240D Manual Transmission Oil?
 

Hi, Folks-

I recently purchased a 1982 240D with a 4 speed manual transmission. I just love the car, but it came without an owner's manual. I want to change the transmission oil, but I haven't been able to find out what type/grade of transmission oil I should use. I did find someone who had posted a 1976 240D manual on the web. I think that manual said to use automatic transmission fluid, but that seemed strange.

Does anyone out there know what the proper oil for a 82 240D transmission is? Any recommendations on brand would be welcomed as well.

Thanks in advance,

Max Behensky

some of the years
 

do specify auto fluid. others 10w30 motor oil. i have one with worn second gear synchros that i recently put 15w40 in and it is working very nicely.

tom w

I have a 1982 owner's manual that includes the 240D with manual transmission. The fluid table lists "1.3 l/1.4 US qt of Engine Oil SAE 10W/20 W-20."

My opinion, for whatever it's worth, it to run Redline MTL synthetic. The added cost is insignificant as you only need to change it every few years and it's kind to your synchros especially if you live where it's cold.

I put this in my BMW, it works good. Its specially formulated to give the synchros the perfect amount of friction. I tried a bunch of different oils, and Redline MTL is the best yet. Alot of race teams use it. My trans used to grind, when shifted fast, and it hasen't grinded since I put in the MTL.

I wouldnt run anything but Redline MTL in my 5 speeds :)

My 240D has only made it 533,000 miles using Mobil 1 10W30 in the transmission. The transmission is still perfect. I only changed it about three times during that period.

Good luck,

Redline MTL ------ebay carries it at a great price. I just ordered it and I will be changing the fluid soon.

You're the original owner? No grinding AT ALL?

I really need to get a 240 4 speed.

larry's experience
 

doesn t surprise me at all.

those benz trannys are RUGGED!

tom w

Yeah, but 62-67 hp requires alot of fast, high RPM shifts.

My bimmer, from the same time period, is at 90k miles and I need to double clutch the 3-2 shift, and it can be picky about the 1-2 shift if Im in a hurry.

you might try
 

a little heavier oil in the tranny for those weak synchros. i have done this many times when they begin to feel a little weak. the thinner oil is mainly (in my opinion) to reduce fuel consumption.

tom w

Use what Mercedes tells you to use!
 

Use what Mercedes tells you to use!
See my webpage I rebuilt one of these transmissions because of a dumb mistake that was made in oil..I found heavier oil in it,and the bronze synchro's were non existent having been digested by the heavier stronger gears

Heavy oil actually ruins the synchro's----Use the ATF that Mercedes recommends...

I would try what they reccomend first, as well. For whatever its worth, Redline MTL is a very light gear oil.