Those doing DIY transmission fluid changes what fluid are you using? The below link has the only certified oils for the 9G trans. I see some use Febi but its not certified and like many, the manufacturer says its meets or exceeds but Mercedes never approved it.

https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/236.17

Bonus question, thoughts on aftermarket transmission pans? About half the prices of OEM.

Ebay has MB oil but I wouldn't trust that its not counterfeit. Saving a few bucks to take the chance doesn't seem worth it.

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.

I used Liqu-Moly Top Tech 1950 last year as it was on the list, and also the Fuchs TITAN ATF 9134 FE. Both excellent results. As MB sources their fluids - one of the other on the list is in the MB bottle.

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.

"LIQUI MOLY recommends this product for vehicles or assemblies for which the following specifications or original spare part numbers are required: MB 236.17"

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.

if you don't mind cheaper fluids, here are two;

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

*”Suitable for use” means that, based on testing (and technical judgments) by Castrol (and its suppliers), a fluid meets theperformance requirements and other attributes of a particular specification, making it suitable for use in that specification. Thisis compared to an “OEM Approved" fluid which has gone through the OEM approval process and has been formally approved bythe OEM for use in a particular specification."

This is my issue, the oil manufacturer says its good but does get it formally approved.

When I used the MB operating fluids website last year (probably Sep'24) in preparation for the trans fluid change that I did in Oct'24 - the LM1950 was listed as approved. Did another GLC last month, checked the site. It was updated Feb'25 and the LM1950 was not listed. Went with the Fuchs.

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.

5 Liter bottles of MB branded oil is cheaper than Fuchs. I don't think anyone could go wrong with MB branded from a trusted source. Pan isn't much more for genuine. For me, I'll only end up doing this once in my ownership, may as well do it right.

Genuine Mercedes ATF, Automatic Transmission Fluid; 5 Liter
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.

Here is a response on the oils falling off the MB list from a vendor.

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.

I belive "Suitable" from the big companies can be trusted by ME. And transmissions are not made of the rocket science materials.

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.

I don't love OEM but for something as costly as a transmission and something I'll only ever do once on this car I'm not sure saving $100 on an oil that wasn't approved by MB is the case. My Ford truck? Sure, I'm not buying Motorcraft trans oil. The non OEM oils that were certified were no cheaper than MB oil in this case.

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...

Very helpful and thanks for the sanity check. After reading what I wrote - I questioned the necessity of redoing the work to spec'd fluids. Then I imagined chasing squirrels.