Low speed groaning / turning
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2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
I’d say if you’re not having the noise, then you’re good and no need for it. If you had it done at MB, then they probably did the dual flush procedure!
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From: SW Ontario Canada
2020 GLS580, 2023 Corvette Z06
Yes there is a drain plug on the torque converter. I just did my trans and it took 10 litres without doing the trans cooler which could take another litre. (I wasted a bit using a pump to refill and the final overfill to get the right level . If you are doing this yourself you need to buy another drain screw as it is one time use with a washer. The transmission pan and the pan bolts are also one time use. You need the filling tool to drain and fill the trans along with a pump and you need a scan tool to get the correct fill level at 39 degrees Celsius I recall. There is a good video
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: SW Ontario Canada
2020 GLS580, 2023 Corvette Z06
transfer case
I used the compact spare yesterday and drove 80kms or 50 miles to get home. Several times the warnings came up "4matic not operating". I could hear the transfer case complaining as the temporary spare is smaller in height. When the warning came up the "complaining" sound went away and you could feel the transfer case release. Should I worry about the transfer case and fluid? I just changed it recently with MB spec. fluid. I need to drive it to the tire shop 70kms away and wonder if I could damage it? I is a factory inflatable spare.
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Joined: Aug 2023
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2024 GLS 580
I had the exact experience a couple of weeks although I only drove a total of 50 miles on the spare. After the flat was fixed, I drove 350 miles to get home and had no further messages and no further drivetrain straining sounds.
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2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Does the w213 have a separate transfer case though? I think it’s inside the actual transmission like the W212 is, but could be wrong. If it’s in the transmission housing, then I wouldn’t even consider it, as the fluid in that setup is 100% transmission fluid only.
but if you’re getting limited slip noises, and set you’re in the AMG category with the 43, then it’s almost certainly the rear differential. MB fluid for AMG does specifically note LS modifiers in the fluid. I think it’s actually a Castrol fluid.
but if you’re getting limited slip noises, and set you’re in the AMG category with the 43, then it’s almost certainly the rear differential. MB fluid for AMG does specifically note LS modifiers in the fluid. I think it’s actually a Castrol fluid.
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MB
Does the w213 have a separate transfer case though? I think it’s inside the actual transmission like the W212 is, but could be wrong. If it’s in the transmission housing, then I wouldn’t even consider it, as the fluid in that setup is 100% transmission fluid only.
but if you’re getting limited slip noises, and set you’re in the AMG category with the 43, then it’s almost certainly the rear differential. MB fluid for AMG does specifically note LS modifiers in the fluid. I think it’s actually a Castrol fluid.
but if you’re getting limited slip noises, and set you’re in the AMG category with the 43, then it’s almost certainly the rear differential. MB fluid for AMG does specifically note LS modifiers in the fluid. I think it’s actually a Castrol fluid.
I would like to service the transfer case anyways. Below is the AllData on the transfer case fluid for my car (as well as many others).
Last edited by 6speeddave; May 22, 2026 at 11:42 AM.
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2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
I think your rear differential is a limited slip, which means the Liqui-Moly isn't applicable. It's specifically for open differentials, not LS. Just make sure it's not LS with the dealership. I think, as part of the "AMG" packages, the differentials are LS in general.
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MB
The E43 is equipped with a standard rear differential that is also found in many w213 and w205 non-AMG models. It is essentially a dressed up E400. Excited to try out the liqui moly - hoping it quiets it down. These differentials are notorious for being noisy, even when new.
Thanks for your continued input on this, and sorry for getting this thread off track!
Thanks for your continued input on this, and sorry for getting this thread off track!
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Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,135
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GLE 580
I used the compact spare yesterday and drove 80kms or 50 miles to get home. Several times the warnings came up "4matic not operating". I could hear the transfer case complaining as the temporary spare is smaller in height. When the warning came up the "complaining" sound went away and you could feel the transfer case release. Should I worry about the transfer case and fluid? I just changed it recently with MB spec. fluid. I need to drive it to the tire shop 70kms away and wonder if I could damage it? I is a factory inflatable spare.
Last edited by wildta; May 22, 2026 at 12:41 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 776
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
The E43 is equipped with a standard rear differential that is also found in many w213 and w205 non-AMG models. It is essentially a dressed up E400. Excited to try out the liqui moly - hoping it quiets it down. These differentials are notorious for being noisy, even when new.
Thanks for your continued input on this, and sorry for getting this thread off track!
Thanks for your continued input on this, and sorry for getting this thread off track!
