My experience with transmission flush

[cl55_wil]

My 2003 CL55 AMG has given me some stuttering shifting, as I have read describing as "humming" during light accerlation, and "hard vibration" during shifting. It has "lock-release-lock-release" from the torque converter. This was very reproducible, and it sometimes feels and sounds like I'm missing a tooth in my transmssion gear! I am sure I was looking at a new transmission.

Stealer has informed me that the transmission fluid was not a servicible item, and there is no way to drain the complete fluid correctly. If there is a problem with the transmission, I'm looking at a NEW one... $6,500. After reading the internet, I have decided to get a transmission fluid service anyways.

To giving the ending away, the transmssion now shifts SILKEN SMOOTH. ABSOLUTELY like NEW!!! But to get to this point, I have learned about a few things:

1. Transmission flush by itself may not be good enough, since it doesn't get the filter out the way, and may stir up a lot of junk at the pan.

2. Dropping the pan is not enough, because the Torque converter is not drained.

3. I can't drain my torque covnerter, because it's is sealed, and there is NO drain plug on my model (this is confirmed by several sources)

I have gotten several quotes for transmssion flush and service and filter service. It ranged between approx $300 to $650.

I went with a reputable german car shop, and they had quoted me a $280 if my torque converter had a drain, and will be $360 if it doesn't. What they told me did, is that they opened the transmission fluid line, and bled the system almost 90%. The old fluid can not be life-time... it didn't look right and didnt' smell right.

After 4 hours at the shop, and them working on it diligently, my transmssion now feels simply PERFECT! Worth EVERY PENNY!!!

[linh]

The best way to do this is fine a shop with a tranny flush machine. With this machine, they disconnect the fluid line that go into the front cooler then connect their machine to the line. They then start your engine and let in run around 1000-2000 RPM, this allow the tranny fluid to circulate the old fluid into their machine and out with the new fluid into the tranny. Then they reconnect all the fluid line back, go through shifting all the gears and then top off the fluid. The only requirement is, you have to have a dipstick to check the fluid.

[manymercsmike]

MB maintain that the 5 spd box is "sealed for life" - however I have two cars fitted with similar boxes - having just seen the ATF fluid out of my C140 - I recommend you change it semi-regularly - the fluid out of my C140 was manky!!!

(that's Scottish for filthy)