How often should I check my transmission fluid?

[Four Door Monster]

Just wondering what the standard procedure is for checking the transmission fluid and how often it needs to be refilled? I know this is probably a stupid question, but for those who know how important it is to take care of these German beasts please give me some pointers. BTW- I had my transmission fluid flushed and re-filled around 2 years ago.[?]

[Litton]

to change the trans fuild ever 15000 miles for max tranny life. The company covering my extended warranrty issist on it.

[Four Door Monster]

THANKS LITTON! That little piece of info is very reassuring. There is one more stupid question I want to get out of the way- When you check the transmission fluid on the dipstick, is the fluid itself supposed to look fairly clear?
[?][B)][:o)]

[spanners]

Four Door Monster

I am finding it interesting, the differences in the vehicle specs and maintanence between U.S. and U.K. Mercs.
i worked on Mercs in the U.K. for ten years at a Merc agent between 88-98. During this time, all 201/124/126's had the following parts changed at the following intervals.
6k, oil and filter.
12k, oil and filter plus spark plugs.
every 36k i.e. 36/72/108k etc aswell as the 12k parts, fuel and air filters replaced and Automatic gearbox(transmission) oil and filter replaced.

Let me know if this is different in the U.S.
By the way, if the oil is quite clear, it is a good sign. You need to worry if it turns black.

[:)]

[Litton]

Here in Tucson, it gets hotter then blue blazes in the summer and most tranny shops have the same story....Heat Kills Automatics. They all say change every 15,000 or once a year just before summer. Oil changes every 3,000 - 3500 miles with filter. Logic is filters are cheap amd blowing dirt is free. Either way, these are pretty inexpensive ways to protect moving parts. My maintenance manual agrees. 15000 for tranny and 3750 for oil and filter. (extreme duty) Spark plugs seem to be every 30,000 miles.

[Four Door Monster]

Thanks for the input, Spanners. I drive a U.S. spec 380 SEL- the last year they were available too. [1983]
I change the motor oil every 3000 miles firm. You might have misunderstood my question. I was referring to the clarity of the transmission FLUID, not motor oil. I really need to know if it is normal for the transmission fluid to look clear.

Four Door Monster

I am finding it interesting, the differences in the vehicle specs and maintanence between U.S. and U.K. Mercs.
i worked on Mercs in the U.K. for ten years at a Merc agent between 88-98. During this time, all 201/124/126's had the following parts changed at the following intervals.
6k, oil and filter.
12k, oil and filter plus spark plugs.
every 36k i.e. 36/72/108k etc aswell as the 12k parts, fuel and air filters replaced and Automatic gearbox(transmission) oil and filter replaced.

Let me know if this is different in the U.S.
By the way, if the oil is quite clear, it is a good sign. You need to worry if it turns black.

[:)]

[Four Door Monster]

Can someone please answer my dumb @ss question?
[:(!]

[cyberdrakon]

Hmm...it would depend on what you put in it. If you put in translucent red tranny fluid as i do, and you get completly clear fluid, it's time for a change. Wipe the fluid onto a LINT FREE cloth and check the color, also smell. If you have bubbles, it may mean too much or too little fluid, if it's black, better take it to the mechanic, if it smells acrid, take it to the mechanic.

Well, at least that's what i understand.

Edward

[Four Door Monster]

[:)]Thanks cyberdrakon- very informative!