This may be a newb question, but I just bought a 1999 CLK 430, and I have gone through and checked all the usual (oil, brake fluid, power steering, etc.), and I do not see a Transmission dipstick. Is it hidden? The car sometimes acts as if it is just a tad low on trans fluid. I do not have an owner's or service manual. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have enjoyed reading the posts on this forum for the past few months. Now, it is time for me to get to work.
The dipstick in near the back of the engine, it's kind of small. It is not like a normal dipstick, i think the top needs to be pried off or something like that for it to be checked. My car has 45k, i'm prolly going to do tranny service around 50k even though i have no problems shifting.
I found the dipstick tube, and it has a cap on it that says "MB workshop only." My question is: If I take this cap off, is there a dipstick underneath? I'm afraid that there won't be one, and then I'll have to cap it again with something. also, what fluid does everyone recommend?
You need to buy it separately. It sux, but I bought mine at importecparts.com.
It's longer than it needs to be so you let it touch the bottom of the pan for a reading vs the top of the tube. It works on all newer MB I think, like a universal tool uc.
The stick has a 25C and 80C range on it, how are u supposed to know how hot the tranny is? Is 80C normal hot temp after driving?
The transmission was originally marketed as maintenance free, that's why there is no dipstick. Rather there is a dipstick TOOL that is to be used to check the level, and then removed with the cap reinstalled and a new locking pin fitted.
25c is the cold fill mark, used ONLY when the transmission is being refilled after a fluid change.
80c is the normal operating temperature and the range at which the fluid level must be confirmed for proper functionality. However if it is unusually warm or cold out when you're checking it's best to use an IR digital thermometer to confirm the fluid temp. The transmission is very sensitive to fluid level, so if you're in doubt, leave it to the pros.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
__________________ If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice. Meister Eckhart
When you learn from your own mistakes, that's experience.
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The transmission was originally marketed as maintenance free, that's why there is no dipstick. Rather there is a dipstick TOOL that is to be used to check the level, and then removed with the cap reinstalled and a new locking pin fitted.
25c is the cold fill mark, used ONLY when the transmission is being refilled after a fluid change.
80c is the normal operating temperature and the range at which the fluid level must be confirmed for proper functionality. However if it is unusually warm or cold out when you're checking it's best to use an IR digital thermometer to confirm the fluid temp. The transmission is very sensitive to fluid level, so if you're in doubt, leave it to the pros.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
thanks greg for the info. normally hang out in the w163 forum but wife has '02 clk55. knew that the w163 was marketed as 'sealed forever' but now mb sb's have backed down from that claim. are you saying that the clk was 'marketed' the same way? how many mb's were given this false distinction during those maunfacturing days? also does anyone know if the same dipstick 'tool' would work for my ml55? needing to check to both. no shift probs, but wanting to check color of the fluid& prevent $$$ costs later if i can. thanx again.
thanks greg for the info. normally hang out in the w163 forum but wife has '02 clk55. knew that the w163 was marketed as 'sealed forever' but now mb sb's have backed down from that claim. are you saying that the clk was 'marketed' the same way? how many mb's were given this false distinction during those maunfacturing days?
How many?
ALL of them. The car model didn't matter, if it was equipped with the 722.6xx five speed auto that is how it was marketed.
For most purposes the 5-speeds are the same across all MYs, so you can use the same dipstick tool whether you have a C, E, S, or ML class.
Be sure to check the adapter plug for leaks, too.
Rather than checking level and color or odor, I would instead suggest that if you are over 60,000 miles, simply change it. As a general rule these are pretty trouble free and other than the referenced adapter leak there's really no reason to check the level or fluid color, etc. The fluid was designed to "absorb" and carry degraded materials and contaminants so it starts looking funky pretty quickly anyway.
How many?
ALL of them. The car model didn't matter, if it was equipped with the 722.6xx five speed auto that is how it was marketed.
For most purposes the 5-speeds are the same across all MYs, so you can use the same dipstick tool whether you have a C, E, S, or ML class.
Be sure to check the adapter plug for leaks, too.
Rather than checking level and color or odor, I would instead suggest that if you are over 60,000 miles, simply change it. As a general rule these are pretty trouble free and other than the referenced adapter leak there's really no reason to check the level or fluid color, etc. The fluid was designed to "absorb" and carry degraded materials and contaminants so it starts looking funky pretty quickly anyway.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
appreciate the quick lesson greg. taking the clk to atlanta for fam christmas and was wondering since i'll check all fluids I can before leaving. ??? did/do you change yourself or have dealer or indy shop? indy shop locally is credible & could do it but haven't asked for a $ quote yet---thinking oil changes first. still a newbie but clk is 86k & ml is now just 90k. bought both @ the same time from a family friend/part-time mb salesperson but have confidence in both even w/out ext warranty---he keeps a s63 amg in the garage for fun days. can get parts etc @ dealer/wholesale and luv to work on my own stuff but am still learning about mb's. if I could DIY I would try, just don't want to break anything pricey!
thanks greg for the info. normally hang out in the w163 forum but wife has '02 clk55. knew that the w163 was marketed as 'sealed forever' but now mb sb's have backed down from that claim. are you saying that the clk was 'marketed' the same way? how many mb's were given this false distinction during those maunfacturing days? also does anyone know if the same dipstick 'tool' would work for my ml55? needing to check to both. no shift probs, but wanting to check color of the fluid& prevent $$$ costs later if i can. thanx again.
appreciate the quick lesson greg. taking the clk to atlanta for fam christmas and was wondering since i'll check all fluids I can before leaving. ??? did/do you change yourself or have dealer or indy shop? indy shop locally is credible & could do it but haven't asked for a $ quote yet---thinking oil changes first. still a newbie but clk is 86k & ml is now just 90k. bought both @ the same time from a family friend/part-time mb salesperson but have confidence in both even w/out ext warranty---he keeps a s63 amg in the garage for fun days. can get parts etc @ dealer/wholesale and luv to work on my own stuff but am still learning about mb's. if I could DIY I would try, just don't want to break anything pricey!
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