dubski63

Hey everyone. So I have a question, my 2000 E320 has about 160,000 miles and the PO told me it needed to have the trans filter done. It slips a little bit so I want to replace the filter now. My question is, can I just do the filter or do I need to do a full trans service. I try to do all of my own work to cut down on costs and I don't really like our local dealer. So can I do the filter service my self. Also if I can, how many quarts of Trans fluid do I need and is the trans filter easy to do and what all do I need to do aside from the filter and fluid.
I'm sorry for the barrage of questions but I just want to make my car live a long time.
Thanks for the help guys.

Also and I'm sorry for asking this, but is there a complete list of maintenance items for the scheduled maintenances. like the 60k.
Thank you for the answers

raymond g-

great resources here

also here

dubski63

Very cool thank you, and those will cover the 2000 years.

RichardM98

You have a MB 722.6 model transmission which was used on MY1998 - 2003+ in W210's.

The filter is a rather coarse meshed screen so unless it is plugged by large pieces of debris I doubt if it is causing your problem. If it is, then the filter isn't your BIGGEST problem.

My advice is do a complete and proper service using MB approved fluid. A rebuilt transmission plus installation is probably more than the car is worth. You'll need fluid, filter, gasket, dipstick tool and a T30 torx bit. You probably don't have the drain plug on the torque convertor but check since you can drain out 8 qts vs. 4 qts from the transmission body only.

There is something called a 'Maintenance Booklet'. it's the same size as the OM but much thinner. It has all the recommended service intervals for you car. If it's missing, get one from a dealer.

dubski63

Cool thank you, maybe I'll see how much they will charge me to do the service. If it is super high I'll do it myself. I'll get the dipstick tool. Thank you for the help.

dubski63

Is the trans service something that can be done in a driveway on ramps or is it better to have the dealer do it.

RichardM98

First, you don't need the dipstick tool unless you are going to service it yourself. Make sure whoever does it has the tool and understands how to use it. Also, make sure it's filled with the correct MB fluid not 'something just as good'. If you do it yourself get an old 1 gal milk bottle and put marks on the side for 1 qt, 2 qt, 3qt and use it to measure how much you take out. That way you can put back the same amount and drive it until you warm up the transmission for the final level test.

It's really not a very difficult service to do. Of course, don't do it during a dust storm! You don't want to get any contaminates in the transmission. The important thing is to have a level spot to check the fluid level.

Dealers sometimes have 'trans service specials' which makes the price reasonable. However, they tend to use fluid exchange machines which are quick but don't involve removing the pan. You want to inspect bottom of the pan for debris/evidence of transmission wear since you are having issues.

dubski63

I'm going to have a shop here in Billings do it. He is familiar with Mercedes and they get their parts from the local dealer. I am curious though I received a call from another Import dealership here in town whom I inquired about my question. Their service advisor said their "Certified Mercedes Mechanic" said these transmissions ware out about every 130,000 miles and I probably need to replace it. I know it's my first Mercedes but my parents have had 6 Mercedes and I have had 8 VWs and none of them have ever needed transmissions and 2 all of my parents Mercedes saw way more than 130,000 miles.
Am I correct in thinking that my car at 160,000 is in need of a new transmission when it barely acts up.
Thank you for the answers.

RichardM98

Mechanics and their employers are in business to make money as is most everyone else. The 722.6 transmission is almost bullet-proof when properly maintained. MB used the transmission with both the V6, V8 and V12 engines. Many people have reported going 250,000 mi or more without engine/transmission failure in a W210. Of course, anything can break.

Be prepared for a call from the shop after they open the transmission. Chances are they don't know how to fix it so their only 'solution' is a rebuilt. Slippage can be caused by a number of problems which can be fixed without a rebuilt.

dubski63

Thank you so much for reassuring me on that. That is what I thought. I am not crazy. So who should I take it to to have someone look at it or should I not do anything about it. It does not slip that much or maybe at all. The shop I was going to take it too is not a Mercedes shop officially. He is just familiar with them and has owned them.
What are good maintenances on them? I love the car and want to keep it for several years as long as the body holds out.

RichardM98

If it were me and I wanted to keep the car 'for several years', I would take it to the dealer and tell them it has a little slippage. Using the computer diagnostic system they can read the transmission error codes and have an idea what the problem is. If you have them do a transmission service including removing the pan and replacing the filter the diagnostic tests may be part of the cost. If cost is an issue, discuss all your concerns with the SA (Service Adviser) before any work is done.

FYI - Spending over $100 on service/parts at a dealer qualifies you for 18 mos. of roadside assistance which might come in handy someday. Doesn't matter how old or how many owners your MB has had.

dubski63

Very cool. I'll do that, go in and have them diagnose it and tell me what is wrong instead of assuming. That is awesome advice. I did not know about the road side service info. That is handy. Thanks again for the help. I'll go in as soon as I have the money.

dubski63

So I took my car into a shop today to have the trans drained and filled and when they removed the pan, sure enough there is a ton of metal in the pan. The filter is totally removed from the pan and only 3 out of the 7 quarts drained out. I need some help/advice. They told me that I would consider getting a new trans by winter. I'm not sure what to do. I just bought the car and I only paid $1,800.00 (now I know why so cheap). My question is do I cut my losses sell the car anf get a more expansive e320 Wagon with less mileage. Or do I keep this one and get a trans, if I get a trans how much should I spend and go used or new. I love the car but I'm wondering if with the rust on the sides and the lack of paint on the hood do I sell it and find another E Class. I love the car and will always have one, however, the reason I bought this one was to get out of a car payment and to save money. I'm really pissed at the PO but that being said, I'm not sure what to do. I can't afford either right now but I also need a car. I would love your guys imput. Thanks for the help.

RichardM98

First, there are 8 qts (approx). Draining the pan only gives 4 so you have to drain the torque convertor (there's a plug) to get the other 4 qt. A competent MB tech would know that!

A small amount of metal (fine pieces of grit) in the bottom of the pan are normal.

The reason I suggested the dealer is that they have the diagnostic tools to find out what your problem is.

People often confuse purchase price with cost of ownership. A older luxury car can be had for $0.10 on the dollar but the repair and maintenance is actually much higher than when the car was new since parts, oil and filters and gasoline are more expensive now.

You might want to consider an older Honda or Toyota instead of a MB.