ATF
 

79 240d, 135000mi, auto;

What type of ATF to use? Mech says not to change to synthetic. Driver manual just says "ATF", Haynes book says "dextron2" and ask dealer.

While we're on the subject, Power Steering fluid also just says "ATF".

Thanks

Dexron 3 or 4 is fine for transmission. I have used Mobil ATF D/M which is equivalent to Dexron3. Some use it for PS too, but better to use proper PS Fluid because it has additives more suitable for PS system (for low speed gearing as well as anti-frothing). Valvoline, Prestone & many others OK. Inexpensive, so why not use the right thing?

I use synthetic Dex3. Brand is Wolf's Head, which is on noboby's A list, but the car seems to like it.

There ya go, clear as mud.

You will have a hard time finding "Dextron", as there is no such thing. There is Dexron available most everywhere :D

This is what I use, and have used for years:

Valvoline Dex/Merc ATF

https://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-Synthetic-Multi-Vehicle-Automatic-Transmission/dp/B007VWRUQC/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1496033020&sr=1-1&keywords=valvoline+dex+merc+gallon

For power steering fluid I use the same. I conferred with several different power steering rebuilders on this issue - they agree to use the same ATF.

For what it's worth, I still use synthetic Valvoline PS Fluid in one of the cars as an experiment.

It is synthetic , but there us some redline dexIID on eBay for cheap, works quite well in my trans. I like it much better than any dex3 I have used.

I used Coastal Semi Syn. In my 83,for years,good stuff.Cheap at autozone

Consensus seems to be that the older M-B transmissions aren't picky. Last time, I added 1 qt of Mercon VI (Ford), based on opinions here. But, will probably use ATF+4 (Chrysler) next time since I have it and many brands are full synthetic. It is mandatory in Chrysler transmissions, and shops installing cheaper Dexron III ruined many transmissions (mostly V-6 minivans) since that caused "shudder" in the lock-up torque converters, but the 700.3xx and .4xx M-B transmissions don't have a lock-up so no worries. Many racers and classic car owners like Type F (old Ford) since it gives faster, firmer shifts which also reduces clutch plate slippage and wear.

Foaming isn't necessarily bad. I understand the main feature of Dexron is that it purposely foams, which helps keep the inside walls of the transmission case clean.

Re power steering, ATF isn't necessarily a bad choice. Indeed, a Chrysler TSB says to install ATF+4 in all their power steering systems (even 1960's Pitman arm type) when doing major work. That is to reduce flow noise in long hoses (similar problem in M-B SLS hoses). So, unless the Vicker's p.s. pumps are fundamentally different, it "should work" and I use it in my 300D's.

Have just been recommended Transmax F. I used to swear by Castrol Transmax M, but they stopped making it. Avoid Dx or dexron fluids. I thought by gearbox broke, it was just the junk Dx III in it. Went to Transmax M, was like new again.

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If changing to Type F made your trans run better, you have transmission problems or vacuum/modulator problems. The trans was originally designed for Dex II, which has been supplanted with Dex III. Tons of people here, elsewhere, and all over the world are running Dex III or Dex/Merc with 0 issues.

Agreed! Use Dexron III or equivalent.

I did read somewhere (Bob the oil guy?) that Transmax F might give firmer shifts but due to lack of certain additives, you are likely to get more wear.

I have never seen metal or anything else in pan of 85 300D in 27 years and 300k km I have owned car. Always used Dexron II or III. Original transmission, 433k km.

When I bought the car, it had dxII in it, I tuned the trans to perfection (vacuum modulated) then went it in for fluids and filters, where it got Castrol dxIII . From the start it wasn't the same and it got worse as the weather warmed up. It gets hot here 40+ Celsius or 110+ Fahrenheit. I asked my mechanic (who confirmed dxIII) and checked the forums and club, they recommended Transmax M. It was magical. Trans back to perfect. Now they don't make M any more, so I will try the F next. When I pull the car out of mothballs.

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