210 E55 Tranny Fluid change, help.
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From: Denver
02 E55
210 E55 Tranny Fluid change, help.
Hey everyone.
I have 59k miles on my 02 E55, and dealer says that I need to change the tranny fluid.
They want around 320-350 for it.
My question is, is that a job that I can do myself?
There is no dipstick in the car, they saying that they are using some special tool for that, do you know the part number for that tool or where else except for the dealer I can buy it at?
And if I will need any special size wrenches to change the fluid.
Does it require special Mercedes fluid and how much of it?
Will appreciate any response.
Thank you.
I have 59k miles on my 02 E55, and dealer says that I need to change the tranny fluid.
They want around 320-350 for it.
My question is, is that a job that I can do myself?
There is no dipstick in the car, they saying that they are using some special tool for that, do you know the part number for that tool or where else except for the dealer I can buy it at?
And if I will need any special size wrenches to change the fluid.
Does it require special Mercedes fluid and how much of it?
Will appreciate any response.
Thank you.
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
How do they know it needs to be changed? Most dealerships won't touch the tranny job before 100,000 miles because you don't need it to be changed. You actually have to retrofit the tranny so it can be changed and checked. The tranny is a sealed unit so there is no way to check the fluid so I don't know why they think it needs to be changed?
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Definately replace it. Mercedesshop.com has a tutorial someone wrote up for hwo to replace it!
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From: Ventura, CA
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
You should change it soon. I didn't and at 65k my bulletproof tranny blew up and cost me 5k and 3 weeks in the shop plus I had to get a new tranny ECU. MB's are the same as BMW with the 100k thing but every 30k is ideal to make that tranny last. I wouldn't change it if your car is 90k or more because by then the sludge from all crap and old oil is keeping for tranny together.
You will need a lift and a pump to change the fluid. I would pay to have it done. The oil aslo has to be at a certain temp when putting it in.
Mario
You will need a lift and a pump to change the fluid. I would pay to have it done. The oil aslo has to be at a certain temp when putting it in.
Mario
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From: Columbia, SC
E300
It all depends on how the car is driven. Lot's of stop and go, change it soon, 30K. Do ALL highway, maybe 100K. This transmission will last a long time if maintained with fresh fluid. Do a search, you'll find a lot of info. Also at Mercedesshop.com.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Columbia, SC
E300
Originally Posted by BlownV8
Please give reasoning behind this statement. Are you the type to change your oil every 3,000 miles too?
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Don't be an A******, your ignorance is shining through.
Again, why would the dealership tell you to change the fluid before 100,000 miles. Unless you beat the hell out of your car, supercharge your motor, or two a trailer, it will not need attention until at least 90,000 to 100,000 miles. In fact, you are opening the system to more contaminants by changing the fluid than leaving it alone.
Changing the fluid at 30,000 miles would be like changing your timing chain at 40,000 miles because some guy you heard about had a failure at 50,000 miles. (On a side note, this comment does not hold true for Jaguar XJ8's with the first generation secondary tensioners.) Sure, you may hedge the problem from happening on your car but the odds are very low that it will fail. You end up throwing money down the tube the same as someone who changes synthetic oil at 5,000 mile street driven intervals. The tranny failure at 65,000 miles may indicate a manufacturing issue, a leak, or one of abuse.
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From: Columbia, SC
E300
Originally Posted by BlownV8
I wasn't trying to be and I apologize if I offended you. I will not stoop to that level and call you names. The comment to mainroman was a valid one and you never expanded on your reasoning.
Again, why would the dealership tell you to change the fluid before 100,000 miles. Unless you beat the hell out of your car, supercharge your motor, or two a trailer, it will not need attention until at least 90,000 to 100,000 miles. In fact, you are opening the system to more contaminants by changing the fluid than leaving it alone.
Changing the fluid at 30,000 miles would be like changing your timing chain at 40,000 miles because some guy you heard about had a failure at 50,000 miles. (On a side note, this comment does not hold true for Jaguar XJ8's with the first generation secondary tensioners.) Sure, you may hedge the problem from happening on your car but the odds are very low that it will fail. You end up throwing money down the tube the same as someone who changes synthetic oil at 5,000 mile street driven intervals. The tranny failure at 65,000 miles may indicate a manufacturing issue, a leak, or one of abuse.
Again, why would the dealership tell you to change the fluid before 100,000 miles. Unless you beat the hell out of your car, supercharge your motor, or two a trailer, it will not need attention until at least 90,000 to 100,000 miles. In fact, you are opening the system to more contaminants by changing the fluid than leaving it alone.
Changing the fluid at 30,000 miles would be like changing your timing chain at 40,000 miles because some guy you heard about had a failure at 50,000 miles. (On a side note, this comment does not hold true for Jaguar XJ8's with the first generation secondary tensioners.) Sure, you may hedge the problem from happening on your car but the odds are very low that it will fail. You end up throwing money down the tube the same as someone who changes synthetic oil at 5,000 mile street driven intervals. The tranny failure at 65,000 miles may indicate a manufacturing issue, a leak, or one of abuse.
Hope that helped. You have to keep it to a case specific.
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Stealerships say that there is no need to service this transmission only until 100K is that it is a ploy to sell the vehicles as maintainence-free as possible.
The 210 E55 is equipped with a transmission fluid cooler. With that in mind, our trannys are not likely to get hot enough to replace sooner than the 100,000 mile mark; of course, unless you drive in some extreme conditions and superheat your tranny.
Here is some additional material on the subject:
http://www.niehoff.com/techtips/trans.html
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From: Denver
02 E55
OK. Now here is what I think and what a lot of other people think.
Our trannys are "sealed for life" - BUT, Merc will not say that this "life" - is quite short.
I called around and I got 50-50 response. 50% say that change needs to be done at 50k miles.
50 say, go ahead drive it a little bit more and come buy new tranny.
I don't want to do that.
I will ask my mechanic do it for me, cos dealer chares like 350. too much.
I got the tool (dipstick) and whole tranny fluid kit for total of a little less then 100$.
Dealer says that they do 4qts of it, I read that if you leave overnight it will drain around 7. I bought 5 so far (should be ok, if not will buy more) I will drain the plug and then the pan.
Torque Conv - on my car has no plug, so I won't drain it.
The whole thing will end up costing me about 120$. Which is good and far less, then spending several k to replace the tranny.
I have not idea how my car was serviced before I got it, so I'll better be safe.
And about life of trannys - if you drive around in a stinker you will have to change your fluid in about 3000000000 miles.
Our machines are a bit more powerful and you just CAN NOT STOP PUTTING YOUR FOOT DOWN - which is not good for automatics.
My mechanic has 540 Bummer, and he's tranny is sealed too.
So on 140k miles, it quit working completely. BUT, I was quite surprised, he changed the oil (200$. Dealer charges around 700$ he said ;-( ), and tranny was resurrected!! Drives like new now.
Automatics are pretty reliable when you:
1. Follow rules. 2. Service it.
But you have to do it.
Thanks everybody for your help.
I found two write ups. One you guys told me, and one on benzworld for G500.
(same tranny as ours.).
Our trannys are "sealed for life" - BUT, Merc will not say that this "life" - is quite short.
I called around and I got 50-50 response. 50% say that change needs to be done at 50k miles.
50 say, go ahead drive it a little bit more and come buy new tranny.
I don't want to do that.
I will ask my mechanic do it for me, cos dealer chares like 350. too much.
I got the tool (dipstick) and whole tranny fluid kit for total of a little less then 100$.
Dealer says that they do 4qts of it, I read that if you leave overnight it will drain around 7. I bought 5 so far (should be ok, if not will buy more) I will drain the plug and then the pan.
Torque Conv - on my car has no plug, so I won't drain it.
The whole thing will end up costing me about 120$. Which is good and far less, then spending several k to replace the tranny.
I have not idea how my car was serviced before I got it, so I'll better be safe.
And about life of trannys - if you drive around in a stinker you will have to change your fluid in about 3000000000 miles.
Our machines are a bit more powerful and you just CAN NOT STOP PUTTING YOUR FOOT DOWN - which is not good for automatics.
My mechanic has 540 Bummer, and he's tranny is sealed too.
So on 140k miles, it quit working completely. BUT, I was quite surprised, he changed the oil (200$. Dealer charges around 700$ he said ;-( ), and tranny was resurrected!! Drives like new now.
Automatics are pretty reliable when you:
1. Follow rules. 2. Service it.
But you have to do it.
Thanks everybody for your help.
I found two write ups. One you guys told me, and one on benzworld for G500.
(same tranny as ours.).
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
6000 miles is too early on a 210 E55. 10,000 to 12,000 miles is about right for the 210 E55 if it's stock.
Kublin Method
This method, developed by Ted Kublin at Dixie Synthetics, uses the virgin oil TBN with a calculation of engine stress to determine the oil change interval. Here is the equation:
(Virgin TBN)(10)(oil capicity)(cubic inchies/horsepower)(MPG)= oil change interval
This equation divides cubic inches by horsepower as an indicator of the engine's natural stress level -- a high-output engine will be harder on oil than a low-output engine. Then it multiplies that against the miles per gallon of the specific engine being tested, as a representation of the environment that specific engine must work in (higher fuel economy represents less stress). Then it multiplies these by the oil capacity, as a greater oil capacity means the work is spread over a greater volume. Finally, the equation multiplies these by ten times the virgin oil's TBN (representing the oil's ability to handle the stress loads) to arrive at the oil change interval.
This method tends to emphasize long drain intervals, which with today's oils in today's cars are often quite reasonable. Nevertheless, it would be a good idea to approach extended drains with a certain amount of prudence. Kublin prefers to think of the TBN as an empirical constant and recommends using a TBN of 12 for Amsoil, 8 for Mobil 1, and 4 for conventional oil, regardless of its actual TBN value.
Kublin Method
This method, developed by Ted Kublin at Dixie Synthetics, uses the virgin oil TBN with a calculation of engine stress to determine the oil change interval. Here is the equation:
(Virgin TBN)(10)(oil capicity)(cubic inchies/horsepower)(MPG)= oil change interval
This equation divides cubic inches by horsepower as an indicator of the engine's natural stress level -- a high-output engine will be harder on oil than a low-output engine. Then it multiplies that against the miles per gallon of the specific engine being tested, as a representation of the environment that specific engine must work in (higher fuel economy represents less stress). Then it multiplies these by the oil capacity, as a greater oil capacity means the work is spread over a greater volume. Finally, the equation multiplies these by ten times the virgin oil's TBN (representing the oil's ability to handle the stress loads) to arrive at the oil change interval.
This method tends to emphasize long drain intervals, which with today's oils in today's cars are often quite reasonable. Nevertheless, it would be a good idea to approach extended drains with a certain amount of prudence. Kublin prefers to think of the TBN as an empirical constant and recommends using a TBN of 12 for Amsoil, 8 for Mobil 1, and 4 for conventional oil, regardless of its actual TBN value.
Thread Starter
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From: Denver
02 E55
This is all scientific bull****. Formulas e.t.c. Look at the real life.
6k miles is 10,000 km. This is a lot for any type of engine.
I don't care what they say, but oil needs to be changed between 6-7k miles if you want what's best for your car.
I now drive 01 Pathfinder 3.5 - I use syntehtic oil only.
Last time I missed my 6k mark and got it over to 8k miles.
I noticed that engine was running a little bit more rough, and my MPG was 13.
Oil change done - you can barely hear it, it is quicker and now I'm gettin 16mpg.
Oil and filter are dirt cheap - change is free. Why not?
Point well made I think.
6k miles is 10,000 km. This is a lot for any type of engine.
I don't care what they say, but oil needs to be changed between 6-7k miles if you want what's best for your car.
I now drive 01 Pathfinder 3.5 - I use syntehtic oil only.
Last time I missed my 6k mark and got it over to 8k miles.
I noticed that engine was running a little bit more rough, and my MPG was 13.
Oil change done - you can barely hear it, it is quicker and now I'm gettin 16mpg.
Oil and filter are dirt cheap - change is free. Why not?
Point well made I think.
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
The people that sell the oil want you to do more frequent oil changes. It's more money in their pockets and their marketing has been working if you are changing synthetic oil at 6,000 miles in a normally aspirated healthy engine. Not scientific bull**** - fact! It has been very well documented that changing your synthetic oil too frequently is a waste of money.
Do what you want if it makes you feel better. However, if your air filter and the rest of you car is in good shape and you don't abuse the hell out of your car or drive in an extremely dusty environment, then you are wasting your money. Your money, your car, do what the F*** you want to do but please try to educate yourself instead of calling something "sceintific bull****."
Do what you want if it makes you feel better. However, if your air filter and the rest of you car is in good shape and you don't abuse the hell out of your car or drive in an extremely dusty environment, then you are wasting your money. Your money, your car, do what the F*** you want to do but please try to educate yourself instead of calling something "sceintific bull****."
Thread Starter
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From: Denver
02 E55
By the way Oil companies, do not urge anyone to do more frequent oil changes.
In fact Mobil now says 15k miles.
But, If I'm able to tell the difference in how engine is working, if I hear it, and I my mpg starting to get worse - and when I change it, it all gets better - then all this 15k miles is Scientific bull****. Pure theory.
For example - Baby. Baby poops. Do you change his/her diaper right away or let it sit till the **** starts pouring outside?
Same with cars.
And by the way, if you drive mostly in city, that puts more stress on the engine and oil then hwy driving. So, shorter interval might be needed for those who does most of the driving in city speeds.
And you are right - it is our money and we do whatever we like to with it.
And cos of the guys like you, it is REALLY tough to buy good used vehicle.
In fact Mobil now says 15k miles.
But, If I'm able to tell the difference in how engine is working, if I hear it, and I my mpg starting to get worse - and when I change it, it all gets better - then all this 15k miles is Scientific bull****. Pure theory.
For example - Baby. Baby poops. Do you change his/her diaper right away or let it sit till the **** starts pouring outside?
Same with cars.
And by the way, if you drive mostly in city, that puts more stress on the engine and oil then hwy driving. So, shorter interval might be needed for those who does most of the driving in city speeds.
And you are right - it is our money and we do whatever we like to with it.
And cos of the guys like you, it is REALLY tough to buy good used vehicle.
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From: Khalifonia.
4 wheeled car.
Originally Posted by E55Cent
I wouldn't change it if your car is 90k or more because by then the sludge from all crap and old oil is keeping for tranny together.
Change the fluid, whatever mileage you got in there. There is a dipstick to be purchased which will allow you to check the level. I have one and I'll get the part # later for you. I went to an indie and he charged me like $100 plus tranny Mercedes fluid. The pan needs to be resealed. Mmm that's about it.
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And cos of the guys like you, it is REALLY tough to buy good used vehicle.
I take great care of my vehicles and have never had any trouble selling any of my used Mercedes vehicles. I do all the preventative maintenance and do not abuse the cars in any way. I also do not throw money away by doing preventative maintenance too early.
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From: Denver
02 E55
Thx man.
I bought this tool on ebay.
40$. Dealer charges 75. I thougt of returning it aftewards, but I figured I might use it or sell it, or just give it away to someone who will buy my car later.
And about the preventive care. You do what you feel is right.
You can go by the book and be ok, or you can go by your heart and be ok.
This is just depends on person.
I guess person that likes to always do smth with the caractually likes to change oil, buy new filters e.t.c. Even if it's too early. For me it is also fun.
I bought this tool on ebay.
40$. Dealer charges 75. I thougt of returning it aftewards, but I figured I might use it or sell it, or just give it away to someone who will buy my car later.
And about the preventive care. You do what you feel is right.
You can go by the book and be ok, or you can go by your heart and be ok.
This is just depends on person.
I guess person that likes to always do smth with the caractually likes to change oil, buy new filters e.t.c. Even if it's too early. For me it is also fun.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Vancouver, British Columbia
04 E55
Originally Posted by mainroman
For example - Baby. Baby poops. Do you change his/her diaper right away or let it sit till the **** starts pouring outside?
I can take a shower once a week or I can shower every day. That's just how I feel. This really has nothing to do with the topic or discussion going on but since mainroman said an example I thought I'd chime in.
