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I did a little research on transmission fluid and what my 2008 S550 requires and I find the following:
The spec fluid required for my 2008 S550 is 236.14. S550s after about 2010 require 236.15
Shell 134 ATF meets the 236.14 spec. and I can get it from a distributor for about $70 for 12 quarts (about $6/quart)
According to the data sheet ( attached) Chevron Havoline Global MV transmission fluid meets both 236.14 and 236.15 and I can get that for $35 for 12 quarts (about $3/quart)
Valvoline maxlife meets both 236.14 and 236.15 spec (data sheet attached) and costs about $35/12 quarts. The Valvoline distributor here in Denver tells me that if a transmission fails because of a Valvoline fluid that was spec'd for the vehicle, Valvoline covers the repairs.
If the fluid meets the spec, why should I purchase MB trans fluid at $30/quart? Is there a difference if the spec is met? Am I missing something?
I did a little research on transmission fluid and what my 2008 S550 requires and I find the following:
The spec fluid required for my 2008 S550 is 236.14. S550s after about 2010 require 236.15
Shell 134 ATF meets the 236.14 spec. and I can get it from a distributor for about $70 for 12 quarts (about $6/quart)
According to the data sheet ( attached) Chevron Havoline Global MV transmission fluid meets both 236.14 and 236.15 and I can get that for $35 for 12 quarts (about $3/quart)
Valvoline maxlife meets both 236.14 and 236.15 spec (data sheet attached) and costs about $35/12 quarts. The Valvoline distributor here in Denver tells me that if a transmission fails because of a Valvoline fluid that was spec'd for the vehicle, Valvoline covers the repairs.
If the fluid meets the spec, why should I purchase MB trans fluid at $30/quart? Is there a difference if the spec is met? Am I missing something?
First off, MB loves to say use their products but its not a must, its like an engine oil change they recommend using 0W-40 but 5W-40 is the best in my opinion especially if youre over 70k miles just how they approve Mobil 1 for oils and filters even though it says under your hood to use a MB spec oil filter, just as long as it meets spec for your specific car or above itll be fine as long as its well taken care of aswell so no worries
First off, MB loves to say use their products but its not a must, its like an engine oil change they recommend using 0W-40 but 5W-40 is the best in my opinion especially if youre over 70k miles just how they approve Mobil 1 for oils and filters even though it says under your hood to use a MB spec oil filter, just as long as it meets spec for your specific car or above itll be fine as long as its well taken care of aswell so no worries
does mobil have a 5-40 euro formula? ive been using the mobil 0-40 euro since new, but have just rolled 100k on my m273..ive also heard that the 0-40 is the heavier oil. thoughts?
does mobil have a 5-40 euro formula? ive been using the mobil 0-40 euro since new, but have just rolled 100k on my m273..ive also heard that the 0-40 is the heavier oil. thoughts?
Well I wouldnt recommend it to anyone I personally like it more than the 0-40 mix and autozone does aswell, it meets mb specs so it should be fine to use for euro and us spec models
I did a little research on transmission fluid and what my 2008 S550 requires and I find the following:
The spec fluid required for my 2008 S550 is 236.14. S550s after about 2010 require 236.15
Shell 134 ATF meets the 236.14 spec. and I can get it from a distributor for about $70 for 12 quarts (about $6/quart)
According to the data sheet ( attached) Chevron Havoline Global MV transmission fluid meets both 236.14 and 236.15 and I can get that for $35 for 12 quarts (about $3/quart)
Valvoline maxlife meets both 236.14 and 236.15 spec (data sheet attached) and costs about $35/12 quarts. The Valvoline distributor here in Denver tells me that if a transmission fails because of a Valvoline fluid that was spec'd for the vehicle, Valvoline covers the repairs.
If the fluid meets the spec, why should I purchase MB trans fluid at $30/quart? Is there a difference if the spec is met? Am I missing something?
I called Valvoline customer support (8008326825) and asked about the Valvoline Pro 236.14 and they said it is not marketed in the US and that the Maxlife is the fluid that covers spec 236.14 for the US. I asked why the Maxlife wasn't on Mercedes' list of approved fluids (BeVo). The response from Valvoline was Valvoline didn't pay the money to have it put on Mercedes' list. Notwithstanding Valvoline covering any damage, my point is that the Havoline Global and Valvoline Maxlife do meet the MB spec (236.14 and 236.15) as evidenced by their data sheets and are far cheaper than MB and Fuchs. So why not use them instead? That said, I might shy away from the Havoline because it is a synthetic blend. My understanding is the Valvoline and Shell are full synthetic. If it meets the spec, why does the fluid need to be put on the MB approved list? What am I missing here? The distributer here in Denver for the Shell ATF 134 is West Oil Direct (Jim Lien).
I called Valvoline customer support (8008326825) and asked about the Valvoline Pro 236.14 and they said it is not marketed in the US and that the Maxlife is the fluid that covers spec 236.14 for the US. I asked why the Maxlife wasn't on Mercedes' list of approved fluids (BeVo). The response from Valvoline was Valvoline didn't pay the money to have it put on Mercedes' list. Notwithstanding Valvoline covering any damage, my point is that the Havoline Global and Valvoline Maxlife do meet the MB spec (236.14 and 236.15) as evidenced by their data sheets and are far cheaper than MB and Fuchs. So why not use them instead? That said, I might shy away from the Havoline because it is a synthetic blend. My understanding is the Valvoline and Shell are full synthetic. If it meets the spec, why does the fluid need to be put on the MB approved list? What am I missing here? The distributer here in Denver for the Shell ATF 134 is West Oil Direct (Jim Lien).
Id say go with shell or Mobil 1 most of the time they are the safer bet and Mobil 1 is recommended
If you read the max life data sheet, it has an asterisk next to the 236.14/236.15 specs that says the viscosity profile differs from OEM specs so that can't recommend it in CA. Meaning it has a different viscosity curve as the fluid heats up so I'm sure maxlife will work in a pinch but you might want to look in to Mobil 134 or shell 134 as a cheaper alternative to OEM when it's not an emergency.
I have a 2007 S550 with 130K miles. I bought it at 70K miles and don't know if the previous owner got a transmission flush at any point of time. According to manual, transmission oil supposed be changed at 39,000 miles. Car is running fine and does not have any problem. I was told that if running fine - do not change, because it sometime can cause more problem to transmission. Do you have any recommendation, good or bad experience after transmission oil change.
I have a 2007 S550 with 130K miles. I bought it at 70K miles and don't know if the previous owner got a transmission flush at any point of time. According to manual, transmission oil supposed be changed at 39,000 miles. Car is running fine and does not have any problem. I was told that if running fine - do not change, because it sometime can cause more problem to transmission. Do you have any recommendation, good or bad experience after transmission oil change.
a lot of people say dont do it because itll harm it, personally Im not one of them as i had the same question but on the c class and ignored it and ended up having to change it by force. Id say pay attention to the shifting the smoothness and the time it takes to switch gears and whatnot and if it feels rough at this mileage I think you should go for it, Im just about ready to hit 100k miles on my s class and I think its ready for its change aswell. Mercedes makes very strong transmissions and engines but I wouldnt rely on them 100% when it comes to fluid changes.
Thanks. I've decided to go for it. I do like to buy my own parts and take it in to my indy (much cheaper). The car manual says it takes 9.8L (9 oz.) of transmission fluid. I have seen YouTube videos where they replace replace 5L or I keep replacing the fluid till it runs red. That is a lot of wasted fluid. What do you recommend?
Thanks. I've decided to go for it. I do like to buy my own parts and take it in to my indy (much cheaper). The car manual says it takes 9.8L (9 oz.) of transmission fluid. I have seen YouTube videos where they replace replace 5L or I keep replacing the fluid till it runs red. That is a lot of wasted fluid. What do you recommend?
Ask your Indy for the amount required. If he cant answer, go elsewhere. Change requires special tools, including temperature measurement. Btw 9.8 liters is not equivalent to 9 ounces.
you can't read the owners manual 10 years on and expect it to have the correct information. you need to ask Mercedes what they NOW recommend is the correct specification. Two reasons.
1) the world moves and oil specification improves and later stuff may now be more suitable
2) Mercedes will know from workshop info and warranty claims over the first few years of their vehicles life what fails and why. They may retrospectively update the specification of fluid they would now use to improve shift action and or reliability
Thank you for your research! I've been looking everywhere for this information. Now Valvoline even make the blue colored ATF and it should match the 236.15 spec even in color.
Thank you for your research! I've been looking everywhere for this information. Now Valvoline even make the blue colored ATF and it should match the 236.15 spec even in color.
I'd make sure it is on the mb data sheet for reasons previously mentioned
I was thinking - on a few parts places and here and on other forums a few times... they all talk about an upgrade to the slightly deeper, higher capacity sump and the improved trans filter of the cars that run the later 7G fluid - but when you check that non backwards compatible fluid spec, that OIL is thinner - so if you put the thick blue fluid through a much finer filter I can imagine that upgrade could result in starving the box of much needed fluid - hence not so clever
checking with a dealer re some fluids a few years back for antifreeze and trans fluid,
Anitfreeze MB325 is blue and goes in the earlier stuff (2006 to 2013 I guess) dealers words were "pink stuff only went in Merc's from 2014"
So I then asked what my earlier 7G box should take and it is a different fluid to the later cars, he then said merc don't state what the difference is, so I looked up the difference between the Fuchs versions
The early 7G boxes takes 236.14 - fuchs version = TITAN ATF 4134
Ultra High Performance ATF, specially developed to optimize shifting performance of Mercedes-Benz automatic transmissions.
The later 7G boxes take 236.15 - fuchs version = TITAN ATF 7134 FE
Premium Performance ATF with reduced viscosity, especially developed to further optimize fuel-economy and gearbox efficiency of latest generation Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic transmissions. Not downwards compatible with previous MB-ATF-Specifications.
I was thinking - on a few parts places and here and on other forums a few times... they all talk about an upgrade to the slightly deeper, higher capacity sump and the improved trans filter of the cars that run the later 7G fluid - but when you check that non backwards compatible fluid spec, that OIL is thinner - so if you put the thick blue fluid through a much finer filter I can imagine that upgrade could result in starving the box of much needed fluid - hence not so clever
checking with a dealer re some fluids a few years back for antifreeze and trans fluid,
Anitfreeze MB325 is blue and goes in the earlier stuff (2006 to 2013 I guess) dealers words were "pink stuff only went in Merc's from 2014"
So I then asked what my earlier 7G box should take and it is a different fluid to the later cars, he then said merc don't state what the difference is, so I looked up the difference between the Fuchs versions
The early 7G boxes takes 236.14 - fuchs version = TITAN ATF 4134
Ultra High Performance ATF, specially developed to optimize shifting performance of Mercedes-Benz automatic transmissions.
The later 7G boxes take 236.15 - fuchs version = TITAN ATF 7134 FE
Premium Performance ATF with reduced viscosity, especially developed to further optimize fuel-economy and gearbox efficiency of latest generation Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic transmissions. Not downwards compatible with previous MB-ATF-Specifications.
I'm terrible - they use one colour and I keep forgetting which is which ... rather than logic of blue antifreeze and blue trans fluid they have one, red one blue .... I THINK !!!
they even use straw colour for the hydraulic fluid when the rest of the world uses industry std GREEN then recco Pentosin CHF 11S whits is clear.... is it any wonder we get muddled
And WORSE the one site (Fuchs) that USED to give specs has updated their site till its ineffective drivel - just like the Merc bevo site (I was reading as they hived of the truck business and now car drivers can run clueless on its fluids GREAT !!!!!!)
seems to suggest there is a switch over point where blue is OK but not on earlier boxes
Agree ... early and late are mutually exclusive. After the switchover point, blue is all that's approved and before that red is all that's approved.
On datacards, A89 is the code the car has the PLUS transmission that requires blue fluid and the new spec filter.
Just for discussion ...
Supplier FCP Euro would like to sell owners of "early" transmissions a kit to fit the new spec oil pan, which creates larger capacity. They also specify in their kit the new spec filter ... which I think is a mistake, as red and blue fluids are different viscosities and I'd question whether the new filter is capable of passing thru the thicker fluid or doing so with out damage. Also, the pan change may fool a subsequent owner into using incorrect blue fluid in their early transmission.
yep - I don't think the 'better filter' is really suitable for red fluid either, as it may restrict flow in an undesirable manner
and having read this link and just seen your confirmation.... https://blog.fcpeuro.com/the-definit...c-transmission I'm now irritated, because its the winter and didn't fancy groveling on the floor, last week I asked a 'decent Indy merc place' to change the gearbox fluid on my 2006 car
when I picked it up I said what did they put in, and he said 'blue' - when I said 'but its not meant to take blue' he claimed its just an upgraded better fluid (I didn't really believe him), but then thought about the STUPID wording of 'not backwards compatible' and wondered so what does that silly phrase really mean ?
1) can't mix blue with red - or 2) unsuitable fluid for earlier boxes .... the reality of the phrase 'not backwards compatible' is closer to 1), rather than 2), what a load of rubbish - why can't they just communicate in ENGLISH
I was thinking if Blue fluid is low viscosity it might also have different friction levels - this its likely the clutch material is different and or the pressures are different - wot a faff - do now I have to go persuade the experts they are really idiots and get them to swap and flush it back again ?
Service Intervals
“Red” 722.9 Models: All 722.9 boxes BEFORE 06/21/2010 (through to MY2010 will be red, 2011 cars will need to be checked by actual production date)
Fluid Type: MB 236.14 (Red)
Service Interval: Every ~40,000 Miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid: 9.9 L (10.5 US qt.)
“Blue” A89 722.9 Models: FROM 06/21/2010 to 2015 (All vehicles MY2012 and onwards will be blue, 2011 will need to be checked by production date)
now what.... this site specifically stated the two gearbox types
Transmission, automatic, up to production nr. 2834526 without code A89 (722.9xx 7/1)
Transmission, automatic, as of production nr. 2834527 with code A89 (722.9xx 7/1)
when you click through either choice it then offers the same fluid ANYWAY....
and the tech specs says - see attached pdf
Transmax ATF DEXRONŽ-VI MERCONŽ LV Multivehicle
Product Performance Claims
• Low viscosity formula for maximum fuel efficiency in modern automatic transmissions
• Enhanced friction durability for smooth transmission performance
• Superior high temperature protection to effectively resist oxidation
Suitable for use where the following are called for:
MB 236.10, 236.12, 236.14, 236.15, 236.17
I was thinking - on a few parts places and here and on other forums a few times... they all talk about an upgrade to the slightly deeper, higher capacity sump and the improved trans filter of the cars that run the later 7G fluid - but when you check that non backwards compatible fluid spec, that OIL is thinner - so if you put the thick blue fluid through a much finer filter I can imagine that upgrade could result in starving the box of much needed fluid - hence not so clever
Almost 20k miles on mine after doing the upgraded pan and filter, but using the correct 236.14 (non-A89) fluid. If the filter was meaningfully starving the transmission of fluid flow, I think it would have already manifested. And FWIW, mine shifts nicely, and has not changed over the 20k. I'm comfortable with it.
I think it's silly to worry about the filter. No one talks about engine oil filter "compatibility" with different oil viscosities. I don't think this is a thing.
the later filter is a much finer mesh triple layer filter....
I went in a major main dealer and asked what would you put in my car and they said 236.14 red.... so no idea what this other lot thought they were doing....
it seems to be working OK and I'm REALLY confused if its so different - how come castrol can make ONE oil that goes across ALL the standards including the one after 236.15 as well ???
the only concern I have is the car seem to be holding on to taller gears and really lazy to kick down even in sport its lazier than it was using comfort... but the fluid can't impact this - that's not have these modern ones know what to do....
01-14-2019, 06:56 PM
