Ok, bit the bullet. Original owner of 99 ML320 with 75K miles - and want to keep it for a while. So I talked with a MB Master Mechanic (he has a 99 ML320 as well) and he also did a transmission and transfer case fluid change.
Was quoted $400 to do the change, but in the process, discovered that the transmission lines were leaking - so total bill was $1000 for everything. Dealer goodwilled so much previous work I figured I'll pay this one.
The ML is fully paid for, and I love this truck, so I really don't mind these maintenance investments...
But anyway, back to the fluid change - the so called lifetime fluid was completely black and very thin. The mechanic said the reason they call it lifetime is that these days 100K Miles is considered lifetime.
The ML shifts noticeably smoother, and am glad I got it done - peace of mind frankly. Highly recommended!
Anyway, the procedure for fluid change is rather complex - and dealer has to use a special dipstick...Anyway I highly recommend you get your transmission fluid changed if you are running either 100K miles or it's been the same fluid for the past 5 yrs or so....
l have to agree..l had the transmission oil changed as well around 90,000 KM's..my SA, who is a great guy, said it looked horrible..enough said...How much would it cost for just the transfer case [?][?]
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1999 : Black Opal ML 430 : 125,000 KM (traded-in)
2002 : Bordeaux ML 55 : 130,000 KM (traded-in)
2006 : Silver lridium ML 350 : 53,000 KM (stolen)
2006 : Cubanite Silver Metallic : 24,000 KM
RE: The transfer case uses Dextron III which is relatively low cost
T-case uses tranz fluid huh? Anyone know how much it takes? I just ordered a case (12qts) of tranny fluid and a filter, but kinda forgot about the T-case. I guess I'll do that too if I have enough fluid.
Thanks Mickey, I was expecting more like 3-4. I was also expecting it to use gear oil.
Sweet, I'll change both this week.
The fluid in the tranz is nasty (75k), black and smells old. Worst tranz fluid I've seen in a car that was still running right.
RE: Mine stunk like a locker room. The same happens for high
Vacuum stations? I guess I don't follow.
It's easy to tell when it's "not so fresh", new trans fluid has a distinct smell. After some time and heat it’s not so fresh, kinda like me. As time passes I smell less fresh chemicals, and more burned oil, clutch and metal. If all is well it just smells less fresh. Mine worries me because it’s so filthy, smells a bit of clutch, and the viscosity seems shot. That and everyone says these trannys have a short life.
Smell some new fluid out of a bottle, and then some from different cars, you’ll know. Same with motor oil, rub some new oil between your fingers very firmly, it’s thick and very difficult to remove. Then after your fingers are squeaky clean, try used oil from a few dipsticks, the really worn out stuff is very thin and rubs/washes off ten times easier. This is how I judge if my oil needs changing, not by miles. Some vehicles like my truck break down oil very fast, 10K miles on a change would be a bad idea.
parts: Gasket, Trans Oil Filter, Seal Ring, Trans Fluid, Ring, General, Lock Pin.
Comment:
CLIENT REQUEST SERVICE TRANSMISSION** TIME TO REMOVE TRANSMISSION OIL PAN, DRAIN TORQUE CONVERTOR, REPLACE TRANSMISSION FILTER AND PAN GASKET 2.0CP** (NOTE WHEN PAN WAS DOWN FOUND GRAPHITE PRESENT IN FLUID, ALSO FOUND SOME TRACES OF PLATE MATERIAL, METAL SHAVINGS, WHEN CHECK FLUID LEVEL FOUND ADAPTION DATA ON 2-3 AT 99 AND 150 ALSO FOUND 3-4 AT 81 AND 165)
Linear Mode
