kjlindgr

Hey all.

I think I read somewhere on here that the MB techs said the transmissions of the E55 weren't supposed to be serviced (read: flushed) or something like that. I'm not sure exactly where I read that but it sticks out in my mind. Anyway, I thought this was a bunch of rubbish and at 54K miles, I figured the E55 was probably in need of a full transmission flush. For those DIYers out there, I thought this would be some helpful information to share. This procedure works with all W211 E55's with 5-speed trans.

To do a full and proper transmission flush, by the book, you'll need the following:

* 12 liters of genuine MB fluid suitable for the 722.6 5-speed trans
* Transmission filter
* Torx wrenches
* 17mm box wrench
* 19mm box wrench
* funnel
* bucket big enough to hold 3 liters
* flat head screw driver
* transmission fluid dipstick
* lots of rags


Case of fluid and filter, ready to go in:



Here's the part number for the genuine MB filter. You can get generic filters at your local VatoZone, but for $3 extra why risk quality:



This is the fluid you need. I thought there was a part number on there somewhere, but I don't remember seeing one. There is a spec sheet on the back though telling you what applications it can and should be used for. If you are a frugal shopper, you can get it online for about $10-12 a liter. If you want convenience, your MB dealer will pony it up for about $16 a liter.



Behind the passenger (right) side intake, the transmission filler tube lives. There is a red plastic locking clip you need to bust off. With a flat head screw driver it just pops off. Push the remaining clip out of the cap, and you can pull the black cap right off. There's an o-ring on it so don't lose that.



Here's the part number for the clip if you feel the need to replace it. I priced them out and they are $0.72 at www.genuinemercedesparts.com:



I used the dipstick throughout this procedure for a couple things. First was to test the quality of the fluid in the system after each flush. Secondly was to make sure it was to the correct level. You don't want to run the trans with too much or too little fluid:



I took a sample of the fluid before draining just to check on what was going on. The old fluid is on the left. Brand new fluid straight out of the bottle on the right. Yup, it was toast. It smelled burnt, and looked like bad curry. It was probably 15K miles past due, but I can't take blame for that since I's only owned it for the last 4K



Here's the transmission pan. Drain it with the plug and then remove the 6 torx bolts around the pan. Or, you can do what I did and just remove the 6 torx bolts if you have a wide enough drainage pan:



A shot with the trans pan off. You can see the football-ish shaped filter and the valve body assembly. Don't muck with any of that other stuff, just do your business and keep it clean. The filter is just held in with an o-ring suction neck and clip on the other end. Pops right off. I did wipe the inside of the pan off though just to get all the nasty old oil out of it:



Put the new transmission filter in and bolt the pan back in place. Replace the gasket if you'd like, but mine was fine so I left it.

Next. comes the flushing procedure. Pay close attention:
1. Fill with 4 liters of transmission fluid. This is about what you'll extract during the draining process.
2. Pull off one of the lines going to the transmission from the cooler, or do what I did and pull off one of the lines up front going to the cooler. I'll put a picture below.
3. Have a friend start the car and idle until 3 liters of fluid pump into the bucket. Takes about 5-10 seconds.
4. Shut car off immediately.
5. Refill transmission with 3 liters
6. Have a friend start the car and idle until 3 liters of fluid pump into the bucket.
7. Shut car off immediately.
8. Refill transmission with 3 liters
9. Have a friend start the car and idle until 3 liters of fluid pump into the bucket.
10. Shut car off immediately.
11. Put remaining 2 liter into the transmission.
12. Reconnect transmission fluid line
13. Check the final fluid level and drain some more if it's a little high. Mine was and I had to pump about another 2 liters out.



Here's the transmission line to remove. The transmission cooler is integrated into the radiator so this is way up front in the car. You'll need to remove the front diffuser to find it. The "proper" service procedures say to remove the line at the point it enters the transmission, but this is a hard line and I didn't want to try to fit it with a rubber hose, bla bla bla...this is just easier:



Now, clean up your mess. You're done!

Hotrod-Realtor

Nice write up and I appreciate the photos.
There are machines on the market that flush the convertor out too through the cooler lines. I'm not sure who I would trust to perform such a task, so I like the DIY thread.
Thanks again,
Warren

kjlindgr

Those machines force fluid through the system. This process let's it run through by itself. I've heard that the fluid flush machines aren't to be used on these transmissions, but who am I to say.

Hotrod-Realtor

It wouldn't surprise me that those machines shouldn't be used on our vehicles. That is why I like your thread. Perhaps a tech could chime in to explain the problems associated with using a flush and fill machine.

benz_addict

I'll be doing this. Wicked thanks man for the post your the man

CharlyE500

Are you in California ?????

kjlindgr

Sadly, no. I'm almost as far away from Cali as you can get...Wisconsin. Winter is complete

Marcus Frost

I have flushed the fluid on the 55 and 65, both right around the 4 year mark (and whatever corresponding mileage they had at that time) with similar before/after results. I highly recommend having this done every 4 years/50k miles.

-m

slownrusty

So the fluid capacity of the E55 5spd tranny is 10L I take it from adding and subtracting the Qts you used?

Also how did you derive the 3Qt increments (your bold steps 3,5,6 8 and 9) as opposed to 2 or 4 for that manner?

Yasin

kjlindgr

The capacity I believe is 7.5-8 liters including the torque converter. My fluid level was a bit high to start, and I added the remaining 2 liters and drained a bit at the end too which ended up with a perfect fluid level. You'll need to play around with the remainder level as I noted in step #13.

I didn't make up the steps or quantities, they were layed out this way in the Mercedes factory service manual.

slownrusty

Many thanks for the clarification Mr. Lindgren. Just wanted to make sure.
Regards - Yasin

kjlindgr

Not a problem.

For those with a Mercedes FSM, I feel I should come clean and mention that kinda lied just a little before I get called out on it.

The FSM says that the first fill after the drain should be 5 liters. I mentioned only 4. The reason for this is because they never once mention how much you'll drain...yet give all these warnings about damage to the transmission by running too much or too little fluid. I'm sure those were long-term operational warnings, but I figured I'd play it safe and just add what I took out. Do what you'd like, 4 or 5 and you should probably be just fine. You aren't running it for long anyway (a matter of seconds) so I honestly don't think it matters. Just make sure that the level in the end falls within the marks on the dipstick based on the temperature.

Peter_02AMG

Good Job on the write up-you make it look so easy but I wouldn't want to try it

Adsonic

I'm getting ready to do this, but I was wondering about:

1- air going in between step 2 to 12. How will that be covered.
2- from where to get the trans dipstick.
3- how to know if the level is good / too much / too little when using the trans dipstick.

06E55

I am getting ready to do this myself! Thank you for the excellent write-up!

Mods, is there any way this can get put in the DIY Thread (Sticky)?

Does anyone happen to know the part numbers for the transmission dipstick tool and the transmission fluid?

kjlindgr, you mention to "make sure that the level in the end falls within the marks on the dipstick based on the temperature," can you give us more information on this?

Also, does the dipstick tool fit through the "transmission filler tube" (I would assume it does, but the diameter of the dipstick tool looks larger than the diameter of the "transmission filler tube" in your pictures)? I would also assume that the "transmission filler tube" is where you add the transmission fluid?

Does anyone happen to know the correct transmission oil drain plug to use on an 06 E55? For some reason, the MBUSA Fast Moving Parts e-Catalog lists two drain plugs for a W211.076 (A0009976532 which is listed as M10x1x11mm and N000000000648 which is listed as M10x1x8mm), or are there two drain plugs? Also, are there seal rings that fit on these plugs like there are on the engine oil drain plugs?

shardul

iTrader: (1)

Did you notice any metal shaving / particles on the plastic pan right by the magnet.

lowprofile

1. No concern. Pump is upstream, any air will pushed out into the pan area.
2. ebay
3. Take a glass of water, draw a line around it, place it on your roof....j/k
If your car looks level to your eye you are all good.


06E55 You can disconnect the trans line and pump out the pan prior to removing it. This will eliminate the need to remove the drain plug. There will still be about a 1/2 quart in there but that is managable. (Heads up) Pick up a couple of feet of clear 1/2" hose to attach to the trans line to make the operation mess free. Yes on your ? about the filler tube and dip stick.

Shardul If the pan is plastic how does the magnet stay in place? Sorry, couldn't resist. It's normal to see some material there. It's coated steel btw.

(One more heads up) I would suggest replacing the electrical connector plug on the trans while you are there. I'll list the p/n later.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

it is stuck with some glue/epoxy on the plastic.
But you answered my question, i had some fine material on the magnet too just wanted to make sure it is normal.

lowprofile

Mine was coated metal and the magnet was removable.

Follow up: part # for the connector is A 203 540 02 53

06E55

Does anyone know the item/part # for the transmission fluid for an 06 E55? I saw an article on another forum that listed it as 001-989-210310 (on http://www.allmercedes.com/frm/?scri...topic.php&t=86) but not sure if that is correct...

lowprofile

Below is a link that covers your fluid question and many others:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...ssion-faq.html

acb

I just paid the steelership over 2 grand to do this plus a couple of other random things which I could have done myself but unfortunately just dont have the time. Next time how about I fly you to the Gold Coast Australia for a couple of days and you can do mine (prolly be cheaper) and then go hang out on the beach with the bikini girls. *%*$@! stealership

petep86

will this basicly work for the e500s 5-speed. i know part number would be different of course..

06E55

Actually, from what I understand, all of the part numbers are the same... It is the same transmission...

06E55

Can anyone enlighten us as to how we are to ensure that we have the transmission fluid at the correct temperature when we are measuring the level of transmission fluid (for those of us that do NOT have SDS)...