dewana421

I bought my car (2004 e320) used with about 46k miles in 2007 and now I have about 120k miles on it. The only thing I ever did to the car was to change engine oil 0w40 every 10k. I haven't change the transmission oil ever and not sure if the previous owner ever did it.

My question is should I mess with changing the transmission oil when the car is running fine?
I searched but couldn't find anything on how to change the transmission oil with step by step instructions.
Can some one help please?

boardboy330

IIRC, you can run 20K between oil changes. Not saying you should, but I believe the interval changed.

I would flush it. It is really easy. Find Shell ATF134 and get a good transmission flush kit. I ordered from ECS Tuning. It comes with a plug crush washer, gasket and filter.

Do a search for w211 transmissions flush - there are videos.

Basically drain the fluid, pull the pan. Clean it. Replace plug with new washer, and gasket, reinstall. BEFORE adding fluid - change the connector - it is most likely leaking. Fill with 4 quarts fluid.

Then disconnect the trans cooler line, and have someone start the car. Drain a few quarts and add a few. Drain, add, drain, add. Run it on the road and get the transmission up to 80C and test the level.

Plutoe

Do yourself and others a big favor---do not change a thing---if it aint broke don't fix it--you transmission is not a toilet ----don't flush it!!

boardboy330

Normally I agree with your comments/advice - but not in this case. The engine is still running as well, so he shouldn't change oil either? I disagree and stand by my suggestion.

Quadcammer

I would avoid a traditional flush in the sense that some high pressure machine is hooked up to tranny lines and they blast away.

A flush in the sense of adding fluid, running the car with a cooler line running to a waste container for a few seconds, and then refilling (repeatedly) doesn't introduce any high levels of pressure or damaging fluids. It simply removes all the dirty fluid.

Its a risk either way really. The tranny could break tomorrow, new fluid or not. That said, I'd probably do it.

N_Jay

Change the ATF.
Do not power flush.
If you are worried change it twice.

vettdvr

x 2

JoeNobody

Change the fluid, filter, and clean the transmission pan off. Then after a few miles pump out the tranny fluid using an extractor and refill (I have this one and it works great: )

Make sure the fluid is the correct level too, and for that you'll need a special transmission dipstick.

dewana421

what type of transmission fluid i should use on my base model 2004 E320?

samaritrey

If it has the 5 speed 722.6 use Shell 134 ATF call up a local shell oil supplier and it should be less than $65 for a case of 12 quarts.

dewana421

how do i know what type of transmission i got? 722.?? all i know its a w211 2004 e320. i did try to search but no sucesss. anyone can help me identify the transmission?

also should i use mercedes brand transmission oil or shell? as i will just be changing it from the bottom pan it will not remove all the oil I'm sure so if i use shell it will mix with mercedes brand oil which is currently in my car.

konigstiger

722.6 "if it were me" in this situation I would use same ATF http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...,d.b2U&cad=rja

dewana421

so i can use Mobil ATF 134?

Plutoe

You are confusing everyone---first you say you think it is MB fluid that is in the car---now you are referencing Mobil ATF 134--poster 12 suggests utilizing the same as whats in the car---so WTF is in the car and then use the same---how difficult is that---unless you havent got the foggiest idea what is in the car--that being the case use any MB speced fluid and get on with your life

boardboy330

2004 E320 has a 722.6 transmission. Use Shell ATF 134. But a case and do a normal flush. Make sure you change your filter as well.

MPOW33R

Multiple AMG Certified techs have told and advised me

" IF YOU HAVE NEVER CHANGED YOUR ATF , DO NOT CHANGE YOUR ATF"

I have 185,000 miles on the ORIGINAL ATF !!!
Purrs like kitten. Shifts like butter.

boardboy330

Depends on the car. I have an ML that has 225K on it and no issues whatsoever.

On the E class 150K...I had issues and needed to change it.

N_Jay

Old Wives (Mechanics) tale.


Lots of discussion here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...n-service.html

N_Jay

Once the "issues" start, so have the problems.


Hence the reconfirmation of the idea the change caused the problem.


People drive till they notice the start of a failing transmission, THEN change the fluid and when it fails they blame the change.

boardboy330

Pretty much.

N_Jay

Some myths die long hard painful deaths.

Ragy.abuamra

ROFL
Funniest reply I ever saw

ron5668

Boardboysaid: "I would flush it. It is really easy. Find Shell ATF134 and get a good transmission flush kit. I ordered from ECS Tuning. It comes with a plug crush washer, gasket and filter.

Do a search for w211 transmissions flush - there are videos.

Basically drain the fluid, pull the pan. Clean it. Replace plug with new washer, and gasket, reinstall. BEFORE adding fluid - change the connector - it is most likely leaking. Fill with 4 quarts fluid.

Then disconnect the trans cooler line, and have someone start the car. Drain a few quarts and add a few. Drain, add, drain, add. Run it on the road and get the transmission up to 80C and test the level."

Boardboy, I just joined, I hope I am following the correct procedure. I cannot find a shop to do the process you describe above, can't even find anyone to drop the pan. They all want to powerflush or they suggest I don't mess with it. Any recommendations? I am near Laurel, MD. Also, can I use Shell ATF134? Thanks, Ron

beejAMG

+1000

anything and everything will break...eventually.
its not a matter of how, but a matter of when. if you look after it, you will prolong its life.

JoeNobody

Mercedes said the 7 speed should never have its fluid changed...then they later changed their stance and now say you should change the fluid.

5 speed is the same. If your trans fluid is cooked or full of metal bits, it cannot work and your trans is slowly tearing itself apart from the friction.

My transmission was misbehaving a lot, and after changing fluid twice and carefully filling using Mercedes trans dipstick, it's now driving excellent again.

Be sure you order the special trans dipstick!! Otherwise you are guessing how much fluid to pour in, and this alone is dangerous to the transmissions health.