Huachipato

Now I'm all confused.

In a '00 E320 - should I or should I not worry about it? Last time I checked the fluid, it wasn't exactly the bright red I would expect it to be. But if it is something MB is saying will last the lifetime of the vehicle, then I'm not too sure I want to mess with it.

JeffreyP

Huachipato

Just my .2c, don't believe in the lifetime fluid myth. Since a transmission change is very, very cheap compare to a transmission overhaul.
I would change the ATF (my way above) every 40-50k miles - costing about $100.00

If you bring it to a dealer or an reputable MB shop, they will charge you about $200-300, but they will do a complete drain. You can do this every 60-80K miles, depend on your driving condition.

Again, I will never leave my ATF in the car for more than 80K miles. Don't believe it's lifetime as MB will not cover the powertrain for more than 60K.

Regards,
Jeffrey

MarcusF

MB's original response was "This is a lifetime fluid". Lifetime appears to be a relative term. Either that or MB decided it may be beneficial for customer's to have their fluid changed at some point. Both of those positions are conjecture, but this is what I know as fact:

• The service writer at my local Mercedes-Benz dealership told me there is no written policy from MB as to when the fluid and filter should be changed. However, my service writer is recommending the service at 100K (mile) intervals.
• The wrench at my my local Mercedes-Benz dealership (not the service writer) recommended that the fluid and filter in "my" car be changed when I last brought it in. My car has under 100K on it.

Back to conjectureland - Perhaps its on a vehicle by vehicle basis. Perhaps the wrench thought 5 years was long enough. Maybe the dealer wanted the $300.

Whatever the case, I thought it was a good idea, so I did it. The only reason not to change the fluid is if someone believes changing the fluid will harm the transmission. If changed properly, it will not. I wanted mine changed while the 7 year/100K MB warrantee was still in effect. Just in case . . . . .

uberwgn

Don't "guess" via a visual inspection. Have a UOA performed for $20.

Also:





STAR Magazine, Jan/Feb 2006

Musikmann

Thanks uberwgn, I've now seen your scan of the Star Magazine Q&A twice on these tranny threads. Very informative, to say the least!

I'd like to pose these questions twice also:

1) How large a sample does one need for the professional analysis?
2) Who does one contact to have this performed?

Thanks in advance,
M

ProV1

hey guys, i drained my ATF in 97 E420 and dropped the pan also to replace the gasket & the AT filter.

my advice: CHANGE YOUR ATF if you havent done it already!! the oem fluid is translucent red; the stuff that came out was BLACK and thick. nasty stuff.

btw, i didn't drain the torque converter, and managed to only get out about 3.5L out. I'll re-drain and refill 2 more times.

Musikmann

I appreciate that you took the time to add your experience to this thread.

M

ProV1

No prob M.

fyi, when you drop the pan, be sure to hold the pan while loosening the last bolt b/c the pan will still hold about 1/2 qt of toxic fluid and it WILL spill out. you dont want this stuff all over your face