Does anyone know the transmission oil change interval for the 2004 E500? The manual has no info on this matter. The MB service advisor says 100k mi. However, another MB service advisor from another dealer says the oil change interval is 40k mi for the 2004 CLK320. I think the service interval should be the same for both cars.

 

don't know, but FYI my 2006 R500 says 39k to change transmission oil.
also, apparently advisors are not beginning to reco changing them as preventive maintenance since the downside is so high vs. the simple costs of changing them. particularly i hear the 7 sp could be much more demanding on the transmission/oil.
Patrick

 

MBUSA recommends ATF and filter change every 39000 miles. Furthermore, only ATF 4134 or 134 is to be used for 7-speed transmissions (3353 is only to be used for 5-speed transmissions).

 

Every 3rd service.

 

I vaguely recall that the transmission fluid is never supposed to be changed. Its good for the entire lifetime of the car that is why its not in the manual. I'll try to remember/find the link where I saw this.

 

I have an 03 500 with the 5 speed. I changed fluid and filter at 70,000 miles.

Did the job myself. Not that difficult on the 5 speed don't know about the 7 speed. But I did use the MB transmission fluid and filter. I do not substitute for mb parts.

 

I heard this as well.

 

Some dealers have them, others not. On my 05 E320 CDI, I bring 16 quarts of MB Tranny Fluid in. They completely change the fluid, including what is in the torque converter. I do it at 35,000 mile intervals. I would never dare go 70 or 100,000 miles before changing. Any idea what a new tranny costs?

 

This is not true. MB changed after there were many transmission failures.

 

I reiterate every 39000 miles...

 

I think only BMWs tranny fluid is lifetime as I have owned 2 already.

 

I bought this CPO last spring. It had 43k mi back then, apparently it never had the transmission oil changed. If MB recommends ATF change every 39k mi, i wonder why didn't the dealer change it in order to qualify it as a CPO. When did MB start recommending the 39k interval for the 04 E500? I wonder why the service rep was not aware of this. I need to call him up again.
My car now has 58k mi, i should have the ATF changed soon.

BMW had the life time ATF for their 98-02 cars, but all post 02 models now have a 100k ATF change interval. I'm not sure why BMW changed their requirement, but I think many people have complained about this lifetime fluid as a nonsense or just a marketing thing.

 

Yes sounds like marketing. Change the fluid or change the transmission. oops sounds like an old commercial.

Mine had 70,000 miles on the first fluid change but once I found MB changed their recommendation I changed the fluid.

 

Had my 1st transmission oil replaced at around 60K. Dealer now recommend doing it roughly every 40K.
It is worth doing if you want to keep the Benz running for a long time.