ML350 4Matic transmission fluid change questions
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2000 e class
ML350 4Matic transmission fluid change questions
My first post on here and needing some advice - thanks in advance. So I picked up a 2009 ML350 4Matic from a local family. The owner of the vehicle had passed unfortunately. Super clean inside, engine looks good and oil is perfect. Well maintained but 207K miles on the clock. Obviously couldn’t check the transmission fluid and unsure if it’s ever been changed and when I first started driving the car it felt good but it shift down a little hard from 3rd into second. Rarely happens but I get nervous with that stuff so checked a couple of local ‘euro’ places about a fluid change but they said they didn’t want to touch it because of the mileage. For the most part the transmission seems ok but the fluid in there is 16 years old. Needing advice on the dangers or benefits of a fluid change and if there is any transmission fix additives I could get in there to help to prolong the life of the transmission. Any advice would be helpful. I’m really enjoying the car but want to avoid a transmission replacement on a car that’s only worth a few thousand bucks. Thanks
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Joined: Dec 2019
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My first post on here and needing some advice - thanks in advance. So I picked up a 2009 ML350 4Matic from a local family. The owner of the vehicle had passed unfortunately. Super clean inside, engine looks good and oil is perfect. Well maintained but 207K miles on the clock. Obviously couldn’t check the transmission fluid and unsure if it’s ever been changed and when I first started driving the car it felt good but it shift down a little hard from 3rd into second. Rarely happens but I get nervous with that stuff so checked a couple of local ‘euro’ places about a fluid change but they said they didn’t want to touch it because of the mileage. For the most part the transmission seems ok but the fluid in there is 16 years old. Needing advice on the dangers or benefits of a fluid change and if there is any transmission fix additives I could get in there to help to prolong the life of the transmission. Any advice would be helpful. I’m really enjoying the car but want to avoid a transmission replacement on a car that’s only worth a few thousand bucks. Thanks
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Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
Don't do it without expert advice first.
I don't know anything about it, but did a web search, most shops say don't change it if it has never been done in an old high mile vehicle. So first determine if it has ever been done. Go to good transmission shop so they can determine the conditon of the fluid and provide guidance.
Found this on web:
"I had a customer bring in an old Camry about 15 years ago for a BG flush. I took one look at the fluid and told the advisor that I wasn't going to do it. It was black as night, and the car had about 90k on it if I remember correctly. Looked like it had never been serviced.
Anyway the customer threw an absolute fit, demanding a flush. I personally explained to him why it wasn't a good idea along with the service manager, but he wouldn't let up. The service manager wrote out a quick disclaimer on the back of the R.O. stating our objections, made the customer sign below it, and I did the friggin flush.
Got it down off the lift, put it in R, and it only moved at about 3k RPM. It ended up leaving on a flatbed. To this day I don't understand what that customer's deal was."
Found this on web:
"I had a customer bring in an old Camry about 15 years ago for a BG flush. I took one look at the fluid and told the advisor that I wasn't going to do it. It was black as night, and the car had about 90k on it if I remember correctly. Looked like it had never been serviced.
Anyway the customer threw an absolute fit, demanding a flush. I personally explained to him why it wasn't a good idea along with the service manager, but he wouldn't let up. The service manager wrote out a quick disclaimer on the back of the R.O. stating our objections, made the customer sign below it, and I did the friggin flush.
Got it down off the lift, put it in R, and it only moved at about 3k RPM. It ended up leaving on a flatbed. To this day I don't understand what that customer's deal was."
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,373
Likes: 6,323
I don't know anything about it, but did a web search, most shops say don't change it if it has never been done in an old high mile vehicle. So first determine if it has ever been done. Go to good transmission shop so they can determine the conditon of the fluid and provide guidance.
Found this on web:
"I had a customer bring in an old Camry about 15 years ago for a BG flush. I took one look at the fluid and told the advisor that I wasn't going to do it. It was black as night, and the car had about 90k on it if I remember correctly. Looked like it had never been serviced.
Anyway the customer threw an absolute fit, demanding a flush. I personally explained to him why it wasn't a good idea along with the service manager, but he wouldn't let up. The service manager wrote out a quick disclaimer on the back of the R.O. stating our objections, made the customer sign below it, and I did the friggin flush.
Got it down off the lift, put it in R, and it only moved at about 3k RPM. It ended up leaving on a flatbed. To this day I don't understand what that customer's deal was."
Found this on web:
"I had a customer bring in an old Camry about 15 years ago for a BG flush. I took one look at the fluid and told the advisor that I wasn't going to do it. It was black as night, and the car had about 90k on it if I remember correctly. Looked like it had never been serviced.
Anyway the customer threw an absolute fit, demanding a flush. I personally explained to him why it wasn't a good idea along with the service manager, but he wouldn't let up. The service manager wrote out a quick disclaimer on the back of the R.O. stating our objections, made the customer sign below it, and I did the friggin flush.
Got it down off the lift, put it in R, and it only moved at about 3k RPM. It ended up leaving on a flatbed. To this day I don't understand what that customer's deal was."
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,373
Likes: 6,323
I don't know anything about it, but did a web search, most shops say don't change it if it has never been done in an old high mile vehicle. So first determine if it has ever been done. Go to good transmission shop so they can determine the conditon of the fluid and provide guidance.
Found this on web:
"I had a customer bring in an old Camry about 15 years ago for a BG flush. I took one look at the fluid and told the advisor that I wasn't going to do it. It was black as night, and the car had about 90k on it if I remember correctly. Looked like it had never been serviced.
Anyway the customer threw an absolute fit, demanding a flush. I personally explained to him why it wasn't a good idea along with the service manager, but he wouldn't let up. The service manager wrote out a quick disclaimer on the back of the R.O. stating our objections, made the customer sign below it, and I did the friggin flush.
Got it down off the lift, put it in R, and it only moved at about 3k RPM. It ended up leaving on a flatbed. To this day I don't understand what that customer's deal was."
Found this on web:
"I had a customer bring in an old Camry about 15 years ago for a BG flush. I took one look at the fluid and told the advisor that I wasn't going to do it. It was black as night, and the car had about 90k on it if I remember correctly. Looked like it had never been serviced.
Anyway the customer threw an absolute fit, demanding a flush. I personally explained to him why it wasn't a good idea along with the service manager, but he wouldn't let up. The service manager wrote out a quick disclaimer on the back of the R.O. stating our objections, made the customer sign below it, and I did the friggin flush.
Got it down off the lift, put it in R, and it only moved at about 3k RPM. It ended up leaving on a flatbed. To this day I don't understand what that customer's deal was."
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MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,373
Likes: 6,323
Speaking of fluid change, your front and rear diff and transfer case fluid might also be over due. Some MB transmissions have transfer case fluid shared with transmission, not sure if the 722.6 is though. Need to check WIS.
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