TorontoW210

MB has a sealed type set-up for ATF

Just wondering how often should I change the ATF

Also, for a E320, on average how long do the tranny last?

There seems to be an assumption that MB engines pretty much could last forever (or at least 500K) without major overhaul .. myth or fact?

Either case, even if MB engines do last a lifetime, and the body stucture/frame pretty much last a long time too, but if everything else falls apart after 5 years... it means very little.

MARK CUMMINS

The (LIFETIME) Trans fluid is a Joke!

I Have seen Several fail Just out of MB warranty ..Then The Customer pays the bill..The Fluid was cooked on them

Its Best to change the Fluid and filter every 60k ..dont forget to drain the torque converter

most MB transmissions will last over 150k if taken care of

mbtech208

On my own personal cars, I change the trans fluid and filter every 30,000 miles, even if it's a "lifetime fluid." It's cheap insurance, and much cheaper than a new transmission every 100K miles. Same with extended-life coolant, I change it every 30K miles. Cheaper than a new radiator or clogged-up water jackets in the block and heads.

Kswebb1

OK since the subject was brought up.Some people around here don't like the extended life anti freeze and switch over too the regular type.And just flush and change it more often.

They seem to think that the extended is more prone to gum things up.Would this work on my e320 with no bad side effects.Or should I just stick with the extended.

mbtech208

Stick with the extended-life, just change it more often if you like. Don't use the standard green coolant, Mercedes-Benzes do not like that stuff.

mleskovar

I had my radiator replaced under warranty and MB replaced the blue coolant with the green coolant. Why do you say "Mercedes-Benzes do not like that stuff"?

mbtech208

Green coolant tends to make water pumps leak. They should have replaced the coolant with orange coolant. The blue coolant is MB factory-fill, you can't get it anywhere else.

mleskovar

Guess I should change it to the orange/extended life coolant. Anything special I should know about changing it? Is there an air purge valve in the coolant path somewhere on the 3.2 liter V6? Thanks for the heads up Dave

csumt76

The trans will last if it is not abused and the fluid level is ok, like no leaks. I've seen some problems with the new 7speed auto tranny but basically just some factory flaws with the clutch packs. We just replaced them. Yes, the 722.6(5speedauto) is supposed to be maintenance free but go ahead and change the fluid if you want. I would do the filter as well. I don't remember the converter on those trannies having drains.

mbtech208

There is nothing special to it, just drain it out of the radiator and refill it. The overflow tank is the highest point in the cooling system, so there is no need for a bleed valve. Make sure after you change it to drive it for a couple miles with the defroster on, this will bleed out the heater core, you may even hear it gurgling as it bleeds.

neonflx

is there a plug for the converter on a 99 CLK 430, if not how can it be drain, or will flushing be a better solution? thanks

GDawgC220

how much is it to change the fluid and the filter on a ML430? We've never changed ours before and found out about the "lifetime" fluid until i started on this forum :p

It just passed 62,000 miles...but the shifting is still very smooth (not during cold starts but when warmed up, very smooth).

Thanks!