JCG1

Hi there,
my 2014 E350 sport has 154k miles. She’s a keeper and my DD. I have been told by my indi mechanic to refrain from changing the ATF. I would prefer to have it changed. Please advise.

Also,
I’m hearing a low pitched fluttering / knocking sound upon slower acceleration. The car drives flawlessly otherwise. Any thoughts?

thx
JC

Sunnyslope48

Has your trans fluid ever been changed?

MeltdownSpectre

I believe MB recommends trans fluid change every 40k miles / 4 years for the W212.

Looking at the service history for my 2014 E300, it was changed in 2018, and since a major service was due anyway, I had my indy mechanic change it again in Nov 2021.

Fliplegend

My 16' E350 manual says 60K for trans service.

up_too_late

Lots of debate about this on the internet. I went through the same debate for what is now my son's Toyota Highlander, which supposedly has lifetime AT fluid in it. At ~100k miles I drained the fluid, dropped the pan and changed the filter, and refilled. It's now at ~140k miles and probably shifts smoother than my car.

I would refrain from having someone perform a "flush" which is said to possibly dislodge deposits which can clog passages or what-not. I forget all of the arguments as it's been a while since I've been down that rabbit hole. My opinion is that it is all old-wives' tales and you should continue to do the fluid changes. If the transmission is in such bad shape that only the old fluid keeps it working it would seem to me not long for this world anyway. I'll take the chance on new fluid extending the life.

Sunnyslope48

Change it. 40K is a little too often, don't want to go much past 60K, all assumes you are not having problems. At one time MANY years ago there were some problematic flush machines, but they're long gone, at least in the Mercedes shops. They are now fluid exchange machines and tie into the lines running into (and out of) the trans cooler in the radiator, just like your trans does all day every day.

I have no idea what the other noise might be.

pierrejoliat

The pre-facelifts and the post face-lifts had different change intervals. My '12 and '13 manuals have the first tranny fluid change at 70k mile service, I think a few people with '16 model years have chimed in to say theirs are at 60k miles.

JCG1

Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts.
Yes the car shifts and drives like a dream and yes I will have the trans serviced. Need to keep her running smooth so I can DD her and add a toy to the stable!

mercerized

Indeed 722.96 gets it every 60K miles

chassis

Service the transmission as specified by MB - 60k mile fluid replacement. The 722.9 needs it. Read the forums.

Senecat

My 5th gen Maxima project car/DD gets new axles and tranny fluid once a year Lol

The cost of being slammed