SL/R231: Transmission Service
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Transmission Service
My SL is approaching 7 years old but only 30k miles. I have a competent Indy that will allow me to provide the parts and fluid to perform a transmission service. FCPEuro has a kit with Pentosin fluid and all the parts and new hardware for under $120.
So, is it time to have this done?
So, is it time to have this done?
Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 140
Likes: 68
R231 SL63 & R129 SL500
Soon after I purchased my 2013 SL63 last June (with 20,500 miles) I took it to an indy MB specialist and had him change the transmission fluid and brake fluid. The dealer had provided me with a full VMI report that established that the transmission fluid had never been changed and the brake fluid was just at 2 years old.
My mechanic did tell me that the old transmission fluid looked to be in good shape and not burnt or discolored, so maybe it was overkill. No regrets on my part though, the $350 or so that he charged me (parts and labor) was worth it as an insurance policy, IMHO.
My mechanic did tell me that the old transmission fluid looked to be in good shape and not burnt or discolored, so maybe it was overkill. No regrets on my part though, the $350 or so that he charged me (parts and labor) was worth it as an insurance policy, IMHO.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
For my 2016 SL400, it appears a trans fluid and filter replacement is due at 6 years/ 60K miles. While I am only at 28+K, I am planning this along with an oil change. It also looks like an air filter replacement and a rear axle oil change may also be due since these are three year/30K items. My last service was a B. I still have not changed the spark plugs, but am feeling they are fine and do not need replacement.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
For my 2016 SL400, it appears a trans fluid and filter replacement is due at 6 years/ 60K miles. While I am only at 28+K, I am planning this along with an oil change. It also looks like an air filter replacement and a rear axle oil change may also be due since these are three year/30K items. My last service was a B. I still have not changed the spark plugs, but am feeling they are fine and do not need replacement.
My extended CPO warranty expires in June so I'm leaning toward the dealer if they aren't a lot more expensive as I'll ask for an inspection of any items that might be covered by the warranty.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 300
From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
My now retired race car mechanic was in the camp of 'oil is cheap, transmissions are expensive'. When I had the R231, I did full fluid flush at five years, it's just stuff. Adding that I also did batteries at that point as well.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I'm looking at ordering the fluid and parts for the tranny and rear diff. Any thoughts on using these?
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...tosin-7229late
https://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/...409-V6196.aspx or
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/75w90-synthetic-gear-oil-1-liter-100118
What is the proper gear oil for the differential? Is it 75W90 and should it be synthetic or not? How much gear oil do I need?
I will also check with my local dealer to see what they use. I assume there is Mercedes branded transmission fluid and gear oil but someone makes it for them. Anyone know who it is?
Added: Nearest dealer just called. $1100 -$1200 for oil change, transmission service and diff gear oil change.
My Indy is in vacation so I won't have their estimate for a couple weeks.
A second dealer about an hour away says $910 and they will give me a new loaner for 2 days.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...tosin-7229late
https://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/...409-V6196.aspx or
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/75w90-synthetic-gear-oil-1-liter-100118
What is the proper gear oil for the differential? Is it 75W90 and should it be synthetic or not? How much gear oil do I need?
I will also check with my local dealer to see what they use. I assume there is Mercedes branded transmission fluid and gear oil but someone makes it for them. Anyone know who it is?
Added: Nearest dealer just called. $1100 -$1200 for oil change, transmission service and diff gear oil change.
My Indy is in vacation so I won't have their estimate for a couple weeks.
A second dealer about an hour away says $910 and they will give me a new loaner for 2 days.
Last edited by rmorin49; Mar 3, 2022 at 05:59 PM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
I am less than a month away so will be checking on estimates for oil change, trans oil and rear diff plus an overall inspection of whatever needs checking on my now 6 year old SL400.
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I've done the tranny fluid change on both my 2004 SL500 (when I had it) and on my 2014 C350. The SL500 used the "old" tranny fluid and the C350 uses the "new" stuff. I really think your tranny and rear diff are fine until the recommended mileage. The engine oil suffers a lot more stress, so I change mine every 5000 miles.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
I've done the tranny fluid change on both my 2004 SL500 (when I had it) and on my 2014 C350. The SL500 used the "old" tranny fluid and the C350 uses the "new" stuff. I really think your tranny and rear diff are fine until the recommended mileage. The engine oil suffers a lot more stress, so I change mine every 5000 miles.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,497
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
So in your opinion, my 6 year old SL400 with 30,000 miles needs only an oil change? I pulled the air filters yesterday and after vacuuming a bit of debris from the chambers and firmly banging out dust was surprised at how clean these appeared to be. I was considering replacing them but after inspecting them believe they are fine. Also, living in SoCal in a dry climate, I doubt the brake fluid needs replacement, but have not decided on the trans and diff. I will run it by my local MB indie mechanic and see what he thinks. I am sure my local MB dealer will want to do everything in the book, whether really needed or not. While my car is driven gently for the most part, it is used for a lot of short trips around town. While generally accepted to be less than ideal for engine oil, I am not sure if as bad for transmission fluid/gear oils.
With regard to brake fluid, that's probably the most neglected fluid change. I have all the tools and workspace to do that stuff myself, so I do do it every two years. I've seen older American cars with steel brake-lines develop pinhole leaks over time. But these are usually cars that are approaching 20 years and probably never had the brake fluid changed. You can tell because the brake fluid looks like coffee.
And the rear diff? Again, probably OK. My maintenance manual says nothing about non-AMG cars. I'll probably change the rear diff when I do the tranny in another year or so.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,497
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
My SL is approaching 7 years old but only 30k miles. I have a competent Indy that will allow me to provide the parts and fluid to perform a transmission service. FCPEuro has a kit with Pentosin fluid and all the parts and new hardware for under $120.
So, is it time to have this done?
So, is it time to have this done?
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,497
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Negative. It's Mechanicsburg. Only 59 miles up I81. They offer a pickup and delivery service at no cost but I'm retired with time to drive up, get a loaner and have lunch.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 613
Likes: 294
From: Republic of Texas
W203 W212 W211 R53MCS
You can do a transmission service at any time. Just make sure you get the right filter and fluid. At my shop I use genuine trans filter, genuine pan gasket, bolts and Febi transmission fluid. Febi is exactly the same fluid that you get from the dealer.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Headed out early tomorrow morning to a nearby dealer to have my transmission serviced. After changing the engine oil/filter and the diff fluid I decided to have the dealer do the tranny service. Parts and fluid alone were over $200 to do it myself.
My Extended CPO warranty expires next month. Any issues I should ask the dealer to investigate that would be covered by my warranty? The only warranty work I have had performed in the almost 3 years I have owned the car is new motor and transmission mounts. I hardly got my money's worth but it has been peace of mind.
My Extended CPO warranty expires next month. Any issues I should ask the dealer to investigate that would be covered by my warranty? The only warranty work I have had performed in the almost 3 years I have owned the car is new motor and transmission mounts. I hardly got my money's worth but it has been peace of mind.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 56
From: Massachusetts
1986 560SL, 2017 E300, 2018 Sl550, 2020 E350
Hi Randall,
Questions:
1) What were symptoms that led you and the dealer to replace your engine & transmission mounts?
2) How goes your charging of the auxiliary battery going with connection to the main batt terms in the trunk?
As far as what to look for as you approaching end of Warranty:
1) I would have your car checked for any malfunction codes and if found repaire same.
2) Have the most recent software update performed
3) Check for oil entering the wiring as CR has cautioned!
4) Check for any recalls or MB alerts for your VIN that should have been repaired
Questions:
1) What were symptoms that led you and the dealer to replace your engine & transmission mounts?
2) How goes your charging of the auxiliary battery going with connection to the main batt terms in the trunk?
As far as what to look for as you approaching end of Warranty:
1) I would have your car checked for any malfunction codes and if found repaire same.
2) Have the most recent software update performed
3) Check for oil entering the wiring as CR has cautioned!
4) Check for any recalls or MB alerts for your VIN that should have been repaired
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I had a vibration when idling in either D or R. First they replaced the tranny mount. Vibration reduced but still there. Replaced both engine mounts. Vibration gone
No issues with either battery. Both staying fully charged using the pigtail attached to the trunk battery.
Thanks for the recommendations on my dealer visit tomorrow.
No issues with either battery. Both staying fully charged using the pigtail attached to the trunk battery.
Thanks for the recommendations on my dealer visit tomorrow.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 56
From: Massachusetts
1986 560SL, 2017 E300, 2018 Sl550, 2020 E350
Hi Randall,
Let us know how you made out after the MB visits Re: points discussed.
Question Re: the "vibration"
How did you sense this vibration....any way to describe it in more detail.....did you feel through entire car body if you were to place hands on the fenders or hood......via steering wheel.....through the car seat.....
Tx, Steve
Let us know how you made out after the MB visits Re: points discussed.
Question Re: the "vibration"
How did you sense this vibration....any way to describe it in more detail.....did you feel through entire car body if you were to place hands on the fenders or hood......via steering wheel.....through the car seat.....
Tx, Steve
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Dropped car off at 730. Got a GLB loaner. 4 cyl is rough. Dealer called at 9 and said cylinder heads are seeping so they are going to reseal under warranty.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 56
From: Massachusetts
1986 560SL, 2017 E300, 2018 Sl550, 2020 E350
Hi Randall,
Dealer called at 9 and said cylinder heads are seeping so they are going to reseal
WOW!
DID THEY SAY WHY ???
Are they seeing this on a number of 231's??......Is there a recall???
Dealer called at 9 and said cylinder heads are seeping so they are going to reseal
WOW!
DID THEY SAY WHY ???
Are they seeing this on a number of 231's??......Is there a recall???
