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I have a 2013 SL550 and just received the "AT Service" message on my dash. I'm curious if anyone has done this service themselves rather than taking it to a mechanic. I looked around youtube to see how it's done, and the difficult parts seems to be getting the new transmission fluid into the pan, since it has to go back through the drain plug hole, and ensuring that you put in the correct amount since theres no dipstick.
So I'd like to know a couple of things: 1) are there any hidden issues with me trying to do this myself? (should I really just have a mechanic do this?) and 2) for those that have done this themselves, can you give me some guidance on how to do this?
I have a 2013 SL550 and just received the "AT Service" message on my dash. I'm curious if anyone has done this service themselves rather than taking it to a mechanic. I looked around youtube to see how it's done, and the difficult parts seems to be getting the new transmission fluid into the pan, since it has to go back through the drain plug hole, and ensuring that you put in the correct amount since theres no dipstick.
So I'd like to know a couple of things: 1) are there any hidden issues with me trying to do this myself? (should I really just have a mechanic do this?) and 2) for those that have done this themselves, can you give me some guidance on how to do this?
Thanks.
Larry
You really will have a difficult time doing it. I own a shop. You will need the pump to put the fluid in and the adapter. Taking down the pan and filter is straightforward. You can buy what you need from AST. to put the fluid in. Then you will need to run it with the drain out to get the correct level once up to temperature.
not for the first timer
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Get the kit from FCP Euro and pay the dealer the labor to do it. Figure about 2 hours labor. There are plenty of youtube vids on how to do it. FCP Euro has a good one. If you have a lift, then it will be much easier. But since you are asking how to do it, take it to a mechanic that has the skills, knowledge, tools, and ability to do it. As @rmorin49 said, you only do this every 7 years (or 60,000 miles). Should be about $700 to have the dealer do the whole thing with their parts.
I have a related question. I recently purchased a 2014 SL550 with only 27,500 miles. It was routinely serviced at a local MB dealer. I called them and asked if the transmission fluid had ever been changed. The Service Advisor checked and said it had not because the mileage was so low. I mentioned that MB recommends a trans fluid change at 4 years or 40k miles. His response was, “I know what MB says - you don’t need a transmission fluid change before 40k miles regardless of time”.
I know some fluids definitely deteriorate just based on time (engine oil, brake fluid) but I have no idea about MB trans fluid. I’m inclined to go with what he said because it was to his benefit to tell me I need a fluid change. As the dealer will charge me about $1,000 to do the service, I don’t want to do it if it’s not necessary.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
If you have a 2014, you almost certainly have the newer 7G+ tranny that uses the ATF-134FE fluid with the longer service period (77,500 miles/5 years). While the mechanic may be right, it is contrary to anything Mercedes has published. (Also, he should have corrected you with regard to the mileage and time intervals. That would make me question what else he is wrong about.) The transmission service should not cost $1000; more like $600-$700. You can do whatever you want, but I personally will keep to the schedule. Fluids are probably the most critical maintenance service you can have done.
Last edited by JettaRed; Dec 28, 2024 at 08:58 AM.
I have a 2015 and decided to have mine changed at 35,000 miles and and 7 years. They also replaced all the pan bolts, gasket and filter. Cost was around $800.
Last edited by rmorin49; Dec 28, 2024 at 10:05 AM.
Curious...
Attached is the 2017 MB Service Booklet--it was the latest I could find. It only references distance and not time.
Tranny fluid done during "Service 20", at 120,000 Km.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by hornethandler
Curious...
Attached is the 2017 MB Service Booklet--it was the latest I could find. It only references distance and not time.
Tranny fluid done during "Service 20", at 120,000 Km.
Thoughts, comments.
That's interesting. I always thought some items should only be serviced based on mileage, such as spark plugs. But I would still think fluids also should have a time-based interval.
In this specific case, the difference between a 2015 and 2017 model is the transmissions are different. The 2015 will have the 7G+ and the 2017 will have the 9G. Maybe that is the difference. I would also want to see if the tranny fluid is the same for the two transmissions, or not.
I just had my MY14 SL 550 transmission service completed 2 days ago. Watching the whole process, I'm glad I didn't attempt it myself.
I complete many services on my car (i.e. spark plugs, oil changes, all filters, rear end, etc), but the tranny is a definite no-go for me.
Total cost was $740 out the door with OEM parts at an Indy dealer near me.
I have a related question. I recently purchased a 2014 SL550 with only 27,500 miles. It was routinely serviced at a local MB dealer. I called them and asked if the transmission fluid had ever been changed. The Service Advisor checked and said it had not because the mileage was so low. I mentioned that MB recommends a trans fluid change at 4 years or 40k miles. His response was, “I know what MB says - you don’t need a transmission fluid change before 40k miles regardless of time”.
I know some fluids definitely deteriorate just based on time (engine oil, brake fluid) but I have no idea about MB trans fluid. I’m inclined to go with what he said because it was to his benefit to tell me I need a fluid change. As the dealer will charge me about $1,000 to do the service, I don’t want to do it if it’s not necessary.
Thoughts/feedback?
I go by a 5 year or 25-30K mile transmission service interval on all of my vehicles.
Every automotive fluid deteriorates over time, especially fluid in service and exposed to contamination from normal use / doing its job.
Pentosin, who manufactures the fluid for MB, puts a 5 year shelf life on new fluid in sealed containers.
As a general practice, I consider the recommendations of the component / fluid manufacturer first, followed by the automotive manufacturer.
Follow up - spoke to another MB service advisor. According to him, clutch material breaks down based on time vs. milage. He said they would check the fluid first and if there is a lot of clutch material, which he is expecting, they would not change the fluid as that would lead to a transmission failure.
First step is I am going to have it checked. If fluid is in good shape, they will do the service. If not, they will document their reason for not doing the service. I have an extended warranty with Fidelity which, of course, requires following recommended service intervals. If MB says don’t do the service, I’m going to try to get Fidelity to document their direction. Either way, (Fidelity agrees with MB or tells me to do it anyway), at least I covered for the extended warranty.
Follow up - spoke to another MB service advisor. According to him, clutch material breaks down based on time vs. milage. He said they would check the fluid first and if there is a lot of clutch material, which he is expecting, they would not change the fluid as that would lead to a transmission failure.
First step is I am going to have it checked. If fluid is in good shape, they will do the service. If not, they will document their reason for not doing the service. I have an extended warranty with Fidelity which, of course, requires following recommended service intervals. If MB says don’t do the service, I’m going to try to get Fidelity to document their direction. Either way, (Fidelity agrees with MB or tells me to do it anyway), at least I covered for the extended warranty.
Complete nonsense from that SA. Either he has no idea what he is talking about, or doesn't want to chance it and risk liability.
Good move documenting it for your warranty company.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by HLG600
Complete nonsense from that SA. Either he has no idea what he is talking about, or doesn't want to chance it and risk liability.
I concur. Flushes on a neglected transmission with excessive miles on the tranny fluid are generally not recommended, but a drain and fill with a new filter should not harm anything.
Took my car to dealer today. Service Advisor talked to the mechanic who said these transmissions are very reliable. After driving the car, mechanic said transmission is working well and he had no problem with changing the fluid based on time. Again, SL is 2014 (over 10 years) with only 28k miles. Told them to go ahead. Cost is $800. I’ll feel much better having the fluid changed. At least if the transmission fails, I won’t have any issue with the extended warranty.
By the way, one of the MB Dealers near me wanted $1,200 for a transmission service.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by sjmohr
Took my car to dealer today. Service Advisor talked to the mechanic who said these transmissions are very reliable. After driving the car, mechanic said transmission is working well and he had no problem with changing the fluid based on time. Again, SL is 2014 (over 10 years) with only 28k miles. Told them to go ahead. Cost is $800. I’ll feel much better having the fluid changed. At least if the transmission fails, I won’t have any issue with the extended warranty.
By the way, one of the MB Dealers near me wanted $1,200 for a transmission service.
I don't know what the hell is going on with dealerships. My daughter has (had) a 2010 Lexus RX350 which suddenly locked the steering wheel with the message "Steering Lock Active". The Lexus dealer wanted $600 to diagnose the problem! What? Huh? WTF, over! This is a warning message on the dash which clearly was programmed by the manufacturer. What do you mean you want $600 to figure it out. I spent $35 on JustAnswers for a certified Lexus technician to tell me what was wrong and needed to be done after about 5 minutes. The steering lock actuator went bad, but could only be replaced by a Lexus dealer because a replacement needs to be programmed on-line.
Took my car to dealer today. Service Advisor talked to the mechanic who said these transmissions are very reliable. After driving the car, mechanic said transmission is working well and he had no problem with changing the fluid based on time. Again, SL is 2014 (over 10 years) with only 28k miles. Told them to go ahead. Cost is $800. I’ll feel much better having the fluid changed. At least if the transmission fails, I won’t have any issue with the extended warranty.
By the way, one of the MB Dealers near me wanted $1,200 for a transmission service.
HLG600 - thanks for the detailed feedback!
Happy to help.
The mechanic is correct about the 722.9 being a reliable transmission, and regular service is a great way to ensure that.
$800 seems steep (especially since the parts are ~$200), but it is a couple hours of labor if done correctly and MB dealer labor isn't cheap.
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