When is it wise to change out the transmission oil? My car has 78K miles on it. The Indy shop recommends to have it done soon. Any opinions or comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

 

Had mine done at 50K...I believe it is recommended at 100K...unless you drive it agressively all the time...then I would recommend 50K intervals.

 

MB's current recommendation is to change it once at 39k miles. Prior recommendation was filled for life.

I'd do it every 50-60k thereafter as well personally.

Use MB fluid only.

 

Did my sister's C32 at 60k and it was very dirty almost looked like the color of engine oil. Flushed the fluid and changed the filter. At 78k you should do it, the next owner will thank you, haha....

 

dont intend to thread jack but hey abhatti, i change my engine oil all the time, for somereason I feel intimidated by doing the tranny oil, is it pretty hard on our cars or is there anything special to doing this or is it pretty much the same just different spot and fluids?

 

Is no different than any other tranny you've done. Easier in fact in that the pan gasket is U shaped and wraps around the pan lip, guaranteeing a good seal and it has a drain plug. Pan bolts (very long) bottom out on plastic clips which hold the pan in place. 8nm torque for most pans. Fill level is important. Need the factory tool dip stick OR to confirm there were no prior leaks and to measure EXACTLY how much fluid came out so you can replace with like amount of SAME temp fluid.

 

Agreed it is a straightforward job. If you don't have a lift make sure you have a large drain pan it can get messy in that sense. If you can, buy the dipstick, if not maybe you can borrow one from a mechanic. I would feel better checking what was in it with the dipstick before and adding that much back. If your car has over 50k miles I would highly recommend changing it. I did my S500 for the first time when I purchased it at 110k miles. Words can not explain the condition of the fluid or the filter.

I would say this is certainly a job someone that can change their own oil is capable of doing.

 

Thank you for the above replies! I got a quote from a good Indy shop that would get the job done for $198.

Is this too much? Or it is just the right price!?

Thanks,

Mike

 

I changed mine at 13,500 only because it sits more than I drive it.