omar26

QUOTE=mis3;3335757]I'm stilling waiting for a final response from MB. Looks like it will cost $400 CAN for the partial ATF change. Will cost more, maybe $700, to flush the whole thing.[/QUOTE]

Why So expensive, r those normal prices in canada. i provided a link to the shop i go to and their charge currently is $300 for the flush, filter, gasket. Dont get ripped off man im sure it can't be 400 diff and it dont include the filter n gasket change

http://marsautogroup.com/images/flyer.pdf

SZMB

I also have a 2004 CLK320. Back in 2004, MB claimed lifetime ATF, then later recommended to change the ATF every 100k mi. Now they're recommending every 39k mi. My has 50k mi. I just have the fluid changed, $400 including oil, filter & labor. The car was shifting smoothly before the oil change, and is still smooth afterward. I also have a BMW that has the lifetime ATF. I just have the ATF flushed at 95k mi, boy what a difference, the shifting is so much smoother.

AMS Performance

The whole "lifetime" fluid is a joke. Most people who actually know what they are talking about, know that after roughly 5-7 years the fluid needs to be changed (roughly every 70-80k). The filter must also be replaced. Mercedes technically is right though, b/c if you never change your transmission fluid then it WILL last the life of the transmission, but what they don't tell you is the life of the transmission will be reduced drastically.

2 cents

jagass

If you think your adviser is reliable, you better obey him...

mis3

Acutally, the $400 includes the ATF change (only the pan) and the filter.

So, is partial ATF change (maybe 4 liters) worth the effort?

omar26

its better than doing nothing, but i would go find another dealer, or find a shop tht has a trans flush machine, order the gasket/filter kit, i believe its only like 30-50 dollars from mercedes.

AMS Performance

The partial change still makes a big difference b/c the most important part is the filter. If you see metal shavings in the pan then I would worry, otherwise the tranny should be fine.

mis3

I am not sure if I want to buy the parts and go to a regular auto shop. Once I went to Mr. Lube for an oil change and they spent 15 minutes looking for the drain hole!

Since my car has no more warranty, I am actually looking for an independent mechanic/shop that specializes MB in Toronto.

omar26

I wouldn't take my car to any shop tht doesn't specialize in mercedes neither, ur settig ur self up for disaster with that. when i said reg. shop i meant non dealer tht specializes, sorry i didnt clarify. Good Luck

mis3

Does my car (2004 CLK320) come with the pan magent?

If so, I would just ask them to clean it off and save that $13 (probably more in Canada).

mis3

I just booked an appointment to MB to do the basic transmission service this Saturday. This includes the filter, ATF in the pan and may be more.

Not sure if I can tell a difference afterward. Will report later.

brakel8

Here's my opinion:

All the way up to year 2000 MB recomended trans service at 30K mile interval, between 2001 and 2005 they introduced free maintenace at this time the vehicles got the 722.6 and was said to be a liftime fill. During this time there was lots of trans issues and valve body were replaced left and right (automatic fluid change), now with the 722.9 they recomend service at 39K miles.

Now think about what is in the trans, fluid, gears, solenoids, bearings and the killer of trans's FRICTION plates that wear. The filter removes the material that wears off the friction plates (think of it as brake pad dust or clutch disk dust in a manual trans), so it would be a good idea to replace the filter. By keeping the fluid flowing properly through out the trans and engaging the clutches quickly and firm will prolong the life of the trans.

So, what ever anyone decides to do please replace the filter! The BG flush machine circulates about 16 quarts of fluid through the trans, the trans holds almost 8 quarts so it gets all the old fluid out but the filter is still dirty and can cause a restriction. Just dropping the pan and changing the filter will drain 4 to 5 quarts depending how long the tech lets it drain.

What ever service anyone does to the trans will prolong the life of the unit.
Unfortunatly trans services only get done when trans problems arise which by then might be to late.

kmjs

HI, there

I'm new to MB and I just got my CLK lately it has 48000miles on it, which is a 2004 model and I feel that the transmission isnt very smooth so i kinda want to do a transmission fluid change or service..the thing is i just read all the comments here and people said that might be 400bucks thats pretty expensive for a transmission service..so i wanna know if you guys have any advice that can help me..like what type of fluid is the transmission using and which place is good(in arizona) to service it(cheaper that a dealer)..

thanks guys..

mis3

What do you mean by this? I thought they would just change whatever in the pan. Maybe I don't understand the exact procedure.

When I asked my MB adviser (my friend), he quoted me $400 CAN. Mind you he still thinks the ATF is lifetime. When I insisted, he checked and it's about $300. It will probably be cheaper in US, everything here in Canada is more expensive.

moondust

mis3

Take a look at this DIY for earlier models that you could totally drain. It gives you an idea of what the filter looks like, etc.

http://www.mercedesshop.com/Wikka/Trans7226Fluid

mis3

Changed ATF (partial) and motor oil this morning at MB. The car was smooth before and now is super smooth; not sure if it's because of the ATF or the new motor oil.

I was charged:
1. Filter ($15.55),
2. Oil pan gasket ($13.38),
3. Seal ring ($0.86)
4. ATF (5 liters, $17.30 each, $86.50 total)
5. Pin ($0.86)
6. Oil Filter ($20.91)
7. Mobil 1 0W40 (8 liters, $10.07 each, $80.56 total)

All the prices here are with 15% discount. Added $156.83 labor and tax came up to $424.26. Yes, we Canadian pay more for everything.

Mercedes Mom

Is the following problem my transmission?

I have a 2002 C320. I can't find a place to check the transmision fluid or anything in my book about changing the fluid so I am assuming it is a "lifetime" ATF car as well. It has almost 60K miles on it now. Have noticed that it on several occasions takes time to get going-accelerate-when I step on the pedal hard. If I go to enter the highway from a stop this is not a good thing. My husband became alarmed from something he noticed while underway on the highway as well but he is rarely in my car. There are no leaks under the car. My husband thinks I need to take it in for a transmission fluid replacement since we don't know how to check the fluid level.

Is anyone familiar with problem of this type on this model?
From what I gather so far from reading this thread, it's a good idea to change out the ATF and filter around 60K (or 100K?) even though MB did not originally say it was necessary. Also, it sounds like it will cost me about $400 if I do it. Do I understand that to be what others have gleaned from all this.

Thank you for any help.

omar26

mercedes has this "special" long dipstick to check for the trans fluid. i guess they don't put it in on purpose, so you have to come to the dealer to get it checked out

JALE

im bringing this up! i have a 2003 clk500. i did a transmission flush (removed trans pan) replaced pan gasket and filter along with 722.6 specific OEM MB fluid. i believd i fill it up with 5-6 quarts of fluid. the transmission feels as if its slipping (i have to get on it to get it moving) anyone know what it could be? too much fluid or not enough? i can only sometimes switch to manual mode. put the car into drive and click left and right and sometimes it will show 4, 3, 2 ,1 but sometimes it wont.

what gives?


EDIT: it shows all the gears when put in manual. still sluggish though.