Geardaddy

Hi everyone. I just picked up an E55 with 117,000 miles. The transmission fluid had not been changed at 100K. I am contemplating going forward with the fluid/filter service. Is this wise? I have been given different counsel so far. One fairly experienced mechanic warned me that you run the risk of developing problems with slippage when changing out the fluid....

saintz

Good idea to change it. Don't flush it, just change the filter and replace the fluid.

Geardaddy

Thank you. One mechanic told me you can replaced 1/2 the fluid and see what happens. If it starts to slip, you can reinsert the old fluid. What is the typical life span of the W210 tranny? I was told upwards of 200K....

desired_speeds

If serviced at the correct intervals, they'll last for many 100ks without issue. If its never been changed till 117k. I'd expect to see it go at 150k if not serviced at this point. If you do the filter/ fluid right now, I'm not sure how much longer it'll last. It can be a year or many years.

Edit: If the fluid comes out black with no hint of brown, I'd recommend doing another drain/fill + filter in about 6 months. Otherwise, you better start putting aside money for a new tranny.

CharlyE500

One of my mech told me if after 100K miles without tranny service then its worthless because the internal damage is already in the tranny. This is what he told me though..... not sure at all...

saintz

I would generally disagree. A change, done properly, can't hurt. It's true, it might be too late. But you know the saying, better late than never. You will notice better shifting immediately.

The part about half the oil is correct, but the part about putting back the old oil is not. You can only change about half the oil, since half of it is in the torque converter. So you change half. If after a few weeks it's still rough, change it again (this gets it 75% flushed). But you never put old fluid back.

Peter_02AMG

Mercedes benz recommend changing the transmission fluid & filter at 40K miles now on all new Mercedes Benz.

CharlyE500

Yea because too many people not changing and break it then complain about the tranny is weak. I almost bought a E55 01 123K miles yesterday. When I asked the owner about tranny service and spark plugs, Not done. So I am not sure about this car anymore. 123K miles without even change once the tranny oil thats really bad. I am afraid the thing will go off around 150K.
In my 06, when I bought it a year ago, I flush all the fluid instead of taking my chances...

desired_speeds

is that the black one in temecula?

CharlyE500

Yes ! Did you test drive it ? I have the record from the owner but... not well taking care in my opinion. The price is fine but if the proper maintenance was done, this car should be in my drive way now. It need $1K to be done once purchase, the money is not the important part in here, its over due 23K miles service. The tranny is over due 80K miles. Tranny service should be done at every 50K or no later than 100K. The thing might blow in 150K ...... i am sure any E55 owner once a while will punch that car and if not have the proper work done.... not for me.

desired_speeds

No I haven't had a chance to test drive it. I saw it on craigslist and was planning on contacting him when I went down to Socal to take a look at a few of them. I guess I can cross that one off the list. I'm looking for a well maintained car, with specific emphasis on the transmission and engine. Old spark plugs cannot cause any permanent damage, but old transmission fluid turns the car into a ticking time bomb in my opinion.