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Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs
Any DIY on Transmission Oil Change
06-21-2009, 03:59 AM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Any DIY on Transmission Oil Change
I want to change my trannn oil w/filter & 4matic transfer case oil every 20k now (after 46k) ... I want it to last beyond 200k ...
Dealer told me $400, but why spend that if someone can post some pics with a step by step procedure
Dealer told me $400, but why spend that if someone can post some pics with a step by step procedure
06-21-2009, 04:12 AM
#2
Senior Member
I don't know of a proper DIY method for changing automatic transmission fluid. The problem with a DIY job is that just dropping the pan doesn't remove all of the fluid from the trans or converter. The only way I know of to do this job properly is to hook it up to a transmission flush machine that continuously adds new fluid as it pumps out old.
You might be able to fully drain and replace the oil in the 4matic transfer case but I'm not sure.
You might be able to fully drain and replace the oil in the 4matic transfer case but I'm not sure.
07-16-2009, 05:57 PM
#3
Star Service Manual
gives a step by step, but it references some replacement parts and possibly changing the pan for an upgrade. I am also assuming there is some very expensive piece of equipment necessary to actually flush the old fluid out and replace with new. (there is no dipstick fill spout) It looks like an easy way for me to get in over my head. I will tackle almost anything and have replaced transmission filters and fluid before but not on a very expensive car that I need to last forever. As much as I hate to do it, I found a coupon for a fluid flush at a dealer an hour away FOR $200 and I am going to whine and cry all the way there and back and let the dealer do it. The maintenance schedule only recommends it be done once at 39,000 so I figure I will only have to endure this self-imposed humiliation once.
07-17-2009, 10:13 AM
#4
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03 E500 and Corvette
1) I don't flush
2) No torque converter drain plug
3) You can service the pan easliy
4) Use ONLY MB fluids that meet the spec for your transmission
5) Use only MB filter/gasket kit
6) You will need a dipstick available on ebay to measure the level before you drain the fluid with the engine warm.
7) The transmission tube will have a squareish plug and safety lock tap
8) You must break off the safety lock (red) tab and push it through to remove the cap
9) The pan removes easily. Pay attention to the factory jigs to be sure to install them as they were from the factory. This prevents overtightening of the gasket.
10) Remove the pan and catch ALL the fluid. Measure this to verify how much you took out.
11) Clean the pan note where the magnet is attached , remove and clean it
12) Remove the filter and install new filter be sure to seat the o-rings on the filter and install the retaining bolt.
13) Install the pan w/gasket using no sealers just the factory gasket
14) Tighten until the factory jig seats the gasket (this determines the correct compression). Then add total torque as listed in the manual. Don't have it with me now.
15) Refill transmission, warm up and verify the level. LEVEL IS IMPORTANT
16) Don't put transmission oil in the engine and don't ask how I know.!
2) No torque converter drain plug
3) You can service the pan easliy
4) Use ONLY MB fluids that meet the spec for your transmission
5) Use only MB filter/gasket kit
6) You will need a dipstick available on ebay to measure the level before you drain the fluid with the engine warm.
7) The transmission tube will have a squareish plug and safety lock tap
8) You must break off the safety lock (red) tab and push it through to remove the cap
9) The pan removes easily. Pay attention to the factory jigs to be sure to install them as they were from the factory. This prevents overtightening of the gasket.
10) Remove the pan and catch ALL the fluid. Measure this to verify how much you took out.
11) Clean the pan note where the magnet is attached , remove and clean it
12) Remove the filter and install new filter be sure to seat the o-rings on the filter and install the retaining bolt.
13) Install the pan w/gasket using no sealers just the factory gasket
14) Tighten until the factory jig seats the gasket (this determines the correct compression). Then add total torque as listed in the manual. Don't have it with me now.
15) Refill transmission, warm up and verify the level. LEVEL IS IMPORTANT
16) Don't put transmission oil in the engine and don't ask how I know.!
07-17-2009, 12:06 PM
#5
Good information
I checked out the dipstick, about $20. The manual says "drain and change filter" It does not require flush, so you are correct. I'll do some more homework and report back if I decide to try this. Thanks.
07-18-2009, 09:40 AM
#7
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03 E500 and Corvette
Only took one photo of the transmission work. Note this is a torq fitting / plug on the pan and NOT a hex as I tried to use. The hex will round out 
the plug so DON'T use the hex.
Look closely at the pan bolts and note the torq and also note the jig to prevent overtightening of the pan gasket. There is only 1 way to put on the jig so look at them before you remove them.
the plug so DON'T use the hex.Look closely at the pan bolts and note the torq and also note the jig to prevent overtightening of the pan gasket. There is only 1 way to put on the jig so look at them before you remove them.
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07-20-2009, 06:44 PM
#8
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Location: Southern California
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C63AMG
What Kind Tranny Fluid Recommended, Brand Name Please
1) I don't flush
2) No torque converter drain plug
3) You can service the pan easliy
4) Use ONLY MB fluids that meet the spec for your transmission
5) Use only MB filter/gasket kit
6) You will need a dipstick available on ebay to measure the level before you drain the fluid with the engine warm.
7) The transmission tube will have a squareish plug and safety lock tap
8) You must break off the safety lock (red) tab and push it through to remove the cap
9) The pan removes easily. Pay attention to the factory jigs to be sure to install them as they were from the factory. This prevents overtightening of the gasket.
10) Remove the pan and catch ALL the fluid. Measure this to verify how much you took out.
11) Clean the pan note where the magnet is attached , remove and clean it
12) Remove the filter and install new filter be sure to seat the o-rings on the filter and install the retaining bolt.
13) Install the pan w/gasket using no sealers just the factory gasket
14) Tighten until the factory jig seats the gasket (this determines the correct compression). Then add total torque as listed in the manual. Don't have it with me now.
15) Refill transmission, warm up and verify the level. LEVEL IS IMPORTANT
16) Don't put transmission oil in the engine and don't ask how I know.!
2) No torque converter drain plug
3) You can service the pan easliy
4) Use ONLY MB fluids that meet the spec for your transmission
5) Use only MB filter/gasket kit
6) You will need a dipstick available on ebay to measure the level before you drain the fluid with the engine warm.
7) The transmission tube will have a squareish plug and safety lock tap
8) You must break off the safety lock (red) tab and push it through to remove the cap
9) The pan removes easily. Pay attention to the factory jigs to be sure to install them as they were from the factory. This prevents overtightening of the gasket.
10) Remove the pan and catch ALL the fluid. Measure this to verify how much you took out.
11) Clean the pan note where the magnet is attached , remove and clean it
12) Remove the filter and install new filter be sure to seat the o-rings on the filter and install the retaining bolt.
13) Install the pan w/gasket using no sealers just the factory gasket
14) Tighten until the factory jig seats the gasket (this determines the correct compression). Then add total torque as listed in the manual. Don't have it with me now.
15) Refill transmission, warm up and verify the level. LEVEL IS IMPORTANT
16) Don't put transmission oil in the engine and don't ask how I know.!
For those of you who are, what fluid brands are you using and recommending? (as opposed to MB dealership lubes)
07-21-2009, 09:47 AM
#9
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2005 E500
Is your transmission a five or seven speed? The procedure is different for each of them. The seven speed transmission includes no dipstick tube, and has to be filled from the plug bung on the pan. The five speed transmission has a tube, and can be filled conventionally.
The seven speed 229.5 unit also has a very specific procedure for checking the fluid level. The fluid has to be checked at either 30 degrees C or 35 degrees C. The level checking temperature depends upon which pan it is equipped with. At the correct temperature, after filling, the fluid is allowed to drain from the pan, until the stream is about the size of a #2 pencil, then the plug is reinserted.
I am about to change the fluid in my 2005 E500 seven speed unit, and feel that a Fluke 62 infrared thermometer aimed at the transmission pan will tell me when the fluid temperature is correct for level checking. I have also manufactured a "filling port" from a transmission drain / fill plug.
Use only MB transmission fluid for servicing these trannys. Many horror stories abound from the use of incompatible fluids.
The seven speed 229.5 unit also has a very specific procedure for checking the fluid level. The fluid has to be checked at either 30 degrees C or 35 degrees C. The level checking temperature depends upon which pan it is equipped with. At the correct temperature, after filling, the fluid is allowed to drain from the pan, until the stream is about the size of a #2 pencil, then the plug is reinserted.
I am about to change the fluid in my 2005 E500 seven speed unit, and feel that a Fluke 62 infrared thermometer aimed at the transmission pan will tell me when the fluid temperature is correct for level checking. I have also manufactured a "filling port" from a transmission drain / fill plug.
Use only MB transmission fluid for servicing these trannys. Many horror stories abound from the use of incompatible fluids.
Last edited by m4coyote; 07-21-2009 at 09:50 AM.
07-21-2009, 10:18 AM
#10
Junior Member
Use something that is totally lint-free ONLY
One additional caution - Cleanliness is absolutely necessary, including the type of rag/towel you use to wipe things down. NO lint type of rag should be used, this includes many types of paper towels. They can be a transmission killer.
Use something that is totally lint-free ONLY.
Use something that is totally lint-free ONLY.
10-29-2009, 12:46 PM
#11
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2006 E350
Is your transmission a five or seven speed? The procedure is different for each of them. The seven speed transmission includes no dipstick tube, and has to be filled from the plug bung on the pan. The five speed transmission has a tube, and can be filled conventionally.
The seven speed 229.5 unit also has a very specific procedure for checking the fluid level. The fluid has to be checked at either 30 degrees C or 35 degrees C. The level checking temperature depends upon which pan it is equipped with. At the correct temperature, after filling, the fluid is allowed to drain from the pan, until the stream is about the size of a #2 pencil, then the plug is reinserted.
I am about to change the fluid in my 2005 E500 seven speed unit, and feel that a Fluke 62 infrared thermometer aimed at the transmission pan will tell me when the fluid temperature is correct for level checking. I have also manufactured a "filling port" from a transmission drain / fill plug.
Use only MB transmission fluid for servicing these trannys. Many horror stories abound from the use of incompatible fluids.
The seven speed 229.5 unit also has a very specific procedure for checking the fluid level. The fluid has to be checked at either 30 degrees C or 35 degrees C. The level checking temperature depends upon which pan it is equipped with. At the correct temperature, after filling, the fluid is allowed to drain from the pan, until the stream is about the size of a #2 pencil, then the plug is reinserted.
I am about to change the fluid in my 2005 E500 seven speed unit, and feel that a Fluke 62 infrared thermometer aimed at the transmission pan will tell me when the fluid temperature is correct for level checking. I have also manufactured a "filling port" from a transmission drain / fill plug.
Use only MB transmission fluid for servicing these trannys. Many horror stories abound from the use of incompatible fluids.
10-29-2009, 02:16 PM
#12
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MY2004 E320
Thats easy. put the car in drive and pull gear-shift towards you (manual mode). If the numbers in dash for current gear indicate 4 you have a 5-speed, if its 6, you have a 7-speed.My hunch is that you have a 7-speed (all 350's are 7-speed I think) will someone confirm that?
01-17-2012, 03:08 PM
#15
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1991 190E:1998 E320 4Matic wagon : 2000 E320 4Matic
Does anyone know if the transmission measuring tool for the 2000 E320 W210 can be used for the E500 2003 W211 transmission. Both transmissions are the 722.6 (nag1) but the filler tube configuration is different. I figure that the tool measures from the bottom of of the pan and therfore should be ok. Any help appreciated.
