SL/R129: dumb question, how do remove the trans dipstick
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From: Boston & Los Angeles
Volvo & Mercedes
What year is your 129? In the later years (don't quote me, but I think 97-02) one has to buy a special tool to check the trans fluid. Supposedly is a "lifetime fill" fluid, but my 2001 was dirty with 35k miles. I do not have the part number handy, but can take a look for it.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Colorado Springs, Colorado
1997 SL320
I recently had mine changed by an authorized garage. The reason for the lock on the tranny tube is so the owners don't try to check the fluid themselves. At first I thought what BS this was, but after being told the reason why they did this, it makes sense. I guess the fluid has to be at the perfect temperature for it to be an accurate reading. MB didn't want a zillion phone calls from unhappy owners that had their trannys smoked, hence the lock... that is what was told to me and I will not stand by my statement :-)
Marty
Marty
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
The op has
a 722.6 5speed trans mercedes so called lifetime fluid.
No dipstick is installed since it was supposed to never need a fluid change.
After thousands of trans failures mb changed their tune and now recommend
fluid and filter change on the 722.6 at 38000 miles so most are way past due
mb spec fluid parts at www.autohausaz.com dipstick online and forum members
diy on w210 forum www.benzworld.org
if you like your 5speed electronically controlled 722.6 transmission change the fluid
No dipstick is installed since it was supposed to never need a fluid change.
After thousands of trans failures mb changed their tune and now recommend
fluid and filter change on the 722.6 at 38000 miles so most are way past due
mb spec fluid parts at www.autohausaz.com dipstick online and forum members
diy on w210 forum www.benzworld.org
if you like your 5speed electronically controlled 722.6 transmission change the fluid
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From: USA
C240
MB can claim whatever they want to.
The reality is that it is ideal for the trans fluid to be changed around every 50K mi.
Proof of this: Any one of you, at mileage mostly after ~ 38k mi check your trans fluid. See how the color has changed to a dark coffee color. Then look at the magnet in the pan & examine it for metallic particles. If you want your transmission to not break down for some 300 - 350 K mi, change the fluid about every 50k mi. When you don't change it, that stuff that you saw when you opened the pan will keep getting fed back to the transmission.
That clip is something that every time you change the transmission (and add new fluid) you have to replace - b/c to open the "cap" you'ld have to break the plastic clip. It's just around $3-3.50.
The reality is that it is ideal for the trans fluid to be changed around every 50K mi.
Proof of this: Any one of you, at mileage mostly after ~ 38k mi check your trans fluid. See how the color has changed to a dark coffee color. Then look at the magnet in the pan & examine it for metallic particles. If you want your transmission to not break down for some 300 - 350 K mi, change the fluid about every 50k mi. When you don't change it, that stuff that you saw when you opened the pan will keep getting fed back to the transmission.
That clip is something that every time you change the transmission (and add new fluid) you have to replace - b/c to open the "cap" you'ld have to break the plastic clip. It's just around $3-3.50.
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
You
need not replace the red tamper clip
dealer would but for diy it is no longer needed
affects nothing
careful prying can even remove the cap with clip intact
dealer would but for diy it is no longer needed
affects nothing
careful prying can even remove the cap with clip intact
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From: USA
C240
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Small screw driver
from the underside press on black clip lift locking clip lift off cap.
People have been doing it for years.
Don't know what the whip is for ?
People have been doing it for years.
Don't know what the whip is for ?
Last edited by ohlord; Oct 25, 2010 at 10:30 PM.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: USA
C240
OL,
I'll keep this note. I actually need to check my ATF level - since I don't have the dipstick cable I'd have to take it to a shop who does. Today I was thinking about buying another one of these clips, so hopefully I don't have to buy. Do you know any way to check the ATF level w/o taking to car to shop?
Thnx
I'll keep this note. I actually need to check my ATF level - since I don't have the dipstick cable I'd have to take it to a shop who does. Today I was thinking about buying another one of these clips, so hopefully I don't have to buy. Do you know any way to check the ATF level w/o taking to car to shop?
Thnx
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
You don't really
need the clip the cap stays on fine.
You can buy a special dipstick I have them or you can makeshift one in a pinch I'll shoot you the measurements if you want to save the $
it's iffy doing it the homemade stick way
use only mb spec fluid in the 5 speed
valvoline maxlife mb fluid febi etc
measure in park engine running after driving it enough to be at full operating temp ie over 80c
Why do you need to measure the fluid?
And as said before the 722.6 really needs fluid and filter changed to insure long life.
still don't understand what that whip means?
You can buy a special dipstick I have them or you can makeshift one in a pinch I'll shoot you the measurements if you want to save the $
it's iffy doing it the homemade stick way
use only mb spec fluid in the 5 speed
valvoline maxlife mb fluid febi etc
measure in park engine running after driving it enough to be at full operating temp ie over 80c
Why do you need to measure the fluid?
And as said before the 722.6 really needs fluid and filter changed to insure long life.
still don't understand what that whip means?
Last edited by ohlord; Oct 26, 2010 at 11:48 PM.
Junior Member
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From: USA
C240
ok, tell me how to measure it ...
The whip is a joke ... I am whipping at the engine top -- can't wait!
Go ahead, tell me how to measure it the "makeshift" way ...
Also are you sure the engine has to be running??? I had thought the car should be driven a little before checking the ATF level... b/c otherwise the oil won't be at the right temperature ...
Why I have to check it? B/c I had a trans leak (from the gasket) and fixed it but not sure if I have the fluid at the full capacity.
Thnx
Go ahead, tell me how to measure it the "makeshift" way ...
Also are you sure the engine has to be running??? I had thought the car should be driven a little before checking the ATF level... b/c otherwise the oil won't be at the right temperature ...
Why I have to check it? B/c I had a trans leak (from the gasket) and fixed it but not sure if I have the fluid at the full capacity.
Thnx
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Any piece of
curtain wire or plastic coated cable such as 1/8" braided found at Lowes.
4 ft long
Measure up from the end mark 2 lines at 2 and 2 1/2 inches
end---------------------2-----2.5inches-----------------------------
( 80c)
You warm engine to operating temp 80c for at least 15 minutes then just before measure put the e brake on and foot on brake shift it through the gears and reverse a few time. Then in park e brake on for safety engine running
Remove cap insert dipstick into tube the marked end first
It will bottom out gently don't force it. several inches of the far end will be out in the air,that is fine. Withdraw and look at the fluid at operating temp 80c it should be at the mid point of the 2 - 2 1/2 inch marks
it is at best a fair back up to the real dipstick but it works
Measure a few times to make sure of yourself and if you need to add fluid add slowly since it is easy to overfill.
4 ft long
Measure up from the end mark 2 lines at 2 and 2 1/2 inches
end---------------------2-----2.5inches-----------------------------
( 80c)
You warm engine to operating temp 80c for at least 15 minutes then just before measure put the e brake on and foot on brake shift it through the gears and reverse a few time. Then in park e brake on for safety
engine runningRemove cap insert dipstick into tube the marked end first
It will bottom out gently don't force it. several inches of the far end will be out in the air,that is fine. Withdraw and look at the fluid at operating temp 80c it should be at the mid point of the 2 - 2 1/2 inch marks
it is at best a fair back up to the real dipstick but it works
Measure a few times to make sure of yourself and if you need to add fluid add slowly since it is easy to overfill.
