PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

slowmoe · #8 07-27-2003, 10:54 PM

Thanks for the help, Gilly. After getting the correct parts I managed to finish the job. As it turns out I did not damage the pan drain plug as suspected. The plug is covered by some type of tough rubber material - this is what was damaged. I put in a new one anyway.

For posterity I will answere my initial question:

1) If you have a 5mm allen wrench and other common home tools this is a DIY

2) There is a trans drain plug. Yes you should top side. I say this for two reasons: 1) I believe you will get more fluid out than if you drain. 2) You will not need to remove the likely stubborn drain plug coating - 1st time trans service.

3) Put a wrench on the nut on the crankshaft pully and rotate the engine until you see the 5mm hex nut on the TC. Remove and drain.

4) Issues:

a) The dealership in my case was not aware of the fact that this was not a non-electronic transmission. Even after I provided them with the VIN # and the ID number Gilly mentioned - I still got the wrong part.

b) Be sure to ask for the copper drain plug washer and the aluminium TC plug washer

c) Pan only holds about 2 qts of fluid. In my case there was another 4 in the TC.

d) The trans pan bolts are very loose. Be careful not to overtighten as the pan can damage the soft rubber gasket

e) There is a 5mm drain plug on the pan - do not be fooled by the rubber coating if the trans has never been serviced before

f) When adding fluid, only add 3.5 qts at first. Then turn the car on and allow the vaccum to draw the fuid form the pan and into circulation. Otherwise the fluid will come out of the dipstick!!

5) MB fluid for this trans was not availible from my dealership - see above. I did use M1 because it is synthetic like the factory fill was

6) The cork gasket from the old trans filter stayed with the trans when I removed the filter. I did not notice this until it caught my eye when putting on the new filter. Be sure this is removed with the old filter

Step by step:

1) topside out the trans pan fluid
2) turn engine and drain TC - replace correct washer
3) remove six bolts holding trans pan
4) remove 3 philips head screws holding filter
5) replace filter
6) clean and replace pan with new gasket
7) Add 3.5 qts of new fluid
8) start car and idle for a minute
9) top-off
10) be care to follow correct fluid level instructions per manual

Well, that is the truth the best I can see it. I hope this is helpful for someone in the future.

Please correct me if any of the above is inacurate. Thanks.