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?

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

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

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All Diesel Fleet
1985 R107 300SLD TURBODIESEL
2005 E320 CDI (daily)

LOTS of parts for sale!


EGR block kit
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/355250-sale-egr-delete-block-off-plate-kit.html

1985 CA emissions 617 owners- You Need This!
Sanden style A/C Compressor Mounting Kit for your 616/ 617 For Sale + Install Inst.

Sanden Instalation Guide (post 11):
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/367883-sanden-retrofit-installation-guide.html

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.

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car

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

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran

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.

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

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.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Amsoil Multi Vehicle Transmission Synthetic transmission fluid. I've used it for years and it is amazing. I checked it a few months back and there are NO metal shavings whatsoever in the pan. I'm going to add magnets and an external filter to the transmission though.

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.

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

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.

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

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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