2009 ML550, Trans drain and fill?
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 65
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From: Chicago, IL
2009 ML550
2009 ML550, Trans drain and fill?
I just purchased a 2009 ML550 with 133000 miles. I have service records and it looks like up until 80000 miles it was serviced at MB dealerships. I am going through everything on it and debating a trans drain and fill. Is that suggested on a higher mileage ML550 without knowing it's full history or if it's been done before?
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From: CA
11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4
I just purchased a 2009 ML550 with 133000 miles. I have service records and it looks like up until 80000 miles it was serviced at MB dealerships. I am going through everything on it and debating a trans drain and fill. Is that suggested on a higher mileage ML550 without knowing it's full history or if it's been done before?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
2009 ML550s also have a torque converter drain plug where you can drain extra fluid, noting that dropping the pan only gets about 50% of the fluid out. Some W164s don't seem to have the TC drain plug, so its worth checking.
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 65
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From: Chicago, IL
2009 ML550
I was not concerned with if it wasn't done at 80000 should I still be doing it? I know there are some different thoughts on changing transmission fluid if it's never been done.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
I don't think 133k is too far gone to avoid changing it. Do the pan replacement only (1/2 the fluid) and then in 20-30k more, do it again. Then you're avoiding the problem youre worried about.
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11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
I just purchased a 2009 ML550 with 133000 miles. I have service records and it looks like up until 80000 miles it was serviced at MB dealerships. I am going through everything on it and debating a trans drain and fill. Is that suggested on a higher mileage ML550 without knowing it's full history or if it's been done before?
I recommend this stuff if you want to improve the function of your transmission and if you'd like to support the forum
https://www.amsoil.com/p/signature-s...EA/&zo=7236674
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2007 GL450
I'd go for the 722.9 filter upgrade kit (deeper fluid pan with a updated filter), to better protect the transmission.
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Joined: Jul 2016
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From: NE OHIO
1998 SL500,2011 GL550,2009 ML350,past 1995 E320 Cabrio ,2005 ML500,2006 ML500,1996 SL500,1972 280SEL
Transmission service AMSOIL ALL THE WAY
I have used all the Amsoil products in my MB’s. The signature series tranny fluid is fantastic. I have put 50-60k miles on it and comes out looking nice and red. I have it in my 2009 ML350 and 2008 GL550, also had it in my 2006 ML500.
You can shoot tranny temp at the pan or use a good OBDII and look at tranny temp. Also there is complete how to do post… I will look for it. Link at bottom
1. New gasket, filter, bolts, fluid, ability to pump it thru the drain plug then at 113 degrees F let excess drain and put the drain plug back in.
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...on-service.pdf
You can shoot tranny temp at the pan or use a good OBDII and look at tranny temp. Also there is complete how to do post… I will look for it. Link at bottom
1. New gasket, filter, bolts, fluid, ability to pump it thru the drain plug then at 113 degrees F let excess drain and put the drain plug back in.
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...on-service.pdf
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 65
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From: Chicago, IL
2009 ML550
Dealership wants $650 for the transmission fluid change. I have done transmission fluid changes on all of my vehicles before, but heard this one requires a lot of special tools that add up in price. Is it worth doing myself or paying to have it done?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: NE OHIO
1998 SL500,2011 GL550,2009 ML350,past 1995 E320 Cabrio ,2005 ML500,2006 ML500,1996 SL500,1972 280SEL
transmission fluid change
Once you buy the tools it is a pretty easy job. Look over the post I made with the pdf someone made. the most expensive part was the pump system which is really a sweet tool. I also maintain quite a few MB’s so it was easy for me to justify. $650 is a hefty sum.. you should be able to buy the pump around $150-200 and the rest are cheap… filter and gasket … once again I highly suggest AMSOIL signature fluids ..good luck Bill
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ML400 - 128i - Atlas VR6
Pretty simple job, but it was time consuming for me (3-4 hours) because I work slow to make sure everything is done correctly the first time around.
The fill adapter is like $15, transfer pump $30 at any hardware store, $5 for plastic tubing and then the trans fluid change kit which can be about $150ish.
But now that I got the fluid kit from FCP, the next time I do this job the material will basically be free with their lifetime warranty program.
I did mine at 75k miles and noticed a positive change. I am at 81k now and no leaks or issues.
Edit:I probably saved $400+ and it probably would have taken the same amount of time with me driving there and back and waiting for the job to be completed at the dealer.
The fill adapter is like $15, transfer pump $30 at any hardware store, $5 for plastic tubing and then the trans fluid change kit which can be about $150ish.
But now that I got the fluid kit from FCP, the next time I do this job the material will basically be free with their lifetime warranty program.
I did mine at 75k miles and noticed a positive change. I am at 81k now and no leaks or issues.
Edit:I probably saved $400+ and it probably would have taken the same amount of time with me driving there and back and waiting for the job to be completed at the dealer.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 65
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From: Chicago, IL
2009 ML550
Completed the trans fluid/filter change. Went with the large pan that FCP offers and did the torque converter as well. Pretty straightforward and not that difficult of a job.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 703
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From: NE OHIO
1998 SL500,2011 GL550,2009 ML350,past 1995 E320 Cabrio ,2005 ML500,2006 ML500,1996 SL500,1972 280SEL
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 65
Likes: 4
From: Chicago, IL
2009 ML550
Used Fuchs ATF 4134 from FCP's kit with the larger pan and filter and some cheap pump I got on amazon, which worked fine for me. This was the pump I used: https://amzn.to/4iRajSl
