S55 transmission fluid change
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 3
From: Tennessee
2005 S55, 2002 E430, 2007 CLK350, 2006 SL55, 2003 SL55
60K miles Is what I have heard, and it you wanted to change it every wekend it would not hurt, same goes for your oil. Make sure you use the MB synthetic ATF and oil only.
Mike
Mike
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 550
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From: California USA
2004 S55 ///AMG, 2007 E350
It was declared a sealed system originally by MB thus no dipstick and no need to change ever. Now they have changed it to every 30K miles. It should cost at MB service around $400, Independent shops will charge less, fluid, filter and gasket.
Good insurance to change it every 30K miles.
Good insurance to change it every 30K miles.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 3
From: Tennessee
2005 S55, 2002 E430, 2007 CLK350, 2006 SL55, 2003 SL55
Mike has 52K miles and I plan on changing mine soon...I bought the MB ATF on EBAY for $11 qt delivered, I bought the dipstick as well but it is a bit crude (it is a universal type) I plan on exactly measuring how much fluid comes out and replacing the exact same amount (if possible with some aded to compensate for cleaning rags, etc). Should be very straightforward as ATF changes go.
Mike
Mike
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 550
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From: California USA
2004 S55 ///AMG, 2007 E350
This service is more than just replacing the fluid. The filter and gasket need to be changed too. Also, keep in mind that you can never drain all the fluid from an automatic transmission since there are infinite crevices and mazes in there.
Some people do it the crude way and just suck all they can from the top (dipstick) and replenish what they removed. Not a great approach since you are leaving most of the metal shavings in there.
Dropping the pan below, changing the filter is a must IMO. Some keep adding fluid from the top while the pan is removed hoping to wash more metal shavings in the process. Some, refill, start the car, drive for an hour and come back and do it again, hoping to remove more metal particles with new fluid going through the channels.
It all depends on how fussy you want to be.
Some people do it the crude way and just suck all they can from the top (dipstick) and replenish what they removed. Not a great approach since you are leaving most of the metal shavings in there.
Dropping the pan below, changing the filter is a must IMO. Some keep adding fluid from the top while the pan is removed hoping to wash more metal shavings in the process. Some, refill, start the car, drive for an hour and come back and do it again, hoping to remove more metal particles with new fluid going through the channels.
It all depends on how fussy you want to be.
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: Stn Mtn Georgia
2005 S500
Also after removing the filter and oil pan let them drain. Do not forget that you will still have fluid draining from the tranny so catch all that fluid also. I have the 7 speed and I am not sure about yours but there is a drain plug/bolt on the torque converter.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 271
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From: Maryland
09' GL550, 05' S55 (sold), 04' Yukon Denali XL, 05' 745il (sold), 01' 740il (sold)
I just changed my transmission oil and spark plugs (Denso Iridiums
), let me say the shifting is more responsive and the car get up and go.
), let me say the shifting is more responsive and the car get up and go.
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4
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2004 S55AMG
but at 1 o'clock position on the transmission there is a "plug-in" electrical sensor circuit of some kind - it has a tendency to leak transmission fluid - comes lose. Have it replaced at 10k but at 40K I saw leak under - decided to change fluid and had a new "O ring" - anybody knows a better fix for this?
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 71
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From: LEFT COAST
2017 CLS 63S AMG,ECU/TCU Tuned,BMC Filters,EXHAUST, COLD PLUGS, INTERCOOLERS ETC...
Also ! Check Your TCU for Oil Seepage! There's a Known Leak from the Wire Harness that seeps OIL into your TCU!!! Check it and have your friendly MBZ Dealer Warranty it !
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 3
From: Tennessee
2005 S55, 2002 E430, 2007 CLK350, 2006 SL55, 2003 SL55
s55 tranny fluid change
I am changing mine now and see that my electrical connector has a small leak. I pulled the pan and cleaned everything and changed the filter...no drain plug that I can find on the converter. mine has the 5 speed. It only took 2.5 quarts with the pan removal. I have the pan back on now, drove about 10 miles and have drained again. Once I get the connector o-rings installed I aill put another 2.5 quarts in, drive 10 miles, and do it for a third time. That should cover it for another 30-40K. I am seeing on the MB tech docs that there is a flush you can do with a pump and kerosene...maybe I'll do that one next time for a really good flush. My car has 53K on it now.
Mike
Mike
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,100
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From: ChiTown
06 Carrera4
I thought they used to say its good for 100K miles?
My S500 just got to 89K and i changed it. Looks like the previous owner took care of it well, the fluid still had some color to it and almost no metal shavings. So i'm assuming they changed it w/o waiting 100K. I'll change it in another 40 or so.
I'm lucky to have a guy at the Benz dealer that does work on the side. Cost me 400 bucks. its over 520 if i go through to dealer. They also use some really funky aluminum bolts that stretch as you tighten them, so those can't /should not be reused. He showed them to me it was the freakiest thing ever. The bolt is about inch and a half but so light you can't feel it on your hand.
My S500 just got to 89K and i changed it. Looks like the previous owner took care of it well, the fluid still had some color to it and almost no metal shavings. So i'm assuming they changed it w/o waiting 100K. I'll change it in another 40 or so.
I'm lucky to have a guy at the Benz dealer that does work on the side. Cost me 400 bucks. its over 520 if i go through to dealer. They also use some really funky aluminum bolts that stretch as you tighten them, so those can't /should not be reused. He showed them to me it was the freakiest thing ever. The bolt is about inch and a half but so light you can't feel it on your hand.
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
$400
is a lot to pay for trans fluid and a filter.
You might want to find a different friend at the dealer,he did you no favor on an under $70 job.
You might want to find a different friend at the dealer,he did you no favor on an under $70 job.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 3
From: Tennessee
2005 S55, 2002 E430, 2007 CLK350, 2006 SL55, 2003 SL55
I have completed mine now, I did replace the electrical connector when I found it was only a $16 piece. No leaks whatsoever and I have greater piece of mind for sure. The job ended up costing me 9 qts of MBZ fluid = $90 (Ebay), plus the $16 connector, plus the filter and gasket $16, for a total of $122. I did all of the labor myself but it was simple.
No drain plug on the converter though.....I wish there were..> I drained thw pan three times and refilled. next time I will try the flush with a hand pump as described in the maintenance CD.
I cant really tell a difference in power but the shift times seem to be faster and crisper.
Mike
No drain plug on the converter though.....I wish there were..> I drained thw pan three times and refilled. next time I will try the flush with a hand pump as described in the maintenance CD.
I cant really tell a difference in power but the shift times seem to be faster and crisper.
Mike
