I hadn't heard that one, but you know how touchy these beasts are. Im looking forward to your sage words of wisdom as you work thru the process !:thumbsup:

 

...Im looking forward to your sage words of wisdom as you work thru the process !:thumbsup:

I'm guestimating that my bill will between $800-$1000 from the Indy so I don't then want to have an additional $4000 transmission repair bill because I changed too much oil. This reminds me of a lawn mower I once had, ran for 14 years with no issues or any work, one year I decided the thing deserved an oil change, new sponge filter and new spark plug, I start it up and seconds later a cloud of smoke and death. I was pissed and that was a $200 lawn mower not a Merc.

 

I know that tune frontward and backward ! Like the clowns that fall for the power transmission flush done at the qwicky lube by the 19 year old McDonalds reject ! That's a power flush that usually morphs in to a power Colin cleansing ! Perhaps erring on the side of safety is the better part of valor here.

 

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r12...ms/r129-sl-class/1448124-722-6-torque-converter-fiuid-question.html#post3512639

I read it here it was a post by Lynn, which usually puts out good info so it got me thinking...

 

Also purchased transmission filter, pan gasket and 8 liters of MB trans oil.

I have been reading the transmission threads (722.6) and from what I gather my 96 will still have the torque converter drain plug, so my intention was to fully drain the trans but I then came across a post saying certain MB techs only recommend changing the fluid in the pan so that certain solenoids/electronics don't go into viscosity shock.

Should I be worried? I never heard of this before. My SL has over 150K and I don't see any service records mentioning any type of transmission work in the records that the PO gave me, so if the viscosity shock is real, then my transmission would probably be a great candidate for this condition, if thats the case I will have the indy only change what is in the pan.

-Pete

Hi Pete,

Precautions must always be taken for higher mileage transmissions, especially that have never undergone a complete transmission flush. DO NOT flush, hook up to a flush machine, or replace all ATF. This must be avoided as the new ATF might cause damage to the transmission (fluid shock) within just a thousand miles or so.

It is recommended for those of you with higher mileage transmissions ONLY transmission pan services (replace the amount of fluid in pan only + new filter and pan gasket). This is common knowledge from my background as an automotive technician, also I know that our local MB dealer will ONLY perform a transmission pan service and will refuse to flush a 96 model-year.

 

Thanks Neoken, I was starting to lean that way but always good to get a confirmation. Do you think that lets say after putting 1500-2000 miles that I should drop the trans pan again and replace the fluid that is there, and possibly do this 2-3 times? Should I consider putting a magnet in the pan? Although its a high mileage car I plan on maintaining it for years to come. Since I sold my last drop top 15 years or so ago there was always an itch to have another and I plan on holding onto this one for awhile.

 

Please consider other factors such as actual mileage of the transmission and condition of the existing fluid, or in other words it's service history remains unknown.

There is a difference between let's say for example 60K mileage and 150K, also if the fluid still appears clean and bright red versus dark and heavily contaminated. However, you are on the right track in terms of replacing your ATF at gradual intervals, which brings up the question what is the current mileage on your transmission?

Magnets are inexpensive and never hurt as they attract metallic shavings and particles that may accumulate over time. I have a small round magnet in my 95 SL500 transmission pan.

 

Good Info. Thanks for bringing this up. Might save a bunch of us major bucks !

 

I've been on this forum 4 months and have 600 plus posts of which half are probably questions . I'm careful with what I do, when I do it, and how I have it done. The carelessness of doing things without asking more experienced people is in my past. An expensive past.

-Pete

 

Good Evening, Gentlemen:

What would be your thoughts on inserting a plastic tube down the tranny dipstick holder and pumping out the tranny fluid from there, and replacing the same amount with new MB fluid?

This would eliminate removing the tranny sump pan and gasket.

Would this be a good option?


God Bless, Arctic.

 

Hi Arctic, as already mentioned by Albert (aam) there is a drain plug for the pan.

For your model-year vehicle, a simple ATF drain and fill does not require the removal of your transmission pan.

 

Hi Ken:

Thank you for your quick reply, I really appreciate it.

In asking about pulling 'old' ATF fluid, via the dipstick tube as a possible method, my thoughts were really on my 1999 ML320.

The ML320 has 283,000 kms on it, and the ATF fluid has never been changed. What are your thoughts about pulling it via the dipstick tube?


God Bless, Arctic

 

R129 SL Automatic Transmission Fluid Viscosity Shock?

Arctic I think we are on the same boat. Personally I think you should do a gradual changeover.

My current plan is change oil in the pan, then wait 3000 miles change oil in pan again and then 3000 miles after that a full change.


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Arctic I think we are on the same boat. Personally I think you should do a gradual changeover.

My current plan is change oil in the pan, then wait 3000 miles change oil in pan again and then 3000 miles after that a full change.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

Hi Pete:

I'm with you on this subject, too.

On the W163 Forum, there was quite a discussion about whether, or not, to change out the tranny fluid for high-mileage ML's.

My local Dealer won't change out high-mileage tranny fluid anymore, because the Dealer has had transmission "failures" (I gather due to 'shock') wherein the transmission discs slip badly afterwards.

I feel caught in between M-B saying the fluid is "Sealed For Life", and Owners whose trannies eventually fail for having not changed the fluid.

Changing a portion of the tranny fluid at a time, seems like taking a reasonable risk to preserve the longer term life of the transmission itself.


God Bless, Arctic

 

have been prepping for one major stop at the indy I use for all my repairs.

Along with the brakes and springs already discussed in another thread I have already purchased Zerex G-05 antifreeze for a complete coolant change, I have no idea how old the one in there is.

Also purchased transmission filter, pan gasket and 8 liters of MB trans oil.

The only thing I would suggest is letting the Indy supply the trans gasket and filter. That way you will probably get a fresh gasket and no argument that possible leaks were due to your gasket vs. his. In your case I wouldn't have any problem removing both the Torque Converter and the Trans plug for a gravity drain. But I wouldn't do a complete flush due to the reasons already discussed. As Albert suggested, pay attention to the color and smell of the oil and place a $1.50 magnet in the pan for possible future shavings. Bolt it back up and discuss a MB SDS "electronic transmission reset" with your Indy. But before you do the trans reset have you thought about replacing your BOSCH Crankshaft Position Sensor? The part is inexpensive and preventative. But the engine needs to be connected to an SDS to erase the "Ignition Application Memory".

You've chosen the right alternative anti-freeze, to prevent corrosion of the Aluminum components, in lieu of the Mercedes coolant. But it's important that your Indy purge the coolant system of any air that might be lodged in the system. Again, you may want to discuss this with him.

FWIW, have you thought about two visits to your Indy? One for a trans, CPS, and coolant and the other to install the suspension and brakes. That way you can segregate any potential problems that may arise. BTW, I don't think you'll have any, but just to be on the safe side.

 

129 Electronis Transmission Fluid Shock?

Lynns the CPS was done sometime in 2011, I remember seeing it on the service records the PO provided.

I did like you idea of breaking up the repairs too.

As far as me providing the filter and gasket, he is a good friend so he just told me to order whatever I need under his acct and pay for it at his discounted rate, so all parts came directly from the MB dealer to his shop already paid by me.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

Am I correct in thinking the earlier 4 speed transmission is not subject to this possible fluid shock issue? Mines booked in for pan & converter service when it get's back from the paint shop next week.

 

Am I correct in thinking the earlier 4 speed transmission is not subject to this possible fluid shock issue?

Hi Norman, unfortunately the earlier or older transmissions generally have a greater risk of fluid shock.

 

The 4-sp (and early 5-sp) are all hydraulic, not electronic.
Electronic ones are 722.6x

 

Thank's Ray, It seems every time I touch anything on this car, it leads to more expense

 

Those with early hydraulic transmission hopefully would have followed a normal service schedule with fluid change etc.
Unfortunately the Electronic 722.6x was first advertised as sealed for life, so there were no MB recommended services listed.

 

It appears the last time my 4 speed may have been done in 2005 at 80,000Klm (50,000mls) The car has travelled another 40,000klm (25,000mls) since then low miles but a along period of time.
Should this present me with any likely issues?

 

Well my friend called saying he can get me in tomorrow if I would like. Looks like we will be doing the pan and possibly the torque converter. Depending on how the oil in there looks and feels viscosity wise we will make a decision on weather or not to empty the torque converter of just hold off for a few more thousand miles and do another small change.

 

Pete do what Ken and Albert advice..... They know a lot about our R129 SL....

 

"Please see the attached 8.11.04.PDF Service Sheet from MB that suggests a 722.6 Trans Oil and Filter Change once at 39,000 miles. So you will find “sealed for life” to “once at 39K miles” to “every 40K miles'. "

FWIW i just bought a '97 SL320 (will post pic's later today) & took it to my Indy yesterday for tranny preventative complete fluid change, steam clean the pan, add the magnet, change fliter, gasket & don't forget changing the transmission cable adaptor wire plug. Anyway, the MB technician said it was a class action lawsuit which got MB to go from "sealed for life" to every "39k miles" as MB knew the fluid would break down no matter what & then potentially damage the tranny. That was my new R129 fact for yesterday.

 

It all depends on what the definition of "life" is. To MB, the "life" of the transmission is the length of the warranty +1day. At which point they'd love to sell you another transmission. When I bought my first ML I had an argument with the Indy mechanic I took it to. Three months later M-B said, "Oops, just kidding. Change your fluids every 39K.."

And as for this "fluid shock," it has all the earmarks of an old wives tale. I've been playing with cars for 50 years and I've never heard of it. And my two MLs that were completely flushed as soon as I bought them, the 320 with 165K and the 500 with 199K, think it's complete hogwash. The only result of said flushes was silky smooth shifting and thousands of miles of subsequent trouble-free motoring. YMMV

 

At least for the newer 129 folks who have the 722.6xx five-speed automatic, I just thought I'd chime in here, since the OE 236.10 fluid is no longer available.

One of the members in the 210 forum found out a great way to find the Shell-approved 134 (236.14) fluid, here's his thread. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1691826-information-ordering-shell-atf-134-a.html

Basically you call or go online to Shell's site and find the closest distributor, then go and buy a case. One guy found a case for $21.18 -- in Hawaii no less.

This is the link to finding a distributor: Distributor Locator - United States

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

 

At least for the newer 129 folks who have the 722.6xx five-speed automatic, I just thought I'd chime in here, since the OE 236.10 fluid is no longer available.

Thanks Greg. "Boy I'd hate to be a cheating girlfriend or wife because you would find me out."

Because I don't buy trans fluid very often this is new to me. Am I to understand that if I wanted to buy the original 722.6 trans fluid p/n A001 989 21 03 10 or p/n A001 989 45 03 10 that have the 236.10 and 11 fluid properties I would be unable to do so?

I understand that MB says that the 722.9 7 speed fluid is compatible with the 722.6 5 speed but the fluid properties have changed and should I be concerned when mixing the two? Is MB saying that I can add 3 liters of 736.12 (new) to 6 liters of 736.10 (old) without a problem?

Sorry, I'm not a oil properties expert but I do know better than to combine two dissimilar properties.

Regards, Lynn

 

Changing Fluids

My own experiences are to Change fluids in cars that I have bought as soon as possible unless documentation is provided to the contrary.

On the 722,6 Transmission, I have it in both of my MB's and I just changed it recently in the 08' E350 . I drained and cleaned Pan, replaced filter and refilled 3 Ltr's of MB synthetic, I removed return line from Radiator and I started car and let 3 liters pump out into measured white plastic 5gallon bucket, I repeated the 3 liter filling until I removed total of 14 Liters. The last of 3 liters was pure red . Reattached Line, started car and ran through gears w Parking and foot brake set. Recehcked level, Topped off and buttoned everything back up after checking with my MB dipstick (Part number 140-xxx-xxx) which I had marked for fill level before draining (To gauge level as it sat cold).

As far as Oil, I to use Mobil1 and have for many years and my experience as far a leaking is ( if it's not leaking now it won't after changing in most cases ), If you have a wet looking seal on the outside , it will leak after changing, reason is, the cleaners in M1 will clean out the old residue/coking or burnt oil on the back side of the seal which was helping to prevent seepage past the seal. (Ask anyone who uses M1 or most good quality synthetics, as they do a great job cleaning the inside of the engine if previously they had Dino oil used.) If you have a high mileage (75k+) go ahead and use the Hi Mileage version. That's why its formulated.

I don't understand the thought of, drain 3 qts. run it for a while, then do it again. You will always have old contaminated fluid in the system. If you have a transmission that is "shocked", you were going to have a issue with in anyway at some point. IMO

Good Luck, these cars are pretty sturdy if maintained.

Mike M

 

Also purchased transmission filter, pan gasket and 8 liters of MB trans oil.

I have been reading the transmission threads (722.6) and from what I gather my 96 will still have the torque converter drain plug, so my intention was to fully drain the trans but I then came across a post saying certain MB techs only recommend changing the fluid in the pan so that certain solenoids/electronics don't go into viscosity shock.

Should I be worried? I never heard of this before. My SL has over 150K and I don't see any service records mentioning any type of transmission work in the records that the PO gave me, so if the viscosity shock is real, then my transmission would probably be a great candidate for this condition, if thats the case I will have the indy only change what is in the pan.

Pete, crazy question but I have to ask.

Does your 1996 SL have a 722.6 five speed?

 

Lynns I can indeed confirm that my SL does have the 5pd transmission. When I ordered the oil the parts counter want VIN to confirm the transmission as he said there are 96s with the 4sp transmissions.

Today I changed the pan oil, filter and gasket. The pan was super clean with not a shaving of metal and no burnt smell so I was quite happy, but being anal threw a magnet in there anyway.

 

I think they start offering 722.6x in Model year 96 (but that x could be 0 ? as my '98 is 722.620)

 

Must be in late 96 because I thought I read that the R129 came with a five speed starting in 1997.

Can someone please verify the release date of a R129 five speed with a web link or attach a document?

I probably already addressed this in days gone past but I'm currently suffering from a SM.

 

Wikipedia says,


1996+ models featured minor facelifts for the car:
Front fender vents updated; only 2 rounded slots, rather than 3 squared slots
Bumpers are now body color
V8 and V12 upgraded to 5 speed electronic transmission; previous transmission was hydraulic 4-speed
Xenon HID headlamps standard on SL600, optional on SL500
Addition of side airbags

 

Well got the transmission fluid changed today. After checking the Star CD, MB's take on my 4 speed was to drain both the pan and torque converter. I sent Albert a PM a while back and he encouraged me to do both :thumbsup:
The Gasket, Filter, both drain plugs and seals where also replaced. It took a little short of the 8 litres of Castrol Dexron III that I purchased to finish the job. I felt the transmission shift change was very good before the service, but it's so linear now that shift changes are very difficult to notice. The pan was free of any kind of foreign bodies, so that was also a big +.
Did the diff oil while at it, which looked well passed it's use by date.

 

I had a thought at 2am this morning while trying to count some sheep. My car is still at my Indy, and thought it might be a good idea to get the transmission serviced while the car was in there.

Having done a quick dig around the forum, and found this thread about viscosity shock, could some kind soul provide me with some personalised advice on the proper course of action on carrying out a transmission service on my early 1992 500SL.

The car has covered just over 96,000mls, and unfortunately, I don’t have any service history on the 4-speed transmission.

Thanks guys.

 

I had mine done (5 speed) last year. The guy I used was an ex MB main dealer techie who's set up on his own. I posed the question, he said "if you use the right fluid and filter never seen a problem" Mine's fine BTW.

 

if your year has a drain plug there is no reason to do all the fluid at once.

i did 3.5 liters for the filter and pan at 75k miles

did another 2.0 liters with the plug about two months later and 1k miles

did another 2.0 liters with the plug about a month and a half liter and 500 miles.

if the theory of fluid shock is valid or invalid it makes little sense to risk it if you have the drain plug

make sure that the mechanic cleans the pan before re installing it

 

if your year has a drain plug there is no reason to do all the fluid at once.

That makes sense, and might be what I end up doing. Thanks.