I've also experienced a harsh 2-1 downshift from a standing start, with a slight overfill.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

My indie overfilled my tranny, I didn't check it for a week; I now have a leaky trans. (It was perfectly dry before!) I now need to add 1/2 quart every 1500 - 2000 miles.

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Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

The MB manual on my 93 300D 2.5 turbo clearly states the AT fluid is to be checked with the car at normal operating temperature, transmission in D (parking brake applied), and idled several minutes.

That could be a good clue to the puzzle. I've driven it around, then put it in park and check it.

Thanks!

jeff

GSXR,
Yes,Thanks

svengruber,
No OM thanks

toomany MBZ,
'Applies only to W123 Diesel transmissions?

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

This is from Mercedes Benz Service Manual, Clutches & Transmissions, Starting Model Year 1977. (Published 1980).

This book covers automatic transmissions 722.111 through 722.119. (This includes all 123 models for those years, and a few 107 and 116 models).


"This checkup is made with the engine running, the parking brake pulled, and the selector lever in position 'P', with the vehicle resting on level ground in unloaded condition.

"Prior to the checkup, run the engine for approx. 1-2 minutes at idle speed, so that the torque converter can fill up."

"The oil level checkup can be made with the transmission cold or warm. However, the oil level can be determined more accurately, when the transmission is cold (20-30 degrees C ATF temperature), than when the transmission is warm (80 degrees C ATF temperature). The ATF temperature of 80 degrees C is attained only after driving for some time and can only be estimated even then."

"1. Open closing lever (position A), pull out oil dipstick (6), wipe off with lintfree rag (leather is best)."

"2. For measuring with the closing lever open, immerse the dipstick completely, pull out again, and read oil level."

"3. Upon completion of measuring or correction of oil level, fold closing lever back again (position B)."

"4. At correct oil level and transmission at operating temperature, the indication should be at the max. mark. However, at an oil temperature of 20-30 degrees C, the max. oil level is 30mm below min. mark on oil dipstick."



I have no idea if this (measurement with transmission cold) also applies to later models, however I imagine that all 722 transmissions are basically similar, which means that it probably would work across all 123 and 126 models. It seems to work on my 84 300D.

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Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

See post #14. Apparently, all 722's are not the same.

Looks like the measurement value varies by transmission sub model, but the basic principal still applies. I think it's hard to measure when the fluid is hot because of variations in how hot is hot. After a certain amount of time or miles after cold startup, the fluid temperature becomes stable. Based on my swag observations, it takes at least 45 minutes or 30 miles for the fluid temperature (and thus the level) becomes stable. In my particular case, I have a 40 mile commute to work, so it works out perfectly. I can measure the level (cold, engine off) before I leave the house, it should be about 30mm below the mark. When I get to work, I idle for about 2 minutes and measure the fluid level (hot, engine running), it will be at or just below the top mark. Find that proper cold fluid level for your particular transmission variant (probably by trial and error) and write it down. From that point forward, you can make the measurement cold, and thus more stable. At least that's the way it works out for me.

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Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

I will have to look up for a 126, I don't have any info on a 124.

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83 SD

84 CD

attached is a scan of the MB manual for my 93 300D 2.5 turbo.

Oops, i misspoke. The manual says to have it in Park, not drive as i posted earlier.

Attached Files

AT check.pdf (52.9 KB, 269 views)