably drained the oil WITHOUT the engine running - correct? Try turning your engine off next time you fill it up before plugging the drain and see what happens
Yes, drained with engine off. Refilled with engine running, as directed. Once up to temp, add an additional liter or so. Pull fill tube, let fluid drain and cap.
Old 04-08-2022, 11:13 PM
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Originally Posted by lekoza
Oil takes up more volume as the temperature rises. You need it at the right temperature in order to fill the proper amount of oil when using the overflow drain. If you fill it cold you will end up overfilling; and if you fill it when too hot, it will be underfilled.
From everything I've looked at regarding oil, it has a very low thermal expansion rate. Something below 0.1% per degree C, so the expansion thing really seems like splitting hairs, unless I'm missing something. However, anytime there's a thermostat involved, you always want to reach a temperature that would open the thermostat to ensure everything is filled properly (like with coolant for example).
Old 04-08-2022, 11:32 PM
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Yes, so what drains out when the engine is off is what is circulating through the transmission when your engine is turned on.
Old 04-09-2022, 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by rawkkrawler
Yes, drained with engine off. Refilled with engine running, as directed. Once up to temp, add an additional liter or so. Pull fill tube, let fluid drain and cap.
I hope not for the initial fill.

Drain cold, fill cold...then start the engine and begin the level-setting procedure.

It's a bit of an oddball filling procedure, frankly. First time I serviced a 722.9, I used a 3L capacity pump and it was a PITA, especially with the larger Weistec pan.

There's a 6L capacity transmission fill pump out there that will make the job a lot easier.


Last edited by HLG600; 04-09-2022 at 08:58 AM.
Old 04-09-2022, 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by HLG600
I hope not for the initial fill.

Drain cold, fill cold...then start the engine and begin the level-setting procedure.

It's a bit of an oddball filling procedure, frankly. First time I serviced a 722.9, I used a 3L capacity pump and it was a PITA, especially with the larger Weistec pan.

There's a 6L capacity transmission fill pump out there that will make the job a lot easier.
Left that part out, but yes, filled without engine running initially. Started and warmed car, topped off until overflow stopped. Definitely an interesting procedure.
Old 04-09-2022, 10:29 PM
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I think you have to start to fill before turning on the engine because otherwise the transmission oil pump will be running dry, since it turns on when you start the car. The pump probably uses the oil to cool itself and could be damaged if run for long without oil. Then you need to start the car because the oil level is set based on how much oil is remaining in the pan after oil gets circulated through the pump, transmission, etc.
Old 04-10-2022, 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by lekoza
I think you have to start to fill before turning on the engine because otherwise the transmission oil pump will be running dry, since it turns on when you start the car. The pump probably uses the oil to cool itself and could be damaged if run for long without oil. Then you need to start the car because the oil level is set based on how much oil is remaining in the pan after oil gets circulated through the pump, transmission, etc.
Yes, that was my last post. Filled with engine off, then got up to temp, then added additional.

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