[DETANE]

MY RIDE INFO:

Model ML 430
Chassis 1631721A059945
Engine 113942 30 016473
Transmission 722663 01 023424 (Takes 9.9 qts)

I know that my 5 speed transmission originally came filled with 236.10 from factory. The next spec 236.12 was for the new 7 speed transmission. 5 speed can use this fluid too. 2 years later, MB changed recommendation for 7 speed to 236.14. 5 speed can use this fluid as well. 236.10, 236.12 and 236.14 are all accepted fluid for 722.6 (5 speed automatic)


Ok guys, I know there was a lot of talk about this issue, and the fluid I found is now on the New fluid approved list. It meets the NEW SPEC. (The current spec is 236.14 for 722.6xx..).
After much research (phone calls, driving, web searches, etc..) I found that SHELL is the distributer and manufacture of the MB Transmission fluid here in the USA. Yep!
SHELL Corp. I was informed about the SHELL ATF 134 P#5080660. 12qt. per case. It meets the 236.14 Spec. And yes, they supply this to MB, just a different label.

Deon and Sons (SHELL Petroleum products Distributer in Van Nuys CA)
1-(818)-786-8180 (Ask for Jennifer)
$59.79 (12qt. per case) Thats $4.98 per qt.

Yes I know, I need proof, so here you go. Below is the new spec update (meets the 236.14 spec), followed by the older spec update (3353 meets the 236.12 spec).

BIG thanks to Wolfgang for the web link:
Mercedes-Benz Operating Fluids-Extranet

 

[Magweed]

That is a great deal. Thanks for sharing

 

[DETANE]

no problema

 

[NandoML]

I just read a few hours ago the transmission 722.6 (5 speed) is maintenance free, so no oil changes for the life of the vehicle, unless you have a leak or contamination.

Is that true?

 

[mbenz80]

No, it is not true! Even synthetic fluids are not a "lifetime" fill but I would call it a " warranty over fill". Trust me, I bought my ML with broken transmission for half what it should of be sold for (lucky me) and I have a nice ride because someone believed it!
Bernard

 

[DETANE]

I just read a few hours ago the transmission 722.6 (5 speed) is maintenance free, so no oil changes for the life of the vehicle, unless you have a leak or contamination.

Is that true?

This topic has been proven time and time again to be NoT Sealed For Life.
MB life time means 100K miles. After you hit 100K you should change the fluid. Please keep in mind the manual was published many years back when the earth was flat, and when the sun revolved around the earth. Time and science have disproved the Sealed for life notion. Just ask any of the members on here who had to get a new transmission because they too thought it was sealed for life.

I am in no way trying to poke fun at you. I know sometimes I may come off as an [email protected]@.

 

[ajobmusee]

sweet!! what a valuable info.thanks...

 

[B&kML350]

Backward compatibility

is this fluid fuliy backward compatible with the fluid already in my transmission
or would I need to do a drain of about 8 qts (form the trans and converter) to use it

 

[DETANE]

is this fluid fuliy backward compatible with the fluid already in my transmission
or would I need to do a drain of about 8 qts (form the trans and converter) to use it

From what I read, it is backwards compatible. But I would just drain out the old fluid to be safe. My 99 ML430 takes 9.9 qts.

 

[B&kML350]

compatibale

the reason I asked was I was thinking of changing the fluid in the Trans (the 3.5 gts) at every other oil change to keep it fresh that would be about 1/3 of the total every 20k miles Thoughts ??

 

[benz_al]

Thanks!

 

[DETANE]

Thanks!

your welcome. I'm trying to save us all time and money. Dealers sure do rip us off. Im sure there will be a couple of folks who will still buy the dealer Sticker brand.

 

[NandoML]

Ok, so, not sealed for life, and now it turns out not sealed for 100K either.
20K seems to be the number.

My ML is 30K, maybe I should start thinking abt changing the fluid.
Last time I done something like this was on a Opel Omega and it had 1 or 2 filters inside the box. Is this also the case for the 722.6?

 

[B&kML350]

Have my 05 at the dealer today to look it over before the warranty expires. He claims the M/B is recommending the fluid and filter to be changed at 60k intervals so having that changed while it's there.

 

[DETANE]

Good to hear MB is letting customers know it's not sealed for life. I wish they would just recall all the MB transmissions and give us new ones =)

 

[Dan P]

Great find, I changed my fluid at around 100k when I had a little bit of work done. I can't remember precisely but isn't the MB fluid like 50% more expensive?

 

[Noodles]

It is $15 a liter.

 

[SeattleBenzNut]

Strong

DETANE--can we look forward to another video?

 

[DETANE]

Im leaning towards no videos. I get a lot of heat from members who disagree with how I do things. So maybe.

 

[[email protected]]

whats the difference between the shell that detane has posted and the mobil1 synthetic atf. also is the shell sold at like autozone or other auto part store. thank for the help.