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Just did the engine oil change and figured while she is up on 4 jacks that i may as well do the DCT and diff oil changes to save myself the hassle of taking her back down and then back up again. Any special drain/fill tools I may need and does anyone have a step-by-step write-up or video? I've been quoted 700-800 bux by the local indy MB shops to do this and that just seems like a crazy amount of money for this job, unless it's more of a nightmare than I think? Please advise. I'm a reasonably good mechanic, but also don't want a nightmare on my hands due to not having a lift. Thanks.
Just did the engine oil change and figured while she is up on 4 jacks that i may as well do the DCT and diff oil changes to save myself the hassle of taking her back down and then back up again. Any special drain/fill tools I may need and does anyone have a step-by-step write-up or video? I've been quoted 700-800 bux by the local indy MB shops to do this and that just seems like a crazy amount of money for this job, unless it's more of a nightmare than I think? Please advise. I'm a reasonably good mechanic, but also don't want a nightmare on my hands due to not having a lift. Thanks.
Acta....what is the service-interval for the diff fluid? The shop in FH that you kindly told me about is saying 80,000 miles, but that's not what I have read/heard. Thanks mate.
Acta....what is the service-interval for the diff fluid? The shop in FH that you kindly told me about is saying 80,000 miles, but that's not what I have read/heard. Thanks mate.
got it, tnx. new question plz....as i can't find the mb or shell dct fluid, would you use the liqui moly?
Hi Enj,
I absolutely cannot recommend any other fluid but the Shell DCT-F3 fluid.
I say that BC I have absolutely no way to field test an alternative fluid to the only fluid recommended by the manufacturer. So, for every possible way the vehicle can be used, and for all the vehicle options (such as GT, GTS, GTC, GTR, Etc.) I wouldn't have access to the variety of uses for this platform; everything from grocery shopping to extreme track use.
If you use another fluid, you would have to take responsibility it could cause issues unforeseen from just chatting about it online.
A little bit about "manufacturer recommended fluids" - manufacturers typically strike deals with fluid suppliers. The fluid supplier gives the manufacturer significant discounts on factory fills and field service supplies, and the manufacturer agrees NOT to test other fluid suppliers as optional fills. It happens all the time with engine oils (MB recommends Mobil one, and no other brand, but surely other engine oils wouldn't harm the engine)
Now comes the "other oil companies" - they realize the manufacturer is not ever going to recommend their fluid. However, by analysis, they might conclude they have a formula very close or spot on to the recommended fluid. They might start offering their fluid "MEETS OR EXCEEDS" the manufacturer's spec (in the case of the DCT fluid the MB 236.25 spec). Now, that might be anywhere from somewhat accurate as "in the same ballpark" to exactly the same formula. But, this is the risk you take. For example, MOTUL Multi DCTF fluid states, directly on their product spec sheet compatible with MB 236.25. Can I personally vouch for that...no sir. It's a "Caveat Emptor" situation.
Some of the worst are the "Boutique" oil companies - Redline, Royal Purple (if they still exist). These small companies hire a couple of chemists. They create products then scan manufacturer specs to see which ones they might get close to meeting. Marketing then takes over and can convince you their version of a DCT fluid is even far better than the manufacturer's recommendations. Of course when you read their fine print disclosures, they will deny any responsibility for using their products and would spend all they need in a courtroom to defend misuse. Again CAVEAT EMPTOR!
Last edited by Acta_Non_Verba; Oct 3, 2022 at 08:20 PM.
i agree with all of that, but there's one little issue.....i can't find "normal" amounts of the shell anywhere. even most indy shops (including the one in fountain hills) aren't using it, probably as they too can't get their hands on it. do you have a source? thanks mate.
Originally Posted by Acta_Non_Verba
Hi Enj,
I absolutely cannot recommend any other fluid but the Shell DCT-F3 fluid.
I say that BC I have absolutely no way to field test an alternative fluid to the only fluid recommended by the manufacturer. So, for every possible way the vehicle can be used, and for all the vehicle options (such as GT, GTS, GTC, GTR, Etc.) I wouldn't have access to the variety of uses for this platform; everything from grocery shopping to extreme track use.
If you use another fluid, you would have to take responsibility it could cause issues unforeseen from just chatting about it online.
A little bit about "manufacturer recommended fluids" - manufacturers typically strike deals with fluid suppliers. The fluid supplier gives the manufacturer significant discounts on factory fills and field service supplies, and the manufacturer agrees NOT to test other fluid suppliers as optional fills. It happens all the time with engine oils (MB recommends Mobil one, and no other brand, but surely other engine oils wouldn't harm the engine)
Now comes the "other oil companies" - they realize the manufacturer is not ever going to recommend their fluid. However, by analysis, they might conclude they have a formula very close or spot on to the recommended fluid. They might start offering their fluid "MEETS OR EXCEEDS" the manufacturer's spec (in the case of the DCT fluid the MB 236.25 spec). Now, that might be anywhere from somewhat accurate as "in the same ballpark" to exactly the same formula. But, this is the risk you take. For example, MOTUL Multi DCTF fluid states, directly on their product spec sheet compatible with MB 236.25. Can I personally vouch for that...no sir. It's a "Caveat Emptor" situation.
Some of the worst are the "Boutique" oil companies - Redline, Royal Purple (if they still exist). These small companies hire a couple of chemists. They create products then scan manufacturer specs to see which ones they might get close to meeting. Marketing then takes over and can convince you their version of a DCT fluid is even far better than the manufacturer's recommendations. Of course when you read their fine print disclosures, they will deny any responsibility for using their products and would spend all they need in a courtroom to defend misuse. Again CAVEAT EMPTOR!
I think you're dead in the water with the Shell. I looked for hours and hours a year ago and the closest I came was the 20L container. Some dealers purchase it this way only. They might be willing to sell you the 20L container. It's over a 5 gallon pail. You could do your change then maybe find another member who wants to do the change and sell the rest. Maybe the shop in FH would be willing to purchase the 20L sell you 7L then keep the rest to use. My guess is Shell has given up on 1L packaging so it's just frustration.
The alternative is to step off the reservation (which I strongly don't recommend) and go with the alternative DCTF fluid mentioned above.
Just a quick search, I've found it here in both 2L and 4L lots. I think there is a 12L lot was well, just search for it, or do quantity 2 of the 4 pack below. Just remember the risk you'll be taking here...maybe nothing...maybe not...
I think you're dead in the water with the Shell. I looked for hours and hours a year ago and the closest I came was the 20L container. Some dealers purchase it this way only. They might be willing to sell you the 20L container. It's over a 5 gallon pail. You could do your change then maybe find another member who wants to do the change and sell the rest. Maybe the shop in FH would be willing to purchase the 20L sell you 7L then keep the rest to use. My guess is Shell has given up on 1L packaging so it's just frustration.
The alternative is to step off the reservation (which I strongly don't recommend) and go with the alternative DCTF fluid mentioned above.
Just a quick search, I've found it here in both 2L and 4L lots. I think there is a 12L lot was well, just search for it, or do quantity 2 of the 4 pack below. Just remember the risk you'll be taking here...maybe nothing...maybe not...
thank you mate. yeah, not AT ALL worth the risk. i'll just pay the money and have the shop i use in scottsdale do it, as they have the MB fluid that they get directly from MB parts dept in bulk.
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