Jorgens

Hi all

Pulled into the local MB where I live today and asked for a check of the tranny oil level. No particular reason for me, just wanted to know it`s correct.
The guy set up an appointment and then says "It takes 2-3 hours becauce it needs to be checked at different temperatures and so on"

Does it mean I have to pay for 2-3 hours of labour for a mechanic?

Any experience with this anyone? Or should I just get a suitable dipstick and go ahead myself?

Thanks

Jørgen

moretech

You can buy on Amazon a special dipstick for this if your car has a filler tube a the back of the engine and do it yourself. Also You Tube has shows related to how to use it properly. It is graduated in temperature ranges. Preferably I'd check it hot after considerable driving. The more modern SL's have to be checked only electronically as there is no filler tube at all. My car is an 2003 sl500 and has the tube. Thank God for small favors.

moretech

kbob999

I agree with Moretech...get the proper dipstick for the 5 speed 722.6 tranny. Less than $20. Ignore the dealer and save yourself the time and trouble.

The dipstick is longer than the SL dipstick tube, so it will stick out 6-12 inches when inserted. It's made for any model, which is why it is long.

The dipstick has a diamond shaped 'nub' at the bottom, which bottoms out on the tube when you insert it. This ensures you get the proper level.
It has 2 bands, the lower one for cold, the upper for hot (80C). Hot is the more important one, but you can check both.

The 7 speed (722.9?) requires heating the fluid, then removing the fill plug to get a dribble of fluid, to ensure it has the proper level. How nice for DIY...NOT!

Rudeney

Your car has the 722.6 5-speed transmission which can be checked with a dipstick as describe above.

As is typical of Service Advisors, they know enough to be dangerous. He was probably assuming your car had a 722.9 7-speed which is checked from underneath via rate of flow from the drain plug. It does't have to be checked at different temperatures, but at one specific temperature that can sometimes be a challenge to maintain. It doesn't take 2-3 hours, maybe 1 (actually, I checked book rates and it's 0.7 hours).