Transmission Fliud - Hate to Ask!
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Maine
1997 C280, 1987 Corvette, 2002 F350 diesel,2001 Cadillac STS
Transmission Fliud - Hate to Ask!
Hello, I have a 1997 C280 that is new to me. 72k miles. Nice. The internet is a great thing, but you can go crazy if you try to research too much. I'm seeking sound advice on whether or not I should service my transmission. It drives and shifts great. Seems to me that any car would benefit from preventative maint, but I've read enough stories about transmissions that failed after service to spook me. My plan is to have all fluid drained ( including the torque Converter) and new filter installed. I understand there are sensors that may get affected by this work. Does that make sense? Also, any concerns draining down the TC and restarting? My independent MB service folks said they usually don't drain the TC because it puts a strain on the trans. Make any sense. I hate to cause a problem when I don't have one today. I know this topic is WAY overplayed, by my search on old threads just didn't give clear advise one way or another. I appreciate it. Steve
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
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From: Columbia SC
95 E320 cab, 81 300D,, 83 300D
Two Cents Worth (questionably overpriced)
Don't "flush" - which is kind of ambiguous anyway. But most possible definitions = "oops!". Do replace trans filter and fluid. Don't think that MB spec fluid is the only option. Safest, I guess - and it ought to be at $15 per quart. Mopar (Daimler/Chrysler) ATF+4 is now without question the exact same fluid as MB. Runs between $3-$5 per quart. At that price you can afford at least a partial second drain (fill, drive, drain, refill). ATF +4 is becoming more commonly available. Worst case, you can grab it from a Dodge/Chrysler dealer.
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From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
You might find that there is no drain plug on the TC. The friction material and the fluid in the transmission are engineered as a system to work well as the fluid ages. There is no reason to change the fluid unless it has failed when measured with an objective test. The color, age, oder, taste, and feel are not direct indicators of fluid quality.
The only way I have seen to replace the fluid (short of a tear down) is with a Bilstein machine to extract the old fluid, and install the new. You also need a filter, and some solvent to tidy the bottom pan.
The only way I have seen to replace the fluid (short of a tear down) is with a Bilstein machine to extract the old fluid, and install the new. You also need a filter, and some solvent to tidy the bottom pan.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 17
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From: Maine
1997 C280, 1987 Corvette, 2002 F350 diesel,2001 Cadillac STS
This situation continues to be challenging. I went today to a local Mercedes repair shop ( not a dealer, but someone I have done business with for many years and have found to be excellent) to have the fluid and filter replaced. Fluid was drained from both the pan and converter. Didn't actually look that bad. Then the car was lowered and refilled. NO filter change. I can't understand why. The fluid used was Febi ( appears to be Bilstein) ATF fluid. It says Dexron III / Dexron III-H on the container. I also see , in very small print, the part number 001 989 21 03 /236.10. I believe that this corresponds to the Mercedess part number for the MB synthetic fluid that is supposed to be used. I was told that thisis the same fluid, packed by this manufacturer instead of MB. The bill was $200, noting a 722.6 trans service and showig a filter change at $24.95. I think he simply forgot to change the filter ! More importantly, is this fluid ok ??? At this point I am ready to spend another $300 with the MB dealer just to get it done right. Can I drive the car if the fluid is simply not the right stuff??? Absolutely unbelievable !! Thanks for any help you can offer.
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From: Upstate New York
97 Mercedes Benz C280
C280 tranny problem ALSO
I have been searching for some advice on a tranny problem for my 97 C280. Actually not sure it is the tranny, but several lights on the dash come on...and the engine revs. also the engine will not go over 30mph or so. I have looked in the manual and this seems to be a "limp-home" mode that will only allow the vehicle to be driven home in 2nd gear. ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
luvMBs
luvMBs
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From: West Virginia
2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 100,000+
If I remember correctly, there is a factory recommended transmission service interval on MBs before 1998. An email I received from MBUSA stated "All Mercedes made between 1998 and 2005 do not require a transmission service".
Also, if you have a TC drain plug, which is very likely, you do not need a system flush (that is for cars without a TC drain plug). I think you can gravity drain nearly all of the fluid using the drain pan and TC drain plugs.
Also, if you have a TC drain plug, which is very likely, you do not need a system flush (that is for cars without a TC drain plug). I think you can gravity drain nearly all of the fluid using the drain pan and TC drain plugs.
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From: Maine
1997 C280, 1987 Corvette, 2002 F350 diesel,2001 Cadillac STS
You are correct. The draining process was very easy with the car in the air. Peace of mind. Now just need to sort out my secondary air injection fault code that tgrows periodically ( after long periods at idle). Great car, really. I have owned several 300Es and a 420SEL. The C280 has a choppier ride for sure, but nice performance overall. Thanks
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From: Upstate New York
97 Mercedes Benz C280
new problem with speed sensor
Yes, Thanks for the reply...........on to another problem....speed sensor. Apparently it affects the speedometer or visa versa, and when this happens, it won't shift out of first gear (another safety feature). It is not the wheel sensors, I don't believe, but have to get it to a computer to generate a factory product code. Doing that this morning.
Has anyone had sensor problems? Would appreciate some input.
Has anyone had sensor problems? Would appreciate some input.
