s55 max

my 2003 s55 amg has 145000 miles , should i change transmission oil??

jnash

That's a good question. Can you tell from the car history was it ever changed previously?

s55 max

no way of knowing

s55 max

whats up with laser jammer?

jnash

Well, if I were you, I would probably not flush the transmission then. It's a gamble if it causes more problems or not, and how you do it could make a difference. IF you decide to then the approach would be to do a full drain of the pan, replace the filter, replace the electrical connector on the outside with a genuine MB part while you are at it. Use new gasket and filter, get a couple of spare oil pan bolts, and a new washer for the drain plug. Clean out the pan and clean the magnet. Cleanliness is very important.
Refill exactly the same amount you captured/drained. Then drive for a about 30 mins in traffic, and then drain what you can from the drain bolt and refill exact same amount. Do this 2 more times.
Finally use a MB transmission measuring stick (dipstick) to check the level.
You can use Shell 134 ATF - its is identical to MB ATF only a fraction of the cost. You will need about 12-13 litres.

jnash

dah, it helps prevent getting a speeding ticket from a laser speed trap?

s55 max

thanks for the info on trans oil, as for the laser, i use a passport radar detector, not quick enough for lasers, ,.,.

awiner

+1


I would be afraid that if you drained a transmission with that many miles on it you would be draining much of the worn clutch plate (friction) material as well.

This could cause some issues when you refill with new clean fluid and most the friction material is now gone.

maw1124

I'd do it. The 722.6 is a VERY strong transmission, able to handle WAY more than the engine can throw at it. So unless the car has been thoroughly abused for a LONG time, I wouldn't expect much of a problem. The fluid, however, should be considered an every 50,000 mile change, irrespective of what MB says. And I agree with the gentleman who advised you to be very careful and very thorough. Dealers will not do this correctly -- they don't get all of the old fluid out. I seem to recall they would only get roughly half out. Get a good indy to do it the right way, as was chronicled here.

Good luck.

maw

jnash

You are very welcome. FYI, the laser jammer jams the signal when detected so that the laser gun reads "- - - -" instead of your speed. It is not a detector like your Passport.

Regarding the fluid change....if it were me, I'd do it and take the chance. I do not agree with the gentlemen that is worried that you will drain your friction plate debris, its its debris, it needs to come out anyway.
Once you do this once, drive for a year, and no problems, then you can safely change it every 30K miles after that knowing it will be OK.

s55 max

the votes in , im changing it, let you guys know soon! Thanks!
___

will the laser jammer detect radar etc.. / whats the price and where?

s55 max

is it better to use the manual transmission option than the "d" position! at what rpms?

jnash

its a personal choice. for general driving leave it in S mode or C mode.

awiner

Did you ever do a transmission flush?

s55 max

i took it to a indy for the schedule "b" , and they told me that the fluid was fine!

s55 max

will it hurt it if i use the manual more often than than the others?
because i find it eliminates a "dragging" feeling that i get when i accelerate around the second or third gear, <thats when i shift from s or c >to manual then downshift. I usaally perfer to keep it around 3000 rpms , is that ok?

s55 max

they told me they changed the oil and replaced the air, and cabin filters . cost was $260.00 for the "b"

jnash

"will it hurt it if i use the manual more often than than the others?"
No its fine. You may want to reset your transmission driving history and reset to factory shift points.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w208...ngs-reset.html

s55 max

sounds sweet , ill let you know> thanks

s55 max

i feel it to be a temporary reset.,.

rgdeja

my recommendation is dont do it,you will not notice any difference before and after. On my 1998 E320 I have not done it, same tranny as s55. There is a magnet to collect material and a filter. If the pan is leaking then you have no choice to replace the pan gasket and will be changing the fluid.

Also you need to buy few things, the dip stick and locking clip or the complete cap, the AT connector plug, gasket, filter and the magnet if it didnt come with the car.

I had a hell of a problem to get the new gasket tight enough so that the fluid doesnt leak. In that process I over tightened the screws and it is very easy to strip the threads. I had to do a heli-coil on all 6 bolts!

Beverly393

That's a good question. Can you tell from the car history was it ever changed previously?