Good transmission service kit advice
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA, USA
2011 ML350
Good transmission service kit advice
Hello all.
Does anyone know of a good transmission service kit for our trucks? I have a 2011 ML350 gas model that just hit 80k and the service reminder is popping up. I'm in between just changing the 5 quarts in the pan or draining the torque converter as well. There are many obstacles to address with the tranny service in this vehicle. You have....
1) Get the car up and level - which is an issue because there is no center support to jack the car up in the front. Only the jack points. I'm thinking about building a wooden platform to drive onto.
2) Pump the new fluid into the drain hole - I'm hoping to find a kit that has a pump or an adaper I can use with my power bleeder I use for the brakes.
3) Ensure that the temperature is at 40º C to ensure the proper fluid level - Not sure if I should get a new scanner or infrared gun. I've been looking at an Autel MD802 Maxidiag Elite for a while.
4) Measure the fluid drained from the vehicle. Looks like a mess.
5) Replacement pan bolts, drain bolt and crush washer, and possibly torque converter bolt and washer. Not sure what the sizes are yet.
Also, can I mix Febi transmission fluid with the Mercedes fluid? Isn't it the same? The cost of the Mercedes stuff is like $25 a quart witch is just ridiculous. If I knew the OE fluid maker, I'd just get that. If I cant figure it out, I'll shell out for the unicorn oil Mercedes stealership sells.
Any advice on a good comprehensive kit that will cover most of my concerns? Please let me know. I know I'll have to piece things together. I'm just looking for the best overall value in the long run.
Does anyone know of a good transmission service kit for our trucks? I have a 2011 ML350 gas model that just hit 80k and the service reminder is popping up. I'm in between just changing the 5 quarts in the pan or draining the torque converter as well. There are many obstacles to address with the tranny service in this vehicle. You have....
1) Get the car up and level - which is an issue because there is no center support to jack the car up in the front. Only the jack points. I'm thinking about building a wooden platform to drive onto.
2) Pump the new fluid into the drain hole - I'm hoping to find a kit that has a pump or an adaper I can use with my power bleeder I use for the brakes.
3) Ensure that the temperature is at 40º C to ensure the proper fluid level - Not sure if I should get a new scanner or infrared gun. I've been looking at an Autel MD802 Maxidiag Elite for a while.
4) Measure the fluid drained from the vehicle. Looks like a mess.
5) Replacement pan bolts, drain bolt and crush washer, and possibly torque converter bolt and washer. Not sure what the sizes are yet.
Also, can I mix Febi transmission fluid with the Mercedes fluid? Isn't it the same? The cost of the Mercedes stuff is like $25 a quart witch is just ridiculous. If I knew the OE fluid maker, I'd just get that. If I cant figure it out, I'll shell out for the unicorn oil Mercedes stealership sells.
Any advice on a good comprehensive kit that will cover most of my concerns? Please let me know. I know I'll have to piece things together. I'm just looking for the best overall value in the long run.
Last edited by shawndh; May 21, 2018 at 09:26 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
As for the Autel scanner, it is great and works flawlessly. Get one.
What do you mean by "comprehensive kit" ?
Also post your full vin #.
What do you mean by "comprehensive kit" ?
Also post your full vin #.
Last edited by Maj. Dundee; May 22, 2018 at 07:25 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA, USA
2011 ML350
Thanx for the reply but I think I’m going to take it to a local shop that comes highly recommended from the locals in the forums. BlueRidge Mercedes. I just don’t have the time anymore and the price is not much more than doing it myself. I’ll slowly buy the tools to do it myself next time.
