eugene22n

I was wondering if you guys think its worthwhile to change the tranny oil and filter past the first mandatory change at 39k. I've seen people on the forums do it past 39k. Manual says just once at 39k. Better for the tranny to do it at some intevals afterwards or should I just forgot about it?

Also, I would say that the shifts from 2-1 are a bit odd. They come with a slight vibration that I can feel in the drivers seat. Just a little age NVH? Passangers never notice. In standard/sports mode it "studders" a bit as I come a stop. Symptomatic 7G valve body issue? It's been doing this forever now. Not a big deal so far.

JoeVal

Transmission damage arising from field and test failures showed that the lubrication value and clean life of "lifetime ATF" had serious limitations and backtrack is what resulted. Consequently, ATF flush, transmission carter cleanup, filter change, and ancillary work is needed at 39,000-mile intervals. Once you evaluate how you found the transmission the first time you flushed it, an extracted ATF analysis should be the sole lighthouse directing your future course. Otherwise, flush the transmission as the first time every 39,000 miles.

nyca

If you plan on keeping the car, $279 is cheap insurance against a transmission failure.

Em Bee Lover

I am out of warranty, both calendar and miles. I checked history and the 39,000 miles trans. fluid change was ignored. I have 61000 on 2007 Designo Launch. Great machine. Quirkey, but a heckuva debut machine compared to 220 I had.

I had dlr. change fluid etc. at about 59,000 mile. Subsequently, I found the trans. fluid change altered the downshift. Much more "rigid". Maybe unique to me and Wisconsin's winter. Or, governor. You choose.

Went to dlr. last week and computer indicated shifts are within parameters. I don't personally agree to the "feel", but if computer says benchmark is o k, I am left out.

M-B says, "Who are you....?"

My two or three or four cents...

new550

eugene22 - My advice is change the fluid...I did at about 50k miles and there was a huge improvement in overall shift timing and quality...not a minor change, but a major one. I feel that is indicative of the fact that there was something "not right" going on with the past-due fluid...nyca said it...cheap insurance.

brownbomber

My 2 cents, Change the Fluid. Anything that you can do to support the improvement of this Transmission is absolutely needed to insure that you maximize the life of your car.

You don't want to be where I am which is at $5500 for a refurbished transmission with 54k on the dash.

SDLIFE

ouch... are they really having you cover it... or are you still fighting that with them..i would fight for it and not pay a dime if possible... 4 k over miles and just bought the car... thats bs..

eugene22n

You didn't just need the "new/non-defective" valve body/control unit combo? Thats usually what happenes when these things go out. Did you double check that they aren't just trying to push you into a bigger purchase?

brownbomber

@eugene

The short answer is that I don't know for certain if the refurbished transmission was the only way to go. I was at a loss when they disassembled my car and left me with only one option. my SA did say that he felt that the valve body replacement wouldn't fix the problem for whatever reason he gave that didn't make any sense.

eugene22n

Yeah thats a tough situation. Nobody wants to be towing their car around for second opinions. Maybe double check that the new tranny you are getting has the new valve body/control unit. I don't have any part numbers but you could probably ask around.

eugene22n

And just for clarification, I did do the job @ 39k. I was just wondering what the thoughts were in regard to changing the oil and filter regularly onwards. I don't really buy these long oil change intervals and lifelong ATF promises. My family MB mechanic thinks its BS, as does my SA at Fletcher Jones. I've been changing my oil @ 8k intervals for example.

MBS430

brownbomber,

here is the bulletin on the valve body issue:

DTB S-B-27.19/118a JUN10 – MY-All, Transmission 722.9 in Models 164, 171, 203, 204, 207, 209, 211, 212, 215, 216, 219, 220, 221, 230, 251, 463 ordering notes for Electrohydraulic Control Unit
221 – Control unit 2202701406 replaced by 2202701306 replaced by current 2202702706

as eugene22n recommended, confirm that your refurbished transmission has valve body with part number 220 270 27 06

all dealer work should have 12 months warranty

Jon2007E63P30

I plan on changing the oil in my tranny every 40-50k miles. I will also be changing the diff fluid at about 80k. Given I am at 68,500 it is coming soon.

I also change engine oil between 7500 and 8000.