[Mercedes Benz of Florida]

I'm due for a Transmission Filter and Oil change this saturday
I'm doing it myself at Macdill Air Force Base in Tampa

I understand I will need 8.0 Quarts
Plus New Transmission Filter

I will also change out the Differential Fluid, Rear
I'll need to change out 2.3 Pints

May I use Mercon III? For Tranny AND Differential?
How about Dexron III? For Tranny AND Differential?
I hear all over the boards that Mercon III is an excellent substitute for the Dealership MB Tranny Fluid

Is that right?

Secondly; WHAT IS VERBOTTEN?
What must I NOT do?

Here's the really big question;
May I use a Full Synthetic Fluid?
Such as Amsoil ATF? Or Mobil 1 Full ATF?

What I'm doing is dropping the pan
Cleaning the pan with lint free cloth
Changing out Torque Converter Fluid at 6 O'clock position
Drain the Torque Converter

I want everything all nice and new and fresh.
I think my MB deserves it

 

[lee polowczuk]

I use mobil 1 in my w124's

I have never changed the rear differential fluid.... everyone says make sure you unscrew the fill plug first... because if you do the drain..and then can't undo the fill you are screwed.

 

[Kirill]

I woudn't not risk with Non-MB fluid in tranny. It may work - but for how long ?

How to on rear diff fluid - should be the same for your car.
SLK32 Differential Oil Change

 

[MarcusF]

I woudn't not risk with Non-MB fluid in tranny. It may work - but for how long ?

How to on rear diff fluid - should be the same for your car.
SLK32 Differential Oil Change

+1!

 

[ProV1x]

You may certainly change those fluids and use whatever fluid you want, but keep in mind that'll be more for your emotional satisfaction and believing "My Mercedes deserved it", rather than actual documented proven benefit that these prolong the life of the car.

MB's official word is still "lifetime" fill, and I am not aware of any suits or recalls b/c of the differential & AT failing due to lack of fluid changes. I have heard of the opposite, replacing the fluid causing transmission failure. Of course the indy shops will tell you to change them, it's more $ for them. The color of ATF (not smell) has nothing to do with its performance.

Be sure to use an OEM dipstick tool and measure both cold & 80C levels on flat level ground after the change. 722.6s are very sensitive to fluid levels and you can f##k it up. There is a chance you won't even see a torque converter drain plug.

Lastly, be safe and have fun!

 

[sokoloff]

It would be very helpful if we knew the model car and transmission you are talking about.

Len

 

[Jayhawk]

I would stick w/ OEM fluids across the board!

 

[Musikmann]

I would stick w/ OEM fluids across the board!

Ditto.

 

[Kirill]

I would stick w/ OEM fluids across the board!

Mobil1 is the best for Engine oil and Differential (Recommended by MB), coolant and tranny fluid must have MB label, not sure about Brake fluid. Basically stick with whatever MB recommends - if they say to use only MB fluid for tranny - use it. Audi guys learned it expensive way.

 

[II kings 920]

Just did the 00 S430 Differential fluid today. Very easy, I used my low rise ramps. I used M1 75W90. It took nearly a full 2 quarts. I also put a magnet on the lower drain bolt since the plugs are not magnetized.

 

[Matt L]

Sticking with M-B brand fluid for the older (non-electronic) transmission is somewhat difficult. I asked for some at my local dealer, and they told me to go to any other parts house; they buy thier Dexron by the 55 gallon jug and don't resell it.

For the electronic transmission (722.6 and above) you must use M-B fluid.

I just changed the fuild in my differential, and it is extremely helpful to have an impact wrench to remove the plugs. You will need a swivel joint.

 

[II kings 920]

I was able to "break" my differential bolts without the impact wrench and the fill bolt was an easy reach with a socket extension and no swivel, the drain bolt is right in your face. I was prepared to break out the air wrench if for no other reason than the sound. Luckily I picked up a 3 peice hex head socket set for cheap somewhere years ago that included 12,14, and 17mm that I used to change the oil on my Peugeot 505 SD.

I chose to do mine on ramps and did not worry if only 99% drained out.

 

[300B]

Mobil1 is the best for Engine oil and Differential (Recommended by MB), coolant and tranny fluid must have MB label, not sure about Brake fluid. Basically stick with whatever MB recommends - if they say to use only MB fluid for tranny - use it. Audi guys learned it expensive way.

LOL,do you also only use MB wiper fluid?

A lot of this stuff is just meaningless kickback for the OEM pockets.

I am currently running Super Tech High Mileage ATF in my 722.6 tranny with no problem at all.

BTW,many VW Audi guys are now using M1 ATF in the super "special" auto trannys now with zero problems.

 

[Jayhawk]

LOL,do you also only use MB wiper fluid?

A lot of this stuff is just meaningless kickback for the OEM pockets.

I am currently running Super Tech High Mileage ATF in my 722.6 tranny with no problem at all.

BTW,many VW Audi guys are now using M1 ATF in the super "special" auto trannys now with zero problems.

I'm curious about the track record to which you refer. Over how many years have have these products been used and compared--w/ "zero problems"?

 

[deanyel]

This has been great fun but our original poster has disappeared on us - without ever telling us whether he has a 722.6 transmission, and without that information the question is unanswerable.

 

[Mercedes Benz of Florida]

This has been great fun but our original poster has disappeared on us - without ever telling us whether he has a 722.6 transmission, and without that information the question is unanswerable.

Dang it guys. SORRY.
I was away on Military duty and its been a fog lately.

Exactly how do I know if I have a 722.6? Or another one?
I'm going to have to invest in a MB service manual.

I feel unprepared not knowing specs, procedures, how to...

I have a : 2000 MB C230 Kompressor

 

[sokoloff]

You likely don't have a torque converter drain plug then, so four liters is about all you will be able to drain. That transmission calls for the MB branded product. It is available for $7 or $11 per liter depending on which flavor you use. The cheaper stuff is for the new transmissions, but it is backwards compatible. Why someone would use something other than the correct fluid is silly IMO. Synthetic Mobil 1 is about the same price as the correct fluid. Even if it wasn't, for about $4 or $5 a year, I'll use the correct fluid. I'm not enough of a gambler to bet a $5000 transmission on it.

Len

 

[MarcusF]

A 2000 C230K has a 722.605 transmission.

 

[Mercedes Benz of Florida]

A 2000 C230K has a 722.605 transmission.

Thanks Marcus! Now I know.

 

[JOE55]

I would stick w/ OEM fluids across the board!

+1...:thumbsup: