What Trans Fluid does Mercedes use?

[ctrcbob]

Looking for a used E Class Wagon. Probably an 04 or 05 5-Speed Automatic or perhaps an 06 7-Speed Automatic.

1. What does Mercedes use for Auto Fluid?
2. Any other fluids that can be used?
3. Any idea how many liters or quarts they take.

(E-Class wagons are hard to find)

 

[Kestas]

They use a dealer-only fluid. I don't know if any other fluids are qualified for use in these transmissions.

 

[Whitewolf]

Originally Posted By: ctrcbob
.

1. What does Mercedes use for Auto Fluid?





They are another OEM that specify a certain fluid for a given application. The message is to use what is recommended. Expensive as it may be it's still cheaper than a transmission.

 

[duaneb9729]

you can get the fluid at places other than the dealer to buy the fluid, my local napa has it, and you can order it online

 

[duaneb9729]

i just reread what i wrote smiles i hope it makes better sense to you guys

 

[Whitewolf]

There is more than one fluid.

 

[artificialist]

My mom's 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee uses a Benz 5AT. The manual says to use ATF+4.

 

[Kestas]

There's some discussion on the Benz boards that ATF+4 is okay to use on many applications. One reason cited is that the Chrysler Crossfire runs the same chassis (and exact same transmission) as the Mercedes SLK models. Yet two different fluids are specified for each application. Some think the two different specifications are more for political reasons within the company than for technical reasons. These discussions further state good results with many miles of use in the field, and not just "I tried it and it seems to run okay".

 

[Tempest]

Perhaps the Benz fluid is rebranded +4???

 

[Whitewolf]

Originally Posted By: Tempest
Perhaps the Benz fluid is rebranded +4???

If it's 3353 that you are talking about then I can tell you that is not the case.

 

[e55amgbenz007]

I have often wondered what the reprocussions would be of not using the dealer fluid in my 01 55. I have Redline in it now. Fully flushed. Seems to enjoy it during the last 5k.

 

[swedespeed]

The 5-speed (W5A580, aka 722.6) gearboxes use Esso LT 71141-spec fluid. Chrysler's ATF+4 is such a fluid, and is easily bought at Wal-Mart for less than $4/qt. It is the same fluid that MB bottles and charges its weight in gold by the liter (PN: 001 989 21 03 10).

The 7-speed gearboxes (W7A700) use a new and different fluid (PN: 001 989 45 03 10), which M-B says is back-compatible with older gearboxes, but the LT 71141 fluid cannot be used in the 7-spds.

The W5A580 in an XJR I had took about 9 qts for a drain & fill. Don't know about the 7-speed...

 

[BullyT]

Originally Posted By: swedespeed
The 5-speed (W5A580, aka 722.6) gearboxes use Esso LT 71141-spec fluid. Chrysler's ATF+4 is such a fluid, and is easily bought at Wal-Mart for less than $4/qt. It is the same fluid that MB bottles and charges its weight in gold by the liter (PN: 001 989 21 03 10).


Are you absolutely sure that this is the case? My BMW has a ZF transmission with the Esso LT 71141 "lifetime" fluid that the dealer charges about $20 litre for. The suggestion that Chrysler's ATF+4 is the "same fluid that MB bottles" is great information but with all due respect I'd have to ask how you know that to be the case? I don't want to question your statement but I would be interested in knowing what specific information you have to support it.

 

[Whitewolf]

The Chrysler ATF+4 is NOT the same as LT 71141. Don't ask how I know because I can't tell you so you will just have to take my word.

 

[Rolf]

Originally Posted By: Whitewolf
The Chrysler ATF+4 is NOT the same as LT 71141. ....


Esso LT 71141 is a ZF specified ATF:

http://www.taligentx.com/passat/maintenance/atfchange/ESSOSpecs.pdf

http://www.zf-group.com/pdf/5HP24.pdf

Valvoline, for one, recommends using Mercon V when it's specified, and it looks to be very similar.

Pentosyn, VW, BMW, Mercedes, and a few others sell it under their own brand names.

It's a semi-synthetic high-additive high friction-modified ATF.


.

 

[Whitewolf]

Rolf,
I know what LT 71141 is!

 

[Rolf]

Originally Posted By: Whitewolf
... I know what LT 71141 is!


The comment

"The Chrysler ATF+4 is NOT the same as LT 71141. Don't ask how I know because I can't tell you so you will just have to take my word."

seemed to be an invitation to explain what LT71141 is, what is made for, and why it is not the same as Chrysler ATF+4.





,

 

[Whitewolf]

Sorry mate, can't do that. All that I can tell you is that 71141 was primarily developed as an anti-shudder fluid.

 

[Big Jim]

"71141 was primarily developed as an anti-shudder fluid"

As was ATF+3, ATF+4, and Mercon V. That is what the high friction modifier content is about.

It is interesting to note (and I was aware of it before) that ATF+4 works well enough in the Mercedes 5 speed for it to be specified when that trans is used in Dodge and Chrysler vehicles.

 

[Whitewolf]

The anti-shudder characteristics are linked to the friction material and reaction surface as well as the control system. Those factors vary between OEMs according to their individual designs.