bogene2020

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

adv074

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)

StapleGun

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.

Ala-benz

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.

bogene2020

Thanks for all the advice . I will have my trans fluid changed ..

StapleGun

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.

kchristos

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?

E55Cent

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

slk55lvr

Well you all convinced me! I'm getting mine done during the next service visit...thanks for the advice

tomscia

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

king_j

if its a "sealed unit" how do you drain it?
remove the pan?
do you guys power flush the fluid out, or let is drain?
can you refill the trans. by the capped dip stick?

MARK CUMMINS

To refill the trans fill through the fill tube...

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

Ala-benz

Thats the irony with these transmissions. they are "sealed" but have a drain plug on the trans and the torque converter. No need to drop the pan unless you are changing the filter too.

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.

E55Cent

Seems like the 320 has the same issues as the V8's. You should change your fluid also, but only with OEM MB fluid. It differs from car to car and year to year.

Pablissimo

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.

ohlord

newbies read the dates of the post they are replying to,lest some think them really nooby