Need Opinion? To Change or not change transmission fluid?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
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2009 CLK 350
Need Opinion? To Change or not change transmission fluid?
I have a 2009 CLK 250 with 42,000 miles and extended MB warranty. When I bought the car I remember reading debate here about whether or not to change transmission fluid. What I recall is that MB issued a service bulletin recommending it.... I asked independent mechanic who performs service he said, "Don't do it... from what I've seen it creates more trouble down the road." I asked MB dealer who would be performing any warranty work and he said, "Yup. We recommend it. MB might not honor your warranty if you don't do the prescribed service."
Thoughts from you guys?
Thoughts from you guys?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The independent mechanic is an idiot. Change fluid & filter EVERY 39K miles or 60K Km's and you will be rewarded with long transmission life.
Regular fluid changes will always be the best thing you can do.
Regular fluid changes will always be the best thing you can do.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 380
Likes: 28
From: via Mulholland
2024 GLE63s
I had my trans fluid changed a couple of months ago at my dealer at 39k. My SA said "good idea". "If something goes wrong, MB will probably more likely to help you out". He also said that an added bonus that Ive had all my service(s) done at the dealer so there is a clear history of taking care of bidness.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
NA is the only place in the world that tried to suggest that these transmissions were filled for life. ROW has always been every 39K miles or 60K Km's where people expect a Benz to last.
What happened? Endless failures in the US. Then started this old wives tail that changing of fluid would somehow cause a failure & that old contaminated fluid somehow holds things together.
I've seen hundreds of samples of used fluid from these transmissions. It's tired at 60K Km's & needs to be changed. The filter also needs a change.
What happened? Endless failures in the US. Then started this old wives tail that changing of fluid would somehow cause a failure & that old contaminated fluid somehow holds things together.
I've seen hundreds of samples of used fluid from these transmissions. It's tired at 60K Km's & needs to be changed. The filter also needs a change.
