ATF Drain
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: NC
2008 MB E320 BlueTec. 2011 Porsche Boxster 987. 2016 Mazda CX-5 Sport MT, 1995 BMW K75 motorcycle
ATF Drain
When I did an oil and filter change today I accidentally loosened the ATF drain plug on my 2008 E320 BlueTec. To my surprise it was only a thimble full of ATF that came out. My question is if this is normal. Where is the ATF "stored" when the engine is not running? I cannot believe there is no ATF as the transmissions shifts smoothly and there is no evidence of any problems.
Also, is it possible to drain and refill the ATF? Or is this strictly MB dealer's territory? It appears there is no AT dipstick or filler opening.
Thanks for any advice!
Also, is it possible to drain and refill the ATF? Or is this strictly MB dealer's territory? It appears there is no AT dipstick or filler opening.
Thanks for any advice!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 305
Likes: 42
W211 E320 Diesel OM642
It's normal. There is a tube that runs up from the drain so there is quite a bit of oil left in the pan but it's not draining because it's at the level of the tube.
oil on these 7-speed transmission is added by forcing it through that drain hole...
to drain it you can simply put a screwdriver through that hole and try to dislodge that plastic tubing/Channel or simply unbolt that transmission pan and drain it that way it's messy
oil on these 7-speed transmission is added by forcing it through that drain hole...
to drain it you can simply put a screwdriver through that hole and try to dislodge that plastic tubing/Channel or simply unbolt that transmission pan and drain it that way it's messy
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
2008 has torque converter plug, so servicing the transmission is straight-forward procedure.
It sounds complicated the first time since you have overfill tube in the pan and have to use a pump, but beside it being messy job, there is not much to it.
And no, you don't need DAS. Even $10 Bluetooth scanner will read ATF temperature, where infra-red thermometer can do it as well.
Beware that in 2008 MBUSA advised only single ATF service at 40k miles, but the service book ends at 150k.
I did 2nd service at 180k. on my Bluetec
It sounds complicated the first time since you have overfill tube in the pan and have to use a pump, but beside it being messy job, there is not much to it.
And no, you don't need DAS. Even $10 Bluetooth scanner will read ATF temperature, where infra-red thermometer can do it as well.
Beware that in 2008 MBUSA advised only single ATF service at 40k miles, but the service book ends at 150k.
I did 2nd service at 180k. on my Bluetec
Last edited by kajtek1; Jun 17, 2018 at 01:45 PM.
