Can we add tranny oil once a leak is discovered??
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
Can we add tranny oil once a leak is discovered??
Ok I was loosing refrigerant and the Indy I used refilled it and informed me to keep an eye so he could trace the leak. Well while I was keeping an eye an oil not quite engine color was dripping down from the area under the fan.A/C was still cold so it couldnt be refrigerant..Now the tranny is acting up and slipping in 1st until warm..got a second opinion from a local guy (who wouldnt dare mess with the tranny,sealed system n all) and he believes like I do the tranny oil is coming from the cooler or a line up there...
Any suggestions on how and if I should attempt to add tranny oil to get the car to my indy for repairs??
Any suggestions on how and if I should attempt to add tranny oil to get the car to my indy for repairs??
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
While the transmission was sealed from the factory that doesn't mean it can't be serviced. However, to do so you need some tools. For starters, you need a special 'dipstick tool' for the 722.6xx transmission. The transmission has a dipstick tube but no dipstick since it was deemed unnecessary. The dipstick tool is needed to accurately set the transmission fluild level. If you are going to drive the car before fixing the leak you need to add fluid (special MB only) to maintain the correct fluid level AT ALL TIMES. Hopefully, you have not done any serious damage but driving with too little (or too much) can result in transmission damage. 
If you need directions for setting the correct level let me know or see one of the transmission DIY posts online.
If you need directions for setting the correct level let me know or see one of the transmission DIY posts online.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
Thats great info Rich,,,I figure I lost about 2 qts of tranny oil,,whats the spec on the tranny oil in case I want to add for the trip to the mechanic? And would it be best to add some knowing it lost some?
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
It's really hard to estimate how much has been lost from a leak. Some leaks don't lose much when driving but drip after the car has stopped. If it were me I would get the dipstick tool so I could measure it before I drove the car. But that's just me.
The correct MB 722.6xx fluid is Part No. A001 989 21 03 10
You can also use the MB 722.9xx which is Part No. A001 989 45 03 13 which is for the 7sp but approved by MB for your 5sp
The dipstick tool is Part No. 140 989 15 21 00
You can get these items from a dealer or third party OEM suppliers like autohausaz.
The correct MB 722.6xx fluid is Part No. A001 989 21 03 10
You can also use the MB 722.9xx which is Part No. A001 989 45 03 13 which is for the 7sp but approved by MB for your 5sp
The dipstick tool is Part No. 140 989 15 21 00
You can get these items from a dealer or third party OEM suppliers like autohausaz.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
Very sound advice again Rich,,being the holiday weekend getting any parts is out.Ill follow your advice and thanks again..
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
Her Rich I found the dipstick,,with cover pin and cover from amazon,,,44$ ruffly. I assume once I remove the old cover and pin I will need these??And will I measure the level with the car running,,off,,warm,,in Drive etc?? Let me know you've been rite on with the help,Thanks
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Sounds like a pretty good deal. You can break off the top of the lock tab with a screwdriver. No worry other half will fall inside tube. Cap is reusable and has an o-ring inside. If it fits snugly it usually stays on without the lock pin.
Car on level ground (check with bubble level on door sill if possible), engine warmed and in PARK. Insert the tool, wait 5 seconds and remove. The small hash marks on the measurement end of the tool are 0.1 liters. Add small amounts until the level is about 75% of the way to the top mark. Take a short drive (10-15 min). After drive, let car idle a few minutes and recheck. Bring level up until in the middle of the 80 degree band at the top. You can replace lock pin when you are satisfied that level is OK or if the cap stays on and you need to add frequently wait until problem is fixed.
If you overfill, definitely drain a little out using the drain plug on the pan but it's a lot easier to be careful adding.
Car on level ground (check with bubble level on door sill if possible), engine warmed and in PARK. Insert the tool, wait 5 seconds and remove. The small hash marks on the measurement end of the tool are 0.1 liters. Add small amounts until the level is about 75% of the way to the top mark. Take a short drive (10-15 min). After drive, let car idle a few minutes and recheck. Bring level up until in the middle of the 80 degree band at the top. You can replace lock pin when you are satisfied that level is OK or if the cap stays on and you need to add frequently wait until problem is fixed.
If you overfill, definitely drain a little out using the drain plug on the pan but it's a lot easier to be careful adding.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
Outstanding info,,,now to locate the oil and at least I wont add to the torture by destroying the gearbox in transit,,Like you mentioned before it was a low pressure leak,,,small pancake size stain but not solid oil ,,just wicking into the cement. Im guessing at least a qt over the 2week or so period I noticed it...Many thanks Rich you are the GOODs bro.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,138
Likes: 7
From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
Ok so the tranny was down 2 1/2 qts and after warming the clunkiness was gone but who knows.The oil was clean on the stick and Amazon sent me 2 dipsticks(gotta love em) so if anyone needs I have an extra.
The stick by the way didnt go all the way to the handle but I didnt force it and got accurate readings,Thanks again Rich. So now Im waiting on a pal to meet me at the Indy I use and drive it one more time with an intact bank acc.
The stick by the way didnt go all the way to the handle but I didnt force it and got accurate readings,Thanks again Rich. So now Im waiting on a pal to meet me at the Indy I use and drive it one more time with an intact bank acc.
