I took my 2010 ML-350 for some routine maintenance to an indie shop, a good one, to whom I have taken several other (non-MB) vehicles over the years. One of the service items that I requested was the "one-time" ATF fluid flush and filter change that the MB maintenance guide requires at 39,000 miles. The shop's MB-trained tech, who has 12 years of prior experience working at an MB dealership, told me that this "one-time" AT service was unnecessary and had the potential to do more harm than good. He said that, despite what the MB maintenance schedule indicates, his MB training emphasized that these 7-speed transmissions were considered to be sealed units, not to be opened, even for a fluid change, unless malfunctioning.

I know that this topic has been discussed here before on more than one occasion, but does anyone have any input on the tech's comments? Should I believe what he says, or should I begin looking for a different shop?

Mike R.

 

This was the same "theory" on previous MB tranny'sMy C43 AMG had a "sealed for life" tranny.My question was"If its sealed for life,how come its not warranties for life"?.I have ML tranny serviced every 30k.

 

It is my understanding that due to issues with the transmissions, MB made the change to a fluid change every 40k.

 

I recently went to dealer with my 08 320cdi, to get serp.belt changed & check for trans. program update. I had 75k, & asked about a trans. fluid flush & fill at 80k. The serv.advisor told & showed me the screen showing it should be changed 1x at 40k & that's it. I plan on changing at 100k though, just to make me feel better...Lol

 

I downloaded the maintenance booklet from MBUSA's website and it shows to change the trans fluid every 40k for every model.

 

It seems from reading other posts that MB has differing answers depending where u look?