236.17 Approved Transmission Oil
https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/236.17
Bonus question, thoughts on aftermarket transmission pans? About half the prices of OEM.
Blau has the Eurol and Ravenol kits but they don't state they certified but rather "Recommendation: ATF D971, MB 236.17,"
Seems Fuchs is on the list and available from a reputable dealer for the best price, although seemingly overpriced.
5 Liter of MB branded oil on AutoHaus is surprisingly the cheapest.




Not sure why Top Tec is no longer listed as per their website: Fully synthetic, low viscosity automatic transmission fluid, developed to fulfill strict requirements for Mercedes-Benz 9-speed automatic transmissions (type 725.0/1). Improved formula for sustained transmission life, maximum efficiency and best transmission shift performance. LIQUI MOLY recommends this product for vehicles or assemblies for which the following specifications or original spare part numbers are required: MB 236.17.
Top Tec 1950 at FCPEuro is $10.50 per liter. Very reasonable at twice the volume for the price vs. MB at AutohausAZ.
The AutohausAZ listing specs 236.16 and .004 / .054 trans variants. Mine is a .058.
Last edited by kjb55; Sep 17, 2025 at 05:27 PM.
I think thats the issue. LM recommends but Mercedes-Benz hasnt tested and approved. That's my take with a how a lot of oils are worded. Purposely deceiving.
Castrol® Transmax® ATF/CVT Universal
https://www.castrol.com/content/dam/...sheet-2_24.pdf
VALVOLINE™ MAXLIFE™ MULTI-VEHICLE TRANSMISSION FLUID
https://petroleumservicecompany.com/...MV_ATF_PDS.pdf
Castrol® Transmax® ATF/CVT Universal
https://www.castrol.com/content/dam/...sheet-2_24.pdf
VALVOLINE™ MAXLIFE™ MULTI-VEHICLE TRANSMISSION FLUID
https://petroleumservicecompany.com/...MV_ATF_PDS.pdf
This is my issue, the oil manufacturer says its good but does get it formally approved.




I think thats the issue. LM recommends but Mercedes-Benz hasnt tested and approved. That's my take with a how a lot of oils are worded. Purposely deceiving.
The MB fluids website is updated quite often and is always worth double checking. What I would like to think is the recommendations are adjusted based on real-world results, warranty claims, etc. and using the latest recommendations go along way towards the longevity of the component.
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The MB fluids website is updated quite often and is always worth double checking. What I would like to think is the recommendations are adjusted based on real-world results, warranty claims, etc. and using the latest recommendations go along way towards the longevity of the component.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
P/N: 001989920311
2 x $109.99
Genuine Mercedes Auto Trans Filter Kit
P/N: MB-7252703707
1 x $158.99
Vaico Transmission Oil Pan Bolt
P/N: VA-0029909503
10 x $1.19
Ordered that plus the tools kit for $16.
Yes, this fluid was previously approved by Mercedes-Benz for the 236.17 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF, 9-Speed Automatic) specification. However, all OEM approvals expire after a set period and must be renewed by the lubricant manufacturer every few years. Due to the high cost and lengthy process involved, there can be periods when the product does not actively carry the OEM approval or appear on Mercedes-Benz’s official operating fluids list. Rest assured, the ATF formula remains unchanged from when it held the approval, and RAVENOL M 9-G ATF continues to meet—and likely exceed—the quality requirements of the MB 236.17 specification.
This is my issue, the oil manufacturer says its good but does get it formally approved.
Those two alternatives probably use the additives package from Afton. And maybe other "MB OEM approved" fluids are using the same package.
https://www.aftonchemical.com/produc...ine-additives/
For people like you who love OEM, never mind these alternatives. But at least I like compatible cheaper options and value. Who knows if the Maxlife ATF is even better spec than MB OEM fluid with newer additives. Just my 2 cents.
And if its the same oil that the car came with there is less concern about mixing brands which Valvoline specifically says not to do.
A lot of oil companies make big claims with no real backing and no recourse for the consumer. Amsoil comes to mind here...
Last edited by 2022GLC300; Sep 18, 2025 at 01:46 PM.




Yes, this fluid was previously approved by Mercedes-Benz for the 236.17 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF, 9-Speed Automatic) specification. However, all OEM approvals expire after a set period and must be renewed by the lubricant manufacturer every few years. Due to the high cost and lengthy process involved, there can be periods when the product does not actively carry the OEM approval or appear on Mercedes-Benz’s official operating fluids list. Rest assured, the ATF formula remains unchanged from when it held the approval, and RAVENOL M 9-G ATF continues to meet—and likely exceed—the quality requirements of the MB 236.17 specification.





