rmorin49

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?

ram_g

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.

RonNSoCal

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.

rmorin49

I am in the same position. At 30k miles. Going to get a quote from my local dealer and one from my Indy and then decide. Plan to have it done around May.

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.

Highline-Autos.com

I'd go for it, I've never heard someone complain about performing too much preventative maintenance.

TennesseeZ4

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.

rmorin49

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.

RonNSoCal

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.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

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.

RonNSoCal

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.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

That's really your call. Personally, I'm going to wait for the miles (or close to them). I doubt the tranny fluid degrades with time. Air filters? Yes, definitely check those. I was surprised to find the amount of debris that collected inside the airboxes and it scares me to think any of that could find its way to the turbos. So, of course, I vacuum out the airbox, as well. I actually found a cigarette butt in the passenger side airbox. And I kinda remember some *** in front of me tossing his cigarette out his window and it bouncing off the road in front of me. But, if you have $500-$600 to have a shop do the fluid and filter change, it won't hurt anything. Just don't have an independent shop do a flush. These trannies just need a drain and fill (and a filter change).

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.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Who's your Indy that you use? What did they charge to do the tranny fluid change? You can IM me if you want.

rmorin49

I'll send you a PM. I decided to use Sun Motors in Mechanicsville, PA. It's a long story.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Wow, that's three hours from you. Sounds like a fun road trip!

Wait! Mechanicsville or Mechanicsburg?

rmorin49

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.

MBENZTECH

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.

rmorin49

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.

steve sl550

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

rmorin49

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.

rmorin49

Deleted. Dual post.

steve sl550

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

rmorin49

Mainly in the steering wheel but also in the seat.

rmorin49

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.

steve sl550

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???

rmorin49

No clue. I'm just happy they found it and are fixing under warranty.