[stenny]

I was wondering if anyone ever used Pentosin atf1 automatic tranny fluid? That's what comes up for atf on advance auto parts when you check tranny fluid

 

[Check Codes]

I was wondering if anyone ever used Pentosin atf1 automatic tranny fluid? That's what comes up for atf on advance auto parts when you check tranny fluid

What does the label on the bottle say? If it says it meets MB spec 236.10, 236.12 or 236.14 you can use it.

That said, I don't see any Pentosin on the official MB approved list, so I'm guessing it's not spec fluid and at least for most of us, that means it is to be avoided.

NAPA used to carry one that met 236.12. Haven't checked or cared to for many years, but if you're really looking local that's a possibility.

The easiest (!) one to find affordably seems to be the Shell 134.

Good luck.

 

[AMG4FUN]

Another economical choice can be Wolf's Head, which meets spec

 

[Check Codes]

Another economical choice can be Wolf's Head, which meets spec

That's the first I've ever heard of Wolf's Head (sounds more like a microbrewery, lol).

I'm not seeing it on the MB approval list, so it may be one of those where the manufacturer says it is compatible, but you are really just taking their word for it.

Personally with something as particular (and expensive) as these transmissions, I'm more comfortable picking a fluid off of the official list.

This is really just not a place to pick something based on price, at least not to me. If it turns out Wolf's Head isn't compatible, it's not as though they're going to pay for your repairs or replacement.

 

[AMG4FUN]

That's the first I've ever heard of Wolf's Head (sounds more like a microbrewery, lol).

I'm not seeing it on the MB approval list, so it may be one of those where the manufacturer says it is compatible, but you are really just taking their word for it.

Personally with something as particular (and expensive) as these transmissions, I'm more comfortable picking a fluid off of the official list.

This is really just not a place to pick something based on price, at least not to me. If it turns out Wolf's Head isn't compatible, it's not as though they're going to pay for your repairs or replacement.

I see your point, my mind went to lunch meat the first time I heard about it. I now use it, and no problems. A Euro Indi is using it in their shop, which is how I was introduced to it.

Getting on MB approved list usually costs money, but I'm not suggesting that having that extra caveat doesn't account for something.

 

[art_arev]

AMG4FUN, if you are going to think of economical choices why are you driving a ML55? Tranny is not the part that one thinks of economising. As check codes suggests use the MB approved oil.
The more problems the indie creates with "Wolf's Head" the more work for him. Your indie is a good businessman......

 

[AMG4FUN]

AMG4FUN, if you are going to think of economical choices why are you driving a ML55? Tranny is not the part that one thinks of economising. As check codes suggests use the MB approved oil.
The more problems the indie creates with "Wolf's Head" the more work for him. Your indie is a good businessman......

Well, I did not use it for economic reasons. (just an added bonus)

I have trust in the product, and it was available when I needed it. I understand that to some people this seems like a risk, but I am very picky in what I put in my ML, and I believe I can see through hype/brand and specs in most cases.

 

[art_arev]

We have talked many times on the forum concerning approved oils....So I am not going to do that again...............
Its your choice...........
You are forgetting that using "bad"/wrong oil is not going to spoil your tranny the next day........but it will happen maybe in 6months or a year..........

I wont take a chance like that..........I love & appreciate my car to much to use unapproved oils........

 

[43sqd]

That's the first I've ever heard of Wolf's Head (sounds more like a microbrewery, lol).

Wolf's Head has been around forever.

Wolf's Head (motor oil) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[stenny]

This is what label says

 

[DrX]

It doesn't have MB-Approval, but it claims equivalence to 236.11 fluid which is recommended for ZF 4HP20 transmissions fitted to V-Class/Vitos and other (mainly French) makes.

https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/d/d/en/Spec_231_2.pdf

 

[sparky1016]

MB 236.14 approved Shell ATF134 is relatively inexpensive(around $70 for case 12qts) and can be found rather easily.

Here's how to find a distributor near you; https://www.shell.us/products-servi...ness-lubricants-tpkg/distributor-locator.html

 

[DrX]

Getting on MB approved list usually costs money, but I'm not suggesting that having that extra caveat doesn't account for something.

Pentosin have several oils on the MB approved lists, including one ATF, so it's not like they don't know how/can't afford to get the approval. If they don't have one on the 236.10 or 236.14 lists, then you can assume they don't make one that meets the spec. https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevo...ction=show&mark=pentosin&suchbegriff=pentosin