Okay, so now my transmission pan gasket started leaking (43,000 mi.)so I've decided to go to the dealer tomorrow and get a new gasket and filter. If I drain the torque converter, how much transmission fluid do I need to purchase, not the exact amount but enough so I can refill and add later if needed? Also, should I only use MB fluid from the dealer?
Will there be any fault codes produced when starting the engine after transmission fluid change?
Thanks,
Dave
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If it ain't broke, BREAK IT.....and make it better.
Gasket: $12.68
Filter: $16.09
Red Seal: $.78
MB Trans. Fluid: $16.09 per liter...ouch, that one hurt!
No problems, everything went as planned...didn't take very long. Made my own dipstick tool using your measurement specifications. I couldn't fine curtain wire like oberoi used, so I purchased some plastic coated stranded cable and marked the measurements.
On another note, when I purchased my parts from the MB dealer the parts person said "you know, these transmissions are not serviceable"!
My response was: Well, most of the MB owners that maintain their own cars disagree with that philosophy and we want to change our fluids, not our transmissions. I told her that I had no other choice since my gasket is leaking and I might as well replace the fluid and filter since I'm removing the pan.
Needless to say, they didn't refuse to take my money.
Ours took 7 liters. Didn't pay to do it myself with the cost of all that stuff you need, I ended paying an independent $180 and he used genuine MB tranny fluid.
The car had about 95K miles and the bottom of the pan had a good thick coating of sludge. Don't let the dealer trick you into not doing it. A neighbor just had to replace his tranny on a CLK320 after about 125K miles and the dealer told him that it wasn't necessary to change the tranny oil. He regrets not doing it now. Another important fluid is the brake fluid as ABS systems are not cheap to fix.
Ours took 7 liters. Didn't pay to do it myself with the cost of all that stuff you need, I ended paying an independent $180 and he used genuine MB tranny fluid.
The car had about 95K miles and the bottom of the pan had a good thick coating of sludge. Don't let the dealer trick you into not doing it. A neighbor just had to replace his tranny on a CLK320 after about 125K miles and the dealer told him that it wasn't necessary to change the tranny oil. He regrets not doing it now. Another important fluid is the brake fluid as ABS systems are not cheap to fix.
Well, I do all of my own maintenance and it was an easy task, besides, it gives me an opportunity to do a visual inspection of other items while I'm under the car. Also, the weather is so nice in Tampa right now it's nice being out in my garage. With only 43,000 miles on my car, I expected the transmission pan to be clean (no sludge) and it was.
Since we're on the subject of transmission maintenance, I don't like what is written in my 2001 SLK Owner's Manual:
"Automatic transmission fluid level. The automatic transmission has a permanent fill of automatic transmission fluid. Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted. If you notice fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions, have your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the transmission fluid level."
Probably the leading cause of sludge in the pan!
Yes, I do agree with MB's advice to change the brake fluid every 2 years, preferably in the spring. (Less Moisture?) My vacuum brake bleeder works great for bleeding/changing brake fluid.
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