Transmission Fluid in 430
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Transmission Fluid in 430
I have a 2000 430. Do the Transmission fluids in those cars need to be changed . I remember someone telling that the trasmission is sealed and does not have to be changed . I am a little confused . Can anyone elaborate for me .. Thanks
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From: South San Francisco, CA
2001 E320 Sport
Yes it is a "sealed" transmission and it's supposed to never need servicing since it's synthetic, but don't believe that lifetime BS. You're actually supposed to have the transmission fluid replaced on it every 30k? (somebody correct me if I'm wrong). I had my tranny fluid replaced a month ago. A tech I talked to told me he's seen a few trannies fail roughly around 80k or so because the fluid was never replaced. Not trying to scare you or anything but depending on your miles you should have it replaced. Dealer wanted about $300 for the job, that was Park Avenue Motors (part of Smythe European)
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1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
GET IT DONE!!! Do a flush and fill at least. Go to a transmission/oil service location and ensure they have a Wynn's trans service machine. I replaced the fluid on my C43 at about 74K to preclude any problems. This is a problem IF you don't do it!!! I replaced with Mobil One synthetic ATF...which meets or exceeds MB's fluids. This has been talked about extensively so feel free to review my posts, or research others for your 411.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Huntsville Alabama
'00 E430, '83 Porsche 928S
If you listen to anyone that tells you that a "sealed" mercedes transmission does not need service, and they are wrong, the outcome is a few thousand bucks down the tubes.
If you have listen to those of us who recommend service, and we are wrong, then you are out $300. If you do it yourself, you have to buy a dipstick and the fluid and will spend around $130.
I am willing to invest the $130-$300 to avoid the $2500-4000 replacement bill. On my old '97 E420 I used to own, I replaced the fluid at around 90K. The transmission performed better and the old fluid was very dark. I am going to replace my fluid on my current '00 E430 with 80K within the next couple of months. It is cheap insurance.
If you have listen to those of us who recommend service, and we are wrong, then you are out $300. If you do it yourself, you have to buy a dipstick and the fluid and will spend around $130.
I am willing to invest the $130-$300 to avoid the $2500-4000 replacement bill. On my old '97 E420 I used to own, I replaced the fluid at around 90K. The transmission performed better and the old fluid was very dark. I am going to replace my fluid on my current '00 E430 with 80K within the next couple of months. It is cheap insurance.
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1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
Just for your info...I would do a flush and fill and get the entire fluid replaced. You can purchase the 'dipstick', filter, and sealed cap to do the job, you however...will not replace the entire amount of fluid in the torque converter.
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From: Florida
Don't have a Mercedes right now...
Do you need to have a special equipment such as:"Wynn's trans service machine" to change the transmission fluid? I am going to change mine by the end of this week with my mechanic. I don't hink he has any special machine for it, he told me you just empty open the panel from under, chnge the filter seal it and fill up with the new fluid. Is this true?
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From: Ventura, CA
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
CHANGE IT! My stock E55 tranny blew at 65k and cost $5000 and the car was gone for two weeks. Now I change the fluild every 20k. It is well worth the $200 to be safe than sorry. BMW have the same problem as MB's with the dealers saying "lifetime fluid" no such thing and the phrase lifetime is 100k not our lifetime.
Mario
Mario
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Portland OR
1998 E320 Sedan
I changed the transmission fluid in my 1998 E320 with genuine MBZ transmission fluid. In addition to draining the pan, I hand cranked the engine to line up the torque converter drain plug and was then able to drain it too. Thanks, Tom
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
Originally Posted by king_j
if its a "sealed unit" how do you drain it?
remove the pan?
There is a drain on the Trans Pan and a drain on the Torque Converter..Up to 2000 Model year
can you refill the trans. by the capped dip stick?
remove the pan?
There is a drain on the Trans Pan and a drain on the Torque Converter..Up to 2000 Model year
can you refill the trans. by the capped dip stick?
You WILL need a Workshop tool (DIPSTICK) to check the fluid level when warm
and a Tamper proof cap for the dip stick/fill tube
Member
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Huntsville Alabama
'00 E430, '83 Porsche 928S
Originally Posted by king_j
if its a "sealed unit" how do you drain it?
remove the pan?
remove the pan?
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From: Ventura, CA
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
Originally Posted by king_j
i have a 97 E320.
i was told by the MB dealer that there is not a drain plug, and the pan must be dropped in order to change the fluid.
i was told by the MB dealer that there is not a drain plug, and the pan must be dropped in order to change the fluid.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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I would suggest that you drop the pan, whether or not there is a drain plug. A new filter is only about $10-$15 and it should always be replaced when you replace the fluid. More reasons: there is still over a quart of fluid left in the pan after using the drain plug, and dropping the pan allows you to inspect for any metal debris and clean the magnet.
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
I would suggest
newbies read the dates of the post they are replying to,lest some think them really nooby
