transmission fluid change how often on a E300D 1999?
 

Hello, friends and Mercedes Benz diesel lovers.
I recently purchase a 1999 Blue E300d with 180k miles.
I am thinking in doing a transmission fluid change, can anyone tell me how often should it be done, what do I need to do?
(I have done it in other vehicles but not Mercedes diesel.)

I would appreciate your input.

Thanks

Pedrodiesel

Mine has had it every 30-35k since new. It may be too frequent but I would not go more than 50K.

when was it done last? Id go for every 36k, a little less if lots of traffic, a little more if mostly smooth highway.

If the fluid spec is dex III, Id consider filling with Dex VI. If you dont know when it was done last, Id start by pulling some fluid out via the dipstick, then putting the same amount of fresh fluid in. You will get 1-2 qt out this way each time, the intent being to provide back some viscosity and additives, to aid in cleaning.

After Ive done this (super easy) maybe four times, then Id go about doing a full fluid flush. Remove the hoses at the radiator, one will be the suction side, one will flow out. You can figure it out by cranking once or twice.

Use a big bucket with 12-16qt of fresh fluid, and a similar sized fill bucket. Pull fresh fluid to move fluid all the way through. This will ensure that you have fresh fluid everywhere.

Drop the pan, change the filter, and then top-up.

Every 30 thousand in town or towing. Every 50 thousand highway. Use a justice brothers ts500 kit it contains a cleaner that you circulate for 10 minutes. Do a 16 quart fluid exchange then add the protectant to condition the metal and neutralize acid.

I concur on the Justice Brothers kit. in addition, it has recently come to my attention that in the event of a radiator/transmission cooler failure, you may be buying a new transmission. I'm buying new radiators for both cars as we speak. plus change out the transmission cooling lines at the same time. think of it as spending $200 - $400 to save a $2500 repair bill. cheap insurance.

has anyone ever noticed that transmission repair shops RARELY suggest you change out a radiator? what if you get your tranny rebuilt and two months later the radiator fails and BAM, you are back getting your tranny rebuilt. for some of us who have older cars the radiator may not have been changed out in YEARS. an accident waiting to happen......

thanks so mucch...
 

I just want to thanks the reply about changing the ATF on my E300D 1999. Someone mention about DipsticK, but I do not saee a trnasmission Dipstick in my car. Where is it?
Also, wich type of ATF should I used?
I already bought the filter Kit for it.
Should I just go underneath open the botton side of the transmission and change the ATF, filter and seal...?

Thanks again friends...

Pedrodiesel

I believe the spec for your car matches to dexron III. Id go for any name-brand dex/merc fluid, valvoline, castrol or pennzoil being what I see the most of.

Valvoline maxlife dex/merc gets very good reviews.

Dexron VI is the latest spec. Anything labeled dexron, dex or dexron III is obsolete, dexron VI is the only real specification for dexron ATFs anymore. It is syn-derived, far more shear-stable, and is suitable for all dex-III, dex-II and dex fluids.

If you know your at is in good shape, Id run dev VI.

I do mine every year or two, probably two now since 90% of my driving is highway in 4th gear.....the 300E gets it yearly since it does a lot more city driving.

Do I need Synthetic ATF in my 99 E300d?
 

Hello friends, I want to thank you for the recent feedback.

I called the MB dealer and was told that the 1999 E300d uses sinthetic ATF only sold at the dealer. Is this true?
or can I used Dextron VI or any other DEextron in tihs Automatic transmission?

I am confuse about it.

Thanks

Pedrodiesel

There should be a spec. Check your owner's manual, FSM, etc.

It should be 236.xx

With that, I can make a cross-reference fairly easily to let you know.

is there no drain plug on the 99?
on the 80's I have, there is a drain plug on the transmission pan, and on the torque converter... I just pull the plugs, and let it all drain out. then drop the pan, swap the filter and gasket, then refill.
is the 99 different?

thanks JHZR2
 

I will check my manual ( I already fif once....) but I wll do it again and let you know.
Thanks

Pedrodiesel

JHZR2 no info on ATF
 

Hello, I checked the manual from beginning to end, could nor find any reference to the ATF type needed in my 1999 E300D.

sorry...
Pedrodiesel

I believe Mobil 1 synthetic is fine. The dealer fluid may be the same in a different bottle or labeled Febi.

My 99 has a plug in the converter.

No, No, No!!!! This car has the 722.6 five speed automatic; Dexron ATF is not correct.

You can buy fluid for this transmission from the dealer or order it from an MB specialist parts vendor. There are acceptable aftermarket fluids available; I used Fuchs Titan 4134 when servicing my car with the 722.6.