Which ATF to use for 1997 Mercedes E420 with 100k?
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What risk? These Mercedes transmission die at 100k anyway.
Argue all you want, 100k on OEM fill guarantees a soon to die transmission.
And, Amsoil doesn't recommend their ATF for every application. They have a list of specs they haven't tested for.
Argue all you want, 100k on OEM fill guarantees a soon to die transmission.
And, Amsoil doesn't recommend their ATF for every application. They have a list of specs they haven't tested for.
What are you talking about ? My 1994 LS400 had the first transmission fluid change at 80k miles, second change at 160k miles, it has 170k miles on odo right now and it shifts as smooth as 12 years ago.
The OP just bought his E420 with 100k miles and its transmission fluid was not changed, he wants to change the fluid and I said he should use MB fluid because it is only fluid recommended by MB, don't try to save few dollars with ATF+4 because the risk is high and the saving is too little. Is that a wrong recommendation ?
How many Mercedes transmission on OEM fill die at 100k miles ? Do you have a number ?
No, but the tranny shop that I worked in got a lot of Mercedes work. Their transmissions, IMO, are no better then any other automaker. Lack of maintenance will kill it like any other transmission. 100k on ATF is torture for a transmission. Get a UOA on that 100k ATF, along with particle counts, TAN/TBN, and then get comments on it.
I just got major tune-up for my '00 E430 with 80k miles done yesterday: Transmission fluid, Power Steering fluid, Brake fluid, Coolant fluid, Differential fluid, Engine oil, Rear brake pads and rotors, Spark plugs, front and rear Bilstein shocks.
All the fluids are still good, no bad smell, no metal shaving in transmisson or differential fluids. After all works were done, I could not feel any different before and after those fluids had been changed. The only different I could detect is the ride is firmer now and the handling is better than before.
The point I tried to make was using MB transmission fluid as recommended is safer than ATF+4, and the extra cost is no more than $40 per 5-6 years is not the kind of risk MB owners should take.
All the fluids are still good, no bad smell, no metal shaving in transmisson or differential fluids. After all works were done, I could not feel any different before and after those fluids had been changed. The only different I could detect is the ride is firmer now and the handling is better than before.
The point I tried to make was using MB transmission fluid as recommended is safer than ATF+4, and the extra cost is no more than $40 per 5-6 years is not the kind of risk MB owners should take.
I'm agreeing with HTSS ER (I think)
This is what amazes me. How much does a car cost? How much do transmissions cost? What is the cost of a good fluid to keep it all working?
Can someone help me with this? To me it makes no sense to skimp on the lube!
This is what amazes me. How much does a car cost? How much do transmissions cost? What is the cost of a good fluid to keep it all working?
Can someone help me with this? To me it makes no sense to skimp on the lube!
The passenger rear shock has small fluid leak and the ride is getting floaty lately, I decided to change all 4 conners. The car is riding much better now, firm but not hash, just as it was 6 years ago. I think it worths the $500 parts/labors for 4 Bilstein shocks.
Power steering, brake and differential fluids are aftermarket. But Transmission fluid is MB part# 001-989-45-03-10, it is $8.50 at my local dealer. I use this fluid because MBUSA states that "Only use this approved fluid". Why take chance using ATF+4 which may or may not compatible with MB fluid and the saving is no more than $50/6years, about $8/yr. The only things I bought at dealer are the fluid above and the transmission pan magnet, all other parts and fluids were bought online or at Walmart. I don't like to spend more than I have to, but if the saving is too little and the risk is too high, i would not take that risk.
Power steering, brake and differential fluids are aftermarket. But Transmission fluid is MB part# 001-989-45-03-10, it is $8.50 at my local dealer. I use this fluid because MBUSA states that "Only use this approved fluid". Why take chance using ATF+4 which may or may not compatible with MB fluid and the saving is no more than $50/6years, about $8/yr. The only things I bought at dealer are the fluid above and the transmission pan magnet, all other parts and fluids were bought online or at Walmart. I don't like to spend more than I have to, but if the saving is too little and the risk is too high, i would not take that risk.
This is very interesting.
pardon the hijack - but I have an '01 S500 that makes no mention of ATF service intervals in the manual. I do not know what model transmission it has. I had planned to just leave it in, but now not so sure.
car has 72k on it, and the original ATF. should I get it changed? does anyone know if you can flush the ATF yourself (via cooler line) on these cars?
unDummy - you have experience with these cars?
thanks!
pardon the hijack - but I have an '01 S500 that makes no mention of ATF service intervals in the manual. I do not know what model transmission it has. I had planned to just leave it in, but now not so sure.
car has 72k on it, and the original ATF. should I get it changed? does anyone know if you can flush the ATF yourself (via cooler line) on these cars?
unDummy - you have experience with these cars?
thanks!
That transmission is 722.6, the newest transmission is 722.9. If you read MB techs recommendation on www.mercedesshop.com, you will see that they flush their own transmissions at around 60k-100k miles. All parts and fluids to flush 772.6 is less than $100, labor is another $50-$100 and you do not need to do it again for another 5-6 years.
There is pictures and steps to flush ATF of 772.6:
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=148108&highlight=atf+w210
There is pictures and steps to flush ATF of 772.6:
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=148108&highlight=atf+w210
^cool. thanks for the info. no mention of cooler line exchange. maybe we don't have cooler lines?
Kestas
Staff member
No practical need for the cooler line method if you can drain the torque converter with the pan.
maybe, but wouldn't you still be missing the stuff in the cooler & lines (if, in fact, these cars have ATF coolers)? also, with a pan drop (which is more work than cooler method) I think you still don't get the fluid that stays up in the gearbox/valvebody. of course you don't get a new filter with the cooler method.
Kestas
Staff member
Your comment that "you don't get a new filter with the cooler method" isn't true because you can still change the filter AND use the cooler line method. Mercedes transmission pans have a drain plug, so there's always the option of not dropping the pan without the cooler line method.
On the Mercedes boards, people are happy with draining the pan and torque converter, since it gets some 80%? of the fluid changed and it's a more elegant way to change the fluid than the messy cooler line method.
On the Mercedes boards, people are happy with draining the pan and torque converter, since it gets some 80%? of the fluid changed and it's a more elegant way to change the fluid than the messy cooler line method.
Cooler line isn't messy. It just takes a tad bit of skill and a means of extending hoses for aiming. But, some vehicles run 'water hoses/pipes' and not ATF flow. I've only seen one type of vehicle without some active ATF cooling. And, those ZF's were known to fail before 30k.
If you have a TC drainplug, by all means use it. If not or you don't want to drop the pan, cooler line method is the way to go. Drainplugs are easiest and just require a shorter mileage interval, more multiple drain/refills with driving in between, since it removes the least amount of fluid.
Don't touch your ATF if you don't have the means of checking the level correctly. Filling up with the amount drained is NOT acceptable. Thats just the starting point. Dipstick kit or computer is mandatory on those dipstickless transmissions.
And, at 80k miles, you are overdue for ATF maintenance.
If you have a TC drainplug, by all means use it. If not or you don't want to drop the pan, cooler line method is the way to go. Drainplugs are easiest and just require a shorter mileage interval, more multiple drain/refills with driving in between, since it removes the least amount of fluid.
Don't touch your ATF if you don't have the means of checking the level correctly. Filling up with the amount drained is NOT acceptable. Thats just the starting point. Dipstick kit or computer is mandatory on those dipstickless transmissions.
And, at 80k miles, you are overdue for ATF maintenance.
If you're gonna play that game and want the proof...
http://wkjeeps.com/wk_maintenance.htm#TRANS
That website is maintained by a Chrysler insider.
GMan has been on this forum a LOT longer than you or me. He knows his stuff. I understand you work on transmissions but it wouldn't hurt to give others the benefit of the doubt.
http://wkjeeps.com/wk_maintenance.htm#TRANS
That website is maintained by a Chrysler insider.
GMan has been on this forum a LOT longer than you or me. He knows his stuff. I understand you work on transmissions but it wouldn't hurt to give others the benefit of the doubt.
Googled "001 989 45 03 10" and this comes up:
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/sprinter.html
Fifth page:
"Automatic Transmission - Diagnostic Tear-Down Procedure service bulletin
Chrysler issued a service bulletin for automatic transmissions. For the NAG1 Sprinter 5 speed transmission they recommend a fluid change interval of 60,000 miles and ATF with Mopar part number 05127382AB. Mercedes-Benz also sells an ATF suitable for this transmission with part number 001 989 450310 with a list price of $7.50 per liter.
Read the automatic transmission TSB here
MB ATF 001 989 45 03 10
issued 4/8/2006"
Is "Mopar part number 05127382AB" the same with "ATF +4, type 9602" ? How much is it cost ? Is it a lot less than $8.50/liter my MB dealer charged ? My cost is about $70, 7.75% sale tax included, for 8 liters.
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/sprinter.html
Fifth page:
"Automatic Transmission - Diagnostic Tear-Down Procedure service bulletin
Chrysler issued a service bulletin for automatic transmissions. For the NAG1 Sprinter 5 speed transmission they recommend a fluid change interval of 60,000 miles and ATF with Mopar part number 05127382AB. Mercedes-Benz also sells an ATF suitable for this transmission with part number 001 989 450310 with a list price of $7.50 per liter.
Read the automatic transmission TSB here
MB ATF 001 989 45 03 10
issued 4/8/2006"
Is "Mopar part number 05127382AB" the same with "ATF +4, type 9602" ? How much is it cost ? Is it a lot less than $8.50/liter my MB dealer charged ? My cost is about $70, 7.75% sale tax included, for 8 liters.
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