My "new to me" 97 E330D is in need of a trans fluid change. Looking for alternatives to the expensive OEM fluids. Seems there are a few options out there. Is an ATF fluid ok to use as long as it's MB Spec. 236.14?
Can't seem to find any other qualifiers than that. Valvoline, Shell and a couple others list MB 236.14 in their specs. Is it safe to assume this type of ATF will be ok for the 722.6?

The shell one is fine, I would use that.

The spec for your transmission is 236.10. It is generally not available, but Valvoline has an Import vehicle ATF that says it meets the 236.10 spec. (Look on the bottle) I have used it on the same vehicle for a filter change with no problem.

__________________
'97 E 300 D

The 236.14 is backwards compatible. Use the Shell ATF 134 and you’ll be fine.

My 97 E300 Diesel has 50k miles on Valvoline Maxlife. 240k total miles.

__________________
CENSORED due to not family friendly words

Yeah, that's what I would do.

Thanks, everyone, for all the timely info. Gonna try and finish this up over the weekend (+TCU plug adaptor, harness/TCU check for fluid ingress). First time I've had the car up on jack stands, so, all kinds of other concerns/jobs popping up.
I hadn't noticed the 236.10 spec, so appreciate that info "nelbur"! As I'm sure you all know, this 722.6 was a "sealed for life" deal. Pretty sure the one and only PO took that to heart and didnt mess with it, the ATF looks pretty nasty (140K). Although, the level was good. Haven't had a ton of time to devote to my "new" partner, but did learn MB changed their collective mind about the "sealed for life" nonsense. Thanks.
Another MB experience begins...