Transmission fluid suggestions?
 

Its about time for me to change my transmission fluid but what type of fluid should I use? My auto parts store told me that my car uses Dextron 3...is this correct or are there any specifics I should know about when choosing a correct fluid?

274,000 miles.

I'm using Castrol high mileage atf. http://www.castrol.com/castrol/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9018758&contentId=7033928

Can't really say how it compares to anything else. But it no longer leaks atf and it shifts fairly well.

Interesting....although I think Castrol has a VERY different idea of what high mileage is compared to most people (And cars) on this forum :D

This is probably one of the few instances in which your auto parts store would be correct about something regarding your car.

But the parts store didn't have any fluid that actually said "Dexron III" on the label, did they?

Anyone have any reports of Dexron VI to share?

I think Mobil 1 still has the Dexron III marking on the label. If it doesn't have the Dexron II or Dexron III marking, look for one the MB 236.1 spec listed on the bottle. I know Mobil 1 also has that for sure.

Yeah its an independent chain as opposed to Pep Boys or anything like that so they are usually pretty good about actually having knowladge :cool:

http://www.cpiri.com/pages/default.asp

They are very parts orientated and don't carry many fluids (Just diesel purge and MB/BMW branded coolant.)

Dexron III is obsolete - it is no longer produced anymore. Dexron VI is the new specification.

Dexron III clones still exist, usually called ATF or D/M or similar. Read the back of the bottles.

Dexron II or IID is actuall the right spec for w123 and early w126 cars. Of course that was obsolete when Dex III came along.

Technically for all GM ATs, Dex VI should be used with confidence. However, we do not run GM ATs, AFAIK, so that is part of the consideration. Dex VI is less viscous, but more shear stable. it starts at a viscosity level that dex III shears down to quickly, but Dex VI stays at one viscosity permanently.

There are users here that are running Dex VI without issues. Longevity would be my question, though at the time I have no reason to doubt. Dex VI is a very good ATF.

Redline sells a synthetic Dex II ATF. I have considerd at times going that route. May still in the future!

I personally are not a fan of a do it all ATF that meets too many specs ("Universal ATF"). But that's just me...

Hmm, looks like Dextron VI is the way to go then. Would any worries about longevity be resolved with more frequent changes (Say every 50,000 miles?)

If 50,000 miles is "frequent", you're not changing the fluid enough! MB spec is to change the fluid and filter every 30,000 miles, or every 15,000 in severe operating conditions.

They sell this stuff at most chains:

http://www.castrol.com/castrol/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=82915486&contentId=7027043

It would seem to be the most "compatible" fluid available today as it meets DEX III/II requirements (even though it says it is for "domestic" transmissions).

Yeah I am running that in my 240d. May ultimately change to VI or M1 or similar, at least in my CD which gets more miles.

I serviced the transmission in my '87 300SDL using Valvoline Dexron VI Synthetic and it shifts a bit cleaner and fuel mileage has improved too.

I'm probably going to use Dex VI when I get my transmission sorted out. I'll let you know how it goes...

-Jason

Why not just get OEM Mercedes branded transmission fluid :P