Tranny oil change. DIY
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Bay Area
W218 Stage 2, E85
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C63 Vert
Ha. I hope konigster(sp?) chimes in.
Ok I think I'm going with pentosin, I want to just make sure it is the oem oil. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aut...ntosin-1089216
I really like going with oem oil for tranny oil changes.
Ok I think I'm going with pentosin, I want to just make sure it is the oem oil. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aut...ntosin-1089216
I really like going with oem oil for tranny oil changes.
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Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Bay Area
W218 Stage 2, E85
So I found this that sells the entire kit. But like you said, I also want to know the OEM oil for the trans.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...2222772000kt2/
Don't we also need a pump?
I have never replaced the Trans fluid before lol
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...2222772000kt2/
Don't we also need a pump?
I have never replaced the Trans fluid before lol
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Joined: Feb 2020
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CLS 500 w218
you need special machine to do a tranny oil change..if you just change an oil from bottom of tranny, that is just half of oil....the machine pushes 8 liter oil out of it and than it puts in another 8 liters of clean oil...no way you can do it at home in your garage...
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
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C63 Vert
@cls5504matic Please post your VIN. Then someone can post the WIS instructions. Also watch this series of videos. The first two are posted below, you can look for the remaining videos on Senior Leigh's YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/qB4NZ1mfc30
https://youtu.be/0n-x500lc-c
https://youtu.be/qB4NZ1mfc30
https://youtu.be/0n-x500lc-c
What is the consensus for the 7g+
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2014 CLS 550
One thing I learned from the RRs which may not be true here, is that you really didn't want to change all of the oil at once. Because it could change the friction of the fluid beyond what the ZF computer adaptations adapted for and you could kill the tranny. (And you 100% didn't change all oil then reset adaptations). ZF also claimed the tranny was sealed for life though.
What is the consensus for the 7g+[/QUOTE]
ive heard mixed things as well about the process but when I took mine to my Indy dealer he recommends a “trans service” every 70,000 miles. I’m going to ask what that entails. I just had them do it at like 110k because it wasn’t done before like it should of been, and I have to say I didn’t notice much of a difference in drivability.
What is the consensus for the 7g+[/QUOTE]
ive heard mixed things as well about the process but when I took mine to my Indy dealer he recommends a “trans service” every 70,000 miles. I’m going to ask what that entails. I just had them do it at like 110k because it wasn’t done before like it should of been, and I have to say I didn’t notice much of a difference in drivability.
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I love watching his videos. I would never have thought about draining the torque converter. He doesn't have a lift which is interesting. Maybe I can do this on ramps/stands and a crawler. Last time I did this was on some range rovers, which are pretty high and you don't drop the pan on the ZF 6. I guess you could but you don't need to like on this.
One thing I learned from the RRs which may not be true here, is that you really didn't want to change all of the oil at once. Because it could change the friction of the fluid beyond what the ZF computer adaptations adapted for and you could kill the tranny. (And you 100% didn't change all oil then reset adaptations). ZF also claimed the tranny was sealed for life though.
What is the consensus for the 7g+
One thing I learned from the RRs which may not be true here, is that you really didn't want to change all of the oil at once. Because it could change the friction of the fluid beyond what the ZF computer adaptations adapted for and you could kill the tranny. (And you 100% didn't change all oil then reset adaptations). ZF also claimed the tranny was sealed for life though.
What is the consensus for the 7g+
Not changing all of the oil and sealed for life are myths dealers gladly perpetuate. BMW has an officially documented transmission oil change procedure. M-B has an officially documented oil change procedure, and in fact recommends oil replacement every 60k miles. Carmakers don't care, because the transmission outlives the warranty period 99.9% of the time. When it doesn't the reason is not because the oil needed changed. Dealers don't care because failed transmissions mean sales of new or pre-owned vehicles.
If there is a drain plug, and a fill plug, it ain't sealed for life.
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From: Bay Area
W218 Stage 2, E85
I usually watch Scotty Kilmer, Idk if any of you watch his videos. He also said that most of the new lux manufacturers claim that the Trans fluid is for "lifetime." But he said he asked a few people, I forgot if they were related to the dealership or indy shops, they said that the term "lifetime" means for the life of the transmission, like for how long they expect, or should, the transmission last the minimum. Which they said is usually ONLY until the warranty is in effect.
So what I got out of that video is that the "lifetime" trans fluid needs to be changed right when the warranty expires. On the owner's manual, I believe, it mentions every 70k miles. But I also heard that if the owner's manual doesn't mention the trans fluid change intervals, just stick to every 100k miles.
So what I got out of that video is that the "lifetime" trans fluid needs to be changed right when the warranty expires. On the owner's manual, I believe, it mentions every 70k miles. But I also heard that if the owner's manual doesn't mention the trans fluid change intervals, just stick to every 100k miles.
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Yes, "lifetime" has a different meaning for the consumer, compared to either the carmaker or dealer.
My target vehicle lifetime is 10 yrs and/or 200k miles, far more miles and a longer time period than either carmakers or dealers prefer.
My target vehicle lifetime is 10 yrs and/or 200k miles, far more miles and a longer time period than either carmakers or dealers prefer.
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From: Bay Area
W218 Stage 2, E85
Also, that's a pretty neat idea to use the home depot spray pump. But once he pumped the oil in there, why did he let the oil drain out till it started to splash? Am I missing something?
As I said, I have never done a trans fluid change, so this is a very new concept for me. I won't be doing this on my own in the garage, but still have questions.
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cls550 2014
I have done the trans fluid change. I bought a nice pump to refill. I did it on a lift and would recommend that. After refilling you remove the fluid transfer pump and with engine running allow fluid to come out. That is what sets the fluid level correctly. You have to watch the temperature very carefully as it gets to the desired temp very fast. Make sure you completely overfill the first time. I found one of the back trans pan bolts very difficult to access while torquing.
I did it at 60K.
I did it at 60K.
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
One question on the video, I saw him drill into the metal, is that really necessary? Just seems a bit scary for me haha.
Also, that's a pretty neat idea to use the home depot spray pump. But once he pumped the oil in there, why did he let the oil drain out till it started to splash? Am I missing something?
As I said, I have never done a trans fluid change, so this is a very new concept for me. I won't be doing this on my own in the garage, but still have questions.
Also, that's a pretty neat idea to use the home depot spray pump. But once he pumped the oil in there, why did he let the oil drain out till it started to splash? Am I missing something?
As I said, I have never done a trans fluid change, so this is a very new concept for me. I won't be doing this on my own in the garage, but still have questions.
As mentioned in the previous post, the dripping is the correct procedure - overfill while the transmission is at operating temperature. It's a "brim full" filling procedure, unlike a definite volume fill like engine oil or coolant.
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CLS 550
Senior Leigh drilled into the aluminum casting, no problem. It is so an allen wrench can access the torque converter drain screw.
As mentioned in the previous post, the dripping is the correct procedure - overfill while the transmission is at operating temperature. It's a "brim full" filling procedure, unlike a definite volume fill like engine oil or coolant.
As mentioned in the previous post, the dripping is the correct procedure - overfill while the transmission is at operating temperature. It's a "brim full" filling procedure, unlike a definite volume fill like engine oil or coolant.
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Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Valencia, CA
2014 CLS550, 2016 SLK300, 2016 C300
I have 2014 CLS550. It is about 43,000 miles and finished the transmission oil change last week. the typical dealer will charge $495 to $599 for the transmission oil changes.
I looked for the equivalent transmission oil and confirmed by auto part that is ok to use " Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid.
In addition, I purchased and modified the "Eliminator 1 Gallon Sprayer" from Walmart. you only need the ATF filling adopter from eBay or Amazon. ( )
There are so many YouTube channel shows how to change the transmission oil videos.
You also need to change the differential oil (which is very easy) and I used the Mobile one 75W-90 gear oil.
Hope this would help.
I looked for the equivalent transmission oil and confirmed by auto part that is ok to use " Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid.
In addition, I purchased and modified the "Eliminator 1 Gallon Sprayer" from Walmart. you only need the ATF filling adopter from eBay or Amazon. ( )
There are so many YouTube channel shows how to change the transmission oil videos.
You also need to change the differential oil (which is very easy) and I used the Mobile one 75W-90 gear oil.
Hope this would help.
Last edited by jhlcopy; Oct 12, 2020 at 05:31 PM. Reason: spell and additional comments
Super Member
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From: Bay Area
W218 Stage 2, E85
So I understand that you overfill the trans first. But IF you drain the Torque Converter as well, say the pan + Tq converter totals 8 liters, I would pump up about 8.5 to 9 liters all at once?
With the Tq C drained, the fluid is still pumped thru the pan or you pump the fluid into the Tq C thru the Tq C drain plug?
Also, when rotating the engine, it is only supposed to be turned clockwise, correct? When rotating the engine to get to the Tq C drain plug, would there be carving on there to confirm this is the one, or would it be the only hex screw? What size would that screw be?
I just want to know the basics and check the parts out to see if I can do it myself or take it to the shop. One guy quoted me $385.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
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CLS 500 w218
This is what we use here i europe to change oil in automatic transmisions...you need to flush your tranny first an then fill it with clean oil. you need twice
much oil then...I paid for my cls 330 dollars
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I am planning to put the car up on the ramps tomorrow and check the bottom area and see if the torque converter drain plug is accessible. Just to take a look under there for now.
So I understand that you overfill the trans first. But IF you drain the Torque Converter as well, say the pan + Tq converter totals 8 liters, I would pump up about 8.5 to 9 liters all at once?
With the Tq C drained, the fluid is still pumped thru the pan or you pump the fluid into the Tq C thru the Tq C drain plug?
Also, when rotating the engine, it is only supposed to be turned clockwise, correct? When rotating the engine to get to the Tq C drain plug, would there be carving on there to confirm this is the one, or would it be the only hex screw? What size would that screw be?
I just want to know the basics and check the parts out to see if I can do it myself or take it to the shop. One guy quoted me $385.
So I understand that you overfill the trans first. But IF you drain the Torque Converter as well, say the pan + Tq converter totals 8 liters, I would pump up about 8.5 to 9 liters all at once?
With the Tq C drained, the fluid is still pumped thru the pan or you pump the fluid into the Tq C thru the Tq C drain plug?
Also, when rotating the engine, it is only supposed to be turned clockwise, correct? When rotating the engine to get to the Tq C drain plug, would there be carving on there to confirm this is the one, or would it be the only hex screw? What size would that screw be?
I just want to know the basics and check the parts out to see if I can do it myself or take it to the shop. One guy quoted me $385.
Last edited by chassis; Oct 17, 2020 at 08:38 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 744
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From: Bay Area
W218 Stage 2, E85
@Roop94 Watch the YouTube video from Senior Leigh multiple times. If you decide to have this done at a shop, be sure it is dealer or Mercedes specialist.
Do you have to drain the pan, fill the oil, let the excess out and then drain the Tq C? Or can you do it all together, drain the pan + Tq C and then fill the fluid at once?
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C63 Vert
That is a good question. And im not sure roop. Id like to know more.
for me.
i was going to skip the tc drain. But i believe the filling is the same method. Which is as i understand it shove as much oil in as possible while car is running. Shut off wait a bit. Turn on car shove more oil in as needed until temperature is reached and oil comes out of the fill plug.
for me.
i was going to skip the tc drain. But i believe the filling is the same method. Which is as i understand it shove as much oil in as possible while car is running. Shut off wait a bit. Turn on car shove more oil in as needed until temperature is reached and oil comes out of the fill plug.
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Senior Leigh posted another 722.9 fluid video today. It shows how to check the fluid level. A small update.
The WIS procedure for fluid replacement is posted on this site, likely multiple times. The search button will bring it up.
The WIS procedure for fluid replacement is posted on this site, likely multiple times. The search button will bring it up.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 744
Likes: 144
From: Bay Area
W218 Stage 2, E85
That is a good question. And im not sure roop. Id like to know more.
for me.
i was going to skip the tc drain. But i believe the filling is the same method. Which is as i understand it shove as much oil in as possible while car is running. Shut off wait a bit. Turn on car shove more oil in as needed until temperature is reached and oil comes out of the fill plug.
for me.
i was going to skip the tc drain. But i believe the filling is the same method. Which is as i understand it shove as much oil in as possible while car is running. Shut off wait a bit. Turn on car shove more oil in as needed until temperature is reached and oil comes out of the fill plug.
Bc, as I said, he made 2 separate videos and only filled the fluid in when he dropped the pan but not when he drained the Tq C. So I'm a bit confused there. I'll have to do some digging haha. Everything else seems doable.
