Fluid Recommendations for Transfer Case & Rear Differential – 2020 GLC43 SUV
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Joined: Jul 2025
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Fluid Recommendations for Transfer Case & Rear Differential – 2020 GLC43 SUV
Hi everyone,
I’m a new (to me) owner of a 2020 GLC43 SUV with 67,000 miles. During the pre-purchase inspection, it was recommended that I service the transfer case and rear differential fluids. The transmission fluid and filter have already been done.
I’d like to do the transfer case and rear differential oil changes myself. I’ve read through many threads on this board and also reviewed the Mercedes-Benz Operating Fluids Guide, but I’m not sure I’m interpreting the recommendations correctly. Being new to the Mercedes world, I find the reference numbers confusing. To add to the challenge, some vendors online are listing products that don’t seem to align with the Guide.
Does anyone know the correct fluid types (and capacities, if possible) for the transfer case and rear differential on this model? Any tips or DIY advice would also be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
—Mario
I’m a new (to me) owner of a 2020 GLC43 SUV with 67,000 miles. During the pre-purchase inspection, it was recommended that I service the transfer case and rear differential fluids. The transmission fluid and filter have already been done.
I’d like to do the transfer case and rear differential oil changes myself. I’ve read through many threads on this board and also reviewed the Mercedes-Benz Operating Fluids Guide, but I’m not sure I’m interpreting the recommendations correctly. Being new to the Mercedes world, I find the reference numbers confusing. To add to the challenge, some vendors online are listing products that don’t seem to align with the Guide.
Does anyone know the correct fluid types (and capacities, if possible) for the transfer case and rear differential on this model? Any tips or DIY advice would also be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
—Mario
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,375
Likes: 6,324
Hi everyone,
I’m a new (to me) owner of a 2020 GLC43 SUV with 67,000 miles. During the pre-purchase inspection, it was recommended that I service the transfer case and rear differential fluids. The transmission fluid and filter have already been done.
I’d like to do the transfer case and rear differential oil changes myself. I’ve read through many threads on this board and also reviewed the Mercedes-Benz Operating Fluids Guide, but I’m not sure I’m interpreting the recommendations correctly. Being new to the Mercedes world, I find the reference numbers confusing. To add to the challenge, some vendors online are listing products that don’t seem to align with the Guide.
Does anyone know the correct fluid types (and capacities, if possible) for the transfer case and rear differential on this model? Any tips or DIY advice would also be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
—Mario
I’m a new (to me) owner of a 2020 GLC43 SUV with 67,000 miles. During the pre-purchase inspection, it was recommended that I service the transfer case and rear differential fluids. The transmission fluid and filter have already been done.
I’d like to do the transfer case and rear differential oil changes myself. I’ve read through many threads on this board and also reviewed the Mercedes-Benz Operating Fluids Guide, but I’m not sure I’m interpreting the recommendations correctly. Being new to the Mercedes world, I find the reference numbers confusing. To add to the challenge, some vendors online are listing products that don’t seem to align with the Guide.
Does anyone know the correct fluid types (and capacities, if possible) for the transfer case and rear differential on this model? Any tips or DIY advice would also be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
—Mario
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
Thanks for the link — very helpful. I see that 236.15 lines up with the factory fluid guide for the transfer case. What about the rear differential fluid? If I’m reading the guide correctly, it's SAE 75W85. Where I’m getting confused is that I only see “253” referenced, but not “4Matic.” Can anyone confirm if I’m understanding this correctly?
https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/231.1
I'm seeing different recommendations online including 75W140 on the FCP Euro website.
https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/231.1
I'm seeing different recommendations online including 75W140 on the FCP Euro website.
Member
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 163
Likes: 57
From: Australia
2014 ML63, 2018 GLC43, 1929 DB victory six sports roadster
Thanks for the link — very helpful. I see that 236.15 lines up with the factory fluid guide for the transfer case. What about the rear differential fluid? If I’m reading the guide correctly, it's SAE 75W85. Where I’m getting confused is that I only see “253” referenced, but not “4Matic.” Can anyone confirm if I’m understanding this correctly?
https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/231.1
I'm seeing different recommendations online including 75W140 on the FCP Euro website.
https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/231.1
I'm seeing different recommendations online including 75W140 on the FCP Euro website.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,375
Likes: 6,324
When we bought our GLC43 it had a slight noise from the rear differential when slowing down. There was an updated oil for the rear differential so I did change it with what MB parts called special oil. Well that special oil fixed the problem and it’s been good for over 12 months. So I would recommend you ask the dealer for the specific oil for the diff in your car.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,375
Likes: 6,324
Thanks for the link — very helpful. I see that 236.15 lines up with the factory fluid guide for the transfer case. What about the rear differential fluid? If I’m reading the guide correctly, it's SAE 75W85. Where I’m getting confused is that I only see “253” referenced, but not “4Matic.” Can anyone confirm if I’m understanding this correctly?
https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/231.1
I'm seeing different recommendations online including 75W140 on the FCP Euro website.
https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/231.1
I'm seeing different recommendations online including 75W140 on the FCP Euro website.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,375
Likes: 6,324
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2014 ML63, 2018 GLC43, 1929 DB victory six sports roadster
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MBWorld God!
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Member
Joined: Jun 2025
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From: Australia
2014 ML63, 2018 GLC43, 1929 DB victory six sports roadster
MBWorld God!
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Posts: 32,375
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Thread Starter
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Thanks everyone for the guidance on the fluid specs for my GLC43. I really appreciate the detailed responses and the time you took to share your knowledge—it’s been a big help in sorting this out. I've placed my order online and I'll let you know if I come across anything interesting when I change the fluids.
