1998 E300 ATF color

[acerejo]

Just purchased a 1998 e300 TD and ordered all the necessary stuff for a trans fluid change. I took it to a shop that had the special dipstick tool and it is brown. He claims that's normal for synthetic fluid and should leave it alone. The car has 178000 miles and I am going to change it anyway. The tranny shifts very smooth now I can't believe that this would cause any harm.

Please give me your opinions.

Also is there a pre fuel filter for this car? Fast lane lists one but I can't seem to find it.
While I'm at it fast lane also lists a power steering filter that looks just like my old 300sel. Does the e300 use a filter? the resevoir doesn't look like it takes a round filter.

One last question what type of differential lube do I need? I think it should be syntetic please recomend a brand.

Thanks in avance for any responses, this is a great forum.

Acerejo