St Nick

Greetings all.
I just purchased a certified pre-owned 1998 ML 320 with 31k miles. I want the dealer to do the services required at 30K miles. They have flushed the brakes, coolant, upgraded to large fuel filter and a wheel alignment. Motor oil was changed at 29K. I wanted a transmission fluid change but they do not want to pay for it.
Is it true that 1998 and up, transmission fluids are not required to be changed at all. The service advisor at the dealer said the only time they go into the transmission is if there is a leak and the fluid and filter are not changed.
Is there anyone that can advise me on this.
If a link is available to a website that may help, please provide it.

Also with buying a Starmark pre-owned vehicle, what should I have expected to be doen in terms of maintence, or should I have specified things I want done before purchase?

Thank you.

sosh

Believe that the trans fluid is "lifetime" and that the trans is a sealed unit. There is also no way to check fluid, no dipstick, etc.

St Nick

Excellent, thank you sir. This is what I was told. I am assuming that a trans fluid change will not affect performance.

Do you have any advise on normal maintence to keep ML running at peak performance?
I've already had the brakes flushed, coolant flush, upgraded to large fuel filter and a wheel alignment. Motor oil was changed at 29K.

Thanks again.

sosh

Just follow the MB service schedule at a good dealer.

Drew_ML

Actually they can check the fluid levels (they did it for mine) and change it if necessary. However ordinarily they won't, because it is designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle.