[deyainrdy4ds]

joe ur gunna love how it feels after the fresh tranny fluid...felt like a brand new transmission when i did it

 

[Check Codes]

Also thank you gregs210 for making it clear to all what while Valvoline has not paid to have the fluid certified by MB it does meet the 236.10 spec.

Apparently you must have gone to one of those correspondence journalism (or poly-sci) schools; for all the loquacious rhetoric, you still twist the truth. No rational, thinking person could conclude that I made clear what you assert.

That VALVOLINE says it meets the spec is IRRELEVANT to whether it actually meets the spec.

Who defined the spec? Valvoline? Mobil1? John at the corner garage? Goofy? poptopclk?

None of the above. Mercedes-Benz defined the spec. Thus, they are the ones who get the determinative say on that discrete issue. For whatever reason (including financial, though they certainly have the money to spend if they wish) Valvoline has chosen not to submit their fluid for certification. Thus, MB does not include it, so it does not meet spec. Period.

Let's see if I can draw you a more useful analogy.

Your kid comes home from college for the summer. You ask how school is going. He says, "Hey, dad, I'm doing A+ work there. Top drawer, good stuff." Report card comes and you ask him how come he's got a C- average. "Dad," he says, "Trust me. I just don't play the professors' games. But I'm telling you, I'm doing A+ work."

Now perhaps that argument flies for you, but it doesn't for me. (True, I think we both trust Valvoline more than we do a mediocre college student.) But in this analogy, the professors are the folks at MB, and they are the ones administering the tests and handing out the grades. They haven't given Maxlife a passing grade.

That's all I'm saying. You can continue in your refusal to believe it, just like the college student, but that's the fact.

Simply put, the fluid does not meet spec simply because Valvoline (or any other manufacturer) says it does.

Now of course you're operating on the other side of the coin: Valvoline says it works and thus far you've had success with it in one transmission. Well, great, and I honestly wish you continued success and longevity. But that doesn't mean it meets spec, either. Hey, I'm not even denigrating you for putting the stuff in your car; if people don't try things, there isn't any learning that way, either.

I merely think it's important that others reading these threads not go off half-cocked thinking that Maxlife is spec fluid. They should rightly understand that Valvoline says it is; but if they want to be 100% sure, they should put in a fluid that actually meets the spec.

 

[peterliu2000]

(emphasis supplied)

My, my, my, I've managed to bring out the snide teenager in you.

Although everyone else knows it, let's clarify it: a 722.6xx transmission is a 722.6xx transmission regardless of the chassis.

And that's exceedingly poor form, poptop. Drivetrain-wise, your car is more 210 than anything else, and you'd be wise to take a look at the wealth of information in the 210 stickies because much of it pertains to your car. Apparently you'd rather act like a petulant child than learn and grow with the rest of us.

Oh, and by the way, there is an "IGNORE" feature available, then you don't have to be subjected to reading my posts.


That said, it appears Valvoline has tinkered with the formula. Out of continued curiosity, I sent them another email. (Since I'm interested in learning instead of arguing.) I'm attaching their response.

But let me spell it out so folks don't have to open the attachment: Valvoline represents that Maxlife meets MB spec 236.10. They acknowledge that it does NOT meet newer spec 236.12, 14 or 20.

They also freely acknowledge the point I've been repeating: MB has not certified it.

So for those for whom price is the predominant factor, Maxlife may be worth considering.

For those looking for a fluid certified by MB as appropriate, Maxlife should continue to be ignored.

Considering this needs to be done at roughly 50,000 mile intervals (about every four years for me), I'm happy to spend the few extra dollars on fluid that actually has been certified by Mercedes; after all, they had a hand in building the transmission, so I tend to think they know better than I what fluid should be used in it.

Of course I also have a dealer that sells the OE fluid for $11 a liter, so it's an easier sell. OTOH, they overcharge for most things, so it's only fair.

Back to 2005, Mercedes has a memo said "Maxlife ATF" is recommanded for 236.10 (5-Speed). but there is not in the label of Maxlife or specification in the Valvoline Website until 2010. Valvoline is official claim it is recommended for Mercedes's NAG1. It is sale for $3.97 at Walmart. I have used it for a year. just drain the plug and refill 2.8-3 quarts each year to keep it fresh. There is no such claim for "Lifetime" ATF even with the Mercedes's OEM ATF. Cheap/Best insurance is drain and refill ATF every 20K miles.

 

[musky74]

As to your analogy of the college student..............I say rather than Mercedes not listing it as approved since Valvoline says it meets specs, how about you get Mercedes to say it doesn't meet their specs...as opposed to it's not "on the Mercedes approved" list.

 

[poptopclk]

update

It has now been over 2 years & 25,000 miles since using the Maxlife flush
with new filter & gasket.

The car drives & shifts absolutely perfectly.

I personally feel this tends to validate Maxlife as very suitable for this
vehicle's transmission

 

[Pancho]

Same here. I did a flush of Trans. and converter with Max Life 27,000 miles ago. Not a problem. There is an MB tech. service bulletin that has Max Life as a compliant fluid, and there is a Max Life compliance letter stating that it is fully compatible with the MB fluid. Both these documents are all over the MB forums. Find them. Read them.

There is also a federal statute in the US regarding fair trade practices that requires that the specs must be made public--you can not manufacture a product, then attempt to monopolize the market. Not the formula, but the specs must be released so as to allow competition in the U.S..

Additionally, MB is not an oil refinery. It does not refine or manufacture its fluid. Its fluid is made for MB by a third party. MB takes a $3 bottle of fluid, re-brands it with an official MB label, then proceeds to make suckers out of its loyal customers at $20 a bottle. Nothing new here.

Anyone that throws their money at the MB parts counter, deserves it.

 

[kas1419]

ATF FLuid

I have a 2001 CLK 320 with just under 50k miles, do you guys think it's time to change the ATF fluid? if so, Which Valvoline Maxlife should I use specifically? I have located the Shell ATF 134 here:

Auto Transmission Fluid Shell 134 for Sprinter, 5080660, Pennzoil

Also when performing the flush, did all of you add a magnet to the bottom of the pan?

 

[poptopclk]

I used Maxlife

Get the gallon jug of Maxlife dex/merc

It is now 103,000 and going since flush and still shifts so smoothly and powerfully.

The shell is not exactly what I would use in this Benz although I did use it in my S class with the 7 speed transmission 722.9

 

[CA-OR-CLK320]

Greg I give credit where due. You help alot of people. I like people speaking there mind. Even though we sometimes disagree, open discussions tend to create a better outcome.

Poptop is using what works and two thumbs up. But having said that I also think its prudent to follow MB specs.
I did find this on Valvoline web. If I read this right Maxlife is made from base or mineral not synthetics which is probably where the low price point figures into all this
Valvoline.com > Products > Automatic Transmission Products > Automatic Transmission Fluid > MaxLife® DEX/MERC ATF

My only concerns are owners being given an overly expensive rebottled/relabelled generic 134 ATF fluid. If Fuchs has the license and owns the rights for the synthetic 134 and makes Mobil1 & MB 134 its all the same regardless of what brand of bottle. Its shamefull to overcharge owners in the guise of MB Corporate branding exclusivity

The Valvoline MaxLife™ ATF Advantages: • Synthetic fluid • Conditions transmission seals to prevent leaks • Reduces varnish formation and wear • Improves and maintains smooth shifting longer than conventional automatic transmission fluids • Provides excellent flow properties at low temperatures and greater film protection at high temperatures • Maximizes the life of higher mileage transmissions

http://www.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife_atf.pdf

 

[ps2cho]

Hey guys,

2002 CLK320 /w 104k miles...no history of transmission fluid change, so want to do it.
I've used Valvoline Maxlife in my 722.3 transmissions and it has treated me well, and with $18/qt vs $3.50/qt...its a no brainer to me along with reading this entire thread post by post.

I understand the 2002 probably does NOT have a torque convertor drain plug right?

So what's my best option? Drop pan, removal of cooler lines?
How can I properly refill to the correct amount?

 

[Hary Gahtoe]

Use a "service level tool". You can order them off ebay for cheap or Rock Auto etc,
MB called the trans a "sealed" or lifetime trans so it didn't come with a dipstick but you could buy the MB tech's tool and Oila' you have a measured amount on it.

 

[poptopclk]

no torque converter bolt

Over on the W210 forum there is a way to get ALL the old fluid out & you absolutely want to.

Gatoe is right about the dipstick tool keep in mind it is only accurate at 90C so make sure it is quite warmed up when you check the level and over fill will destroy the tranny, so don't do that either

 

[ps2cho]

I have an IR thermometer so I'll definitely check it at temp.

I read about the method, but can you refill fast enough for the fluid that shoots out the cooler lines? I know I did that method on my 300TE once (long story) and it comes out FAST...So can you refill quick enough and how will you know once everything has cycled through?

 

[Pancho]

I have an IR thermometer so I'll definitely check it at temp.

I read about the method, but can you refill fast enough for the fluid that shoots out the cooler lines? I know I did that method on my 300TE once (long story) and it comes out FAST...So can you refill quick enough and how will you know once everything has cycled through?

Whatever process you are describing Re. "fill fast enough...fluid shoots out of cooler lines" is looney. Forget that. There is a sane way to do this.

First do transmission:
Drain transmission pan. Reinstall drain plug. Fill transmission to appropriate level. Approx 4 Qts.

Then do torque converter:
Take an empty gallon bottle of windshield washer fluid, mark it with a sharpie at quart increments. connect a length of clear poly hose to the interrupted transmission cooler line using a hose clamp (3-5 Ft.). Put the other end of the hose into the bottle. Stay at the bottle. Tell your friend in the car to start the engine. When the bottle gets a quart of old transmission fluid, tell your friend to turn off the engine. It takes only a few seconds to get a quart. Empty the Qt. of old fluid out of the bottle. Then pour a quart of new fluid into the transmission dipstick tube. Repeat until the new red fluid comes out of the poly hose. If 15 Qts., then repeat 15 times. I ran an extra quart of so of Valvoline Maxlife through the system, until it came out nice and red. Check your fluid level. If it's a bit high, then take out a bit more. Button every thing up. Then check your level again, and top it off. Done.

Warning:
You might be able to do two quarts at a time, but I wouldn't do that. You don't want to risk depleting the 3-4 Qt. reservoir in your transmission pan while you are cycling old fluid out of your torque converter. Also, have read that the torque converter pick up from the transmission pan will only reach two quarts of the pan reservoir. That's why i did it one quart at a time.

Let us know how things work out.

 

[poptopclk]

pancho Problemo

However, there is NO DRAIN PLUG on W208 transmission pan

You can lift car & drop pan then empty pan in to measured bottle(s)
replace with same amount after replacing cleaned pan with new filter

so if you drain out 4 qts of old pour in 4 quarts of new then keep as pancho suggested doing a quart at a time

 

[Hary Gahtoe]

Over on the W210 forum there is a way to get ALL the old fluid out & you absolutely want to.

Gatoe is right about the dipstick tool keep in mind it is only accurate at 90C so make sure it is quite warmed up when you check the level and over fill will destroy the tranny, so don't do that either

The service tool has 2 measures. 1 @ cold & 1 @ running temp. The level needs to be in that range.
And FWIW, I don't know if it's because I have the last yr (03) my pan has a drain plug. I just took for granted they all had them.
While your ordering the service tool it's also a good idea to order the MB non reusable filer cap for the trans filler tube. You have to break it to get it off because MB "didn't" feel you need to fill or check levels on a "lifetime" trans.
Good Luck!

 

[bobbyjo9]

And FWIW, I don't know if it's because I have the last yr (03) my pan has a drain plug. I just took for granted they all had them.

Im with you Hary... my 02 has a plug too??

 

[kaigen]

I have been searching MB or Fuchs 236.10 fluid for a while but no success in US. After reading all the posts about the 236.10, I can't still decide between either Max Life or MB / Mobil ATF134...

Which I should go????

 

[Pancho]

hmmm?

However, there is NO DRAIN PLUG on W208 transmission pan

You can lift car & drop pan then empty pan in to measured bottle(s)
replace with same amount after replacing cleaned pan with new filter

so if you drain out 4 qts of old pour in 4 quarts of new then keep as pancho suggested doing a quart at a time

I don't think you are right about that. My 2000 has a drain plug in the Trans. pan. What the W208 lacks is a drain plug in the torque converter. I have never heard anyone else reporting that the Trans. pan lacks a plug.

 

[kaigen]

follow up

I changed the oil with Mobil ATF134 7 months ago. The car runs perfectly since then.