Transmission Fluid PSA: LM Top Tec Removed from Approval

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May 15, 2024 | 12:25 AM
  #1  
FLUID PSA: Liqui Moly Top Tec is no longer approved by MB for our transmission, or apparently for any MB vehicle. FCP Euro and Liqui Moly themselves are still advertising that it is approved so this change was likely recent. MB's Operating Fluids dept. confirmed with me this week in an email. I'd have a hard time using any fluid that does not meet MB approval - I wonder what changed.

Current list of 236.15 spec approved oil: https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/236.15


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May 15, 2024 | 09:51 AM
  #2  
Liqui Moly doesn't claim to have the approval. Rather, they use some careful verbiage to "recommend" their Top Tec ATF 1900 for applications that call for the 236.15 spec.

There are plenty of options on the market that carry the formal MB 236.15 approval. No reason to go "off menu" here, IMHO.


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May 15, 2024 | 10:04 AM
  #3  
Interesting, you're right very careful phrasing on LM site. However on FCP Euro's site, it blatantly says it has the approval. I would have assumed you couldn't advertise it in such a misleading way by saying recommended vs approved, hence my confusion and why I started digging into this in the first place.

Agree that there's no reason to go off-menu, this was just something for folks who may not have caught this small difference of phrasing. I personally prefer MB or Pentosin. This was just for anyone who is currently using Top Tec or was considering buying that kit.
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May 15, 2024 | 10:09 AM
  #4  
It's a good call-out, considering how many folks use Liqui Moly products.

Despite hearing good things about it, I've never tried their ATF (also prefer Pentosin).

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