Huachipato

I have a '00 E320 with 175K Miles. Just recently it has developed a small leak, which leaves a little puddle of transmission fluid on the floor.

I consulted with an Good Year shop (I know - not the regular MB experts), and they said that due to the miles on the car, that they would recommend I repair the leak but not change the fluid. They said at this point fresh fluid would do more damage than good.

I'm not expert on these transmissions, but I was wondering what you guys thought? Should I just do a transmission flush, or should I only repair the leak and leave the old fluid in there?

FWIW - the transmission is not really showing any shifting issues once it is warmed up. It is a little slow to do that first shift to second gear when it is really cold outside, but otherwise it is working flawlessly.

Fabio D

Well.. some peolple experiment issues when change the fluid at this point! but the really is one: maybe a change now produce some damage, but the old & dusty fluid may damage too :S

I really recommend fix the leak, put a fresh filter & fluid and reset the EGS addaptations at the dealer.

Fabio Daniel

saintz

Most people who experience issues when changing fluid are ones who do a flush, meaning the shop uses a pressurized machine to change the fluid. This is bad, because the transmission does not do well with pressurized fluid (and the gunk in the old fluid) getting shot into the crevices.

The leak is most likely either the shift connector or the electrical connector. I would have the shop drain the fluid, replace the connector that is leaking, drop the pan, replace the filter, and add new fluid. There is no real reason why new fluid should harm it and this gives you a chance to get the gunk out and new fluid and filter in there.

ohlord

it is too late is when damage exists already and hoping a fluid change will rectify it.
Don't flush. Drain,new filter and Mb spec fluid ie. valvoline maxlife.
diy on w21 forum benzworld diy section.
Do not go to goodyear for a leak repair they don't even begin to know the common leak points mentioned above.

Huachipato

I appreciate the feedback. I guess I'll have to determine where the leak is really at first - maybe just change both connectors if they are known problems (and are not too challenging to swap out).

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction - I appreciate the feedback. :-)