howf777

I was reviewing my maintenance schedule and realized that at 39k miles, the ML350 requires a transmission service, but that service is not listed again at any interval in the manual. My mechanic tells me that the transmission service is required every 60k and that Mercedes Manuals are junk. He also mentioned that the std. 13k oil change is inaccurate. He's seen so many luxury cars come through his shop with damaged engines because of the mfg's manuals stating oil changes between 10k-15k. He recommended that the oil be checked at 5k,7k,9k, etc. and if it's dirty you need to change it out.

Any input would be appreciated.

lkchris

Get a real mechanic.

Yes, the 39K transmission fluid change is one time only.

Your "mechanic" probably doesn't understand, for example, that with 21st century motor oils, it's actually harmful to change oil sooner than recommended.

http://papers.sae.org/2007-01-4133/

If your mechanic knew anything about chemistry, he would have a better job.

howf777

Thanks for the quick reply.
So are you saying that I will never have to get another transmission fluid service for the life of my vehicle since the manual does not show it?

aggst1

There has been a debate about this. MB says one time ONLY at 39K. Some folks in this and other forums disagree with that, perhaps because they are used to doing it multiple times in the life of their non-MB cars. I follow the service schedule to the T and ONLY go by that schedule, unless my dealership mechanic tells me otherwise. For now, he and MB tell me the 39K fluid change will last the lifetime of the tranny.

Ditto with lkchris on the oil change intervals. At 13K or once per year, whichever comes first. The onboard computer will alert you to take it in for service A, B etc.